You Were Right About Culture (Dear LB #3)

Dear LB,

I was just remembering fall semester of your freshman year. You had made it as far from home as possible while still qualifying for in-state tuition. You left home — 50 acres 15 minutes away from town (population 2,600) — and landed in a coal town tucked into the southwest corner of PA. It felt big enough when you visited. The interstate meant there was a scattering of real stores and more than one grocery store. But by the time November arrived, you already knew it was just another version of too small.

Do you remember that night? You walked in the cold dark evening from your dorm to the computer lab in the basement of the library. Logged onto a computer next to the phone on the wall, spent an hour double-checking information. Made notes and waited for the one other person to pack up and leave. Your hand shook while you dialed, phone card number, a pause, then the digits for your house 5 hours away.

You tell him you need to transfer. This place was fine, but too small.

Absolutely not. You’ve just started.

You check your notes and try another tack — just facts. Another program where your credits would transfer. Tuition rates. Room and board. You had it all.

You’re not changing your mind after three months. You’re going to finish this year where you started.

Finally, you take a deep breath and give the real argument. “Dad, I need to live someplace with culture. There’s nothing here.”

That’s not a reason to quit something you started. Put this aside for now. You’re still adjusting to college in the first place. Boston is too big a change.

You hang up with hot tears in your eyes. Close your notebook and slide it into your backpack. Walk slowly back to your room.

It’s 25 years later.
I’m writing to tell you that you were right.

Last week, I sat in the dark as the symphony played Taras Bulba. When the bells rang, I felt hot tears on my cheeks. And I remembered you.

You were right about culture. It was not a silly whim.
The arts feed your soul.
They make you feel alive, open the world for you.
You already know.

Like every other bone-deep knowing you had then, you were right. You spent a lot of time doubting yourself because the adults around you disagreed and said you were wrong. But in the end, you trusted yourself.

I’m glad.

Love,
Brenn

P.S.
If you haven’t listened to Janacek yet — highly recommend.