The Holiday Party

from 31 December 2007

Every year my family does a big shindig around the holidays. This year, it only took 9 hours. Some sixty-some-odd people, who are by far some of the most interesting people you will ever meet, came through my house here in Missouri. We had the whole family here, and lifelong family friends, who are really almost family members themselves, some of them. Some of my sisters' college and high school friends showed up. Some with their kids, some with their fiances. Most came with alcohol in hand. Everyone showed up with stories from 2007.

As in most years, I couldn't help being amazed all over again, by the spectrum and caliber of people my family knows collectively. We make friends all over the place, I guess. And because I'm the youngest of my family, I am the youngest adult at these parties. I get a lot of advice directly and indirectly, through lectures or by just listening to little bits of conversation. But, in addition to the usual observational humor, I had another revelation this year, sadly: someday soon, I will suffer a major blow to my repertoire of trusted and revered mentors.

My favorite person to see during my holiday break at home will always be Dr. John Roberts. About four years ago I first really met Dr. Roberts, or John, as he now asks me to call him.

In the 40s, he worked on the Manhattan Project under Dr. Oppenheimer and worked on designing the nuclear and hydrogen bombs. Go figure. Even before I knew all that, though, he'd always been my scientific godfather--always so supportive of my going into research. And unendingly patient as I tried to explain my most recent research projects. He's 85, a professor emeritus in chemistry, and still sharp to those kinds of scientific conversations. At times he asks better questions about my work than some grad students in my program.

He and his wife Kathy remain two of my favorite people. Kathy used to travel to South American jungles and study indigenous peoples. Tonight I found out that Kathy hiked Mt. Denali back in the day. I mean, at 75 years old, they went to Antarctica and took some amazing videos. These people just never quit! I hope I can be as useful when I'm that old. Every time I see them I hear about something amazing, and get lost in the imagination these two inspire with their memoires. It's about as close as I get to having grandparents telling me stories.

But even so, in addition to our senior superstars, it was pretty hoppin'. About 65 people total, I think. It was pretty intense, with all those people eating and drinking and talking and squeezing past one another... And that's probably why I can say that I'd probably rather take an Immunology final for 9 hours than be subjected to the pain which is hostessing at this party. Strong words, but backed up with strong feelings nonetheless.

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This past year I've been hearing more and more through my parents that John and Kathy are getting sicker. Despite that, John has written me letters (actual letters) and has become more and more my godfather in research. I really hope I get to see him at least one more time this year. Just so I can tell him in person how important he has been to me. If I were going home for Thanksgiving I'd go see him then. Just hold on another month.