I turned 30 in Boston, the summer before my second year there. I rarely wrote outside of my academic and professional obligations until the past few years. Over that period, I became a father of two amazing children. Much of what I wrote was about them and my hopes, dreams, vision for their lives. This period also coincided with my service with the NYPD – a true honor and privilege to be a part of a historic and storied institution.

This one is from those years.

My daughter and I had a father-daughter breakfast this morning after a tough day yesterday at her out-of-school activities.  Among various topics we discussed were the relationship between chess and soccer, how parents and children are continously growing into their roles, and why the best player isn’t necessarily the best leader.  

The last topic was generated by her out of nowhere.  She said that being a leader is always doing the right thing and being a leader is hard. 

On our walk to church, I then told her that leadership is among the most difficult things to do, if not the most.  That some people would not be grateful and even hate her.  I also told her that at times, God wouldn’t seem to care as well, but she should still try do the right thing regardless.  She replied that is what leaders have to do.  In my mind, I felt a mixture of emotions – sadness, pride.  And Alan Moore’s line “Not even in the face of Armageddon.”