The Kassel Family Project Life 365

Recently, the kids have decided that Marshmallows are the snack of choice.  They want them ALL the time.  ALL the time.  Every snack, no exceptions…  Oh well, at least they are low fat!

Fun times today…..  I stayed home to clean up the house and do the laundry!  I got most of the laundry done (still have some sheets to do) and got the house all cleaned and straightened up.  Of course, I had to play some World of Warcraft too.  All in all, it was a nice and relaxing day.  Just what I needed after five busy, busy days!

It was quite a fun time in Dallas, TX!  As we drove home, a few thoughts occurred to me…..

1. I was reminded why I love this fraternity (not nearly as much as Andy, but it’s close).  Those are some great men – alumni and undergraduates.  It’s very easy to see why Andy chose Sigma Chi.  I hope someday that John will love Sigma Chi as much as Andy.  What a moment it would be for Andy to pin a badge on his son.
2. Sigma Chi *IS* a brotherhood.  These men genuinely want what is best for each other and the fraternity.
3. It was so very neat to watch the Grand Consuls, both past and present, sign a copy of the Norman Shield for John.  He’ll have quite a keepsake when he graduates high school.
4. It was nice to put faces to the names of the people Andy always talks about.
5. It was great to see some people that I hadn’t seen in a while and catch up with them!
6. I discovered that I can, in fact, still party like a college student, *BUT* only ONE night a year *AND* the recovery sure takes a LOT longer.
7. And last, but certainly not least, there was nothing better than coming home to the biggest squeezie hugs from John and then Laura.  Seeing their excited faces was priceless!

About a year ago, Andy told me that he wanted to “eventually” run for the Sigma Chi Grand Praetor position for the Northern Missouri Province.  I asked him when he wanted to do this and he said, “Eventually, a few years from now when the kids are older.”  I think I caught him off-guard when I said, “Why not do it now?  You want the position.  You would be good at it and you know you have my support.”  He stared at me for about a minute before he said, “Are you sure?”  Well, of course, I was sure.  He’s been involved with Sigma Chi in some capacity or another since college and working with the four undergraduate chapters in the Northern Missouri province would be something he would very much enjoy.  So, he put out the word to the chapters that he would like to be nominated for the position.  As with most Grand Praetor elections, he ran uncontested and was elected at Grand Chapter.  I give you now, Andrew Kassel, Grand Praetor for the Northern Missouri Province.  Congratulations!

Today, I attended my first Sweetheart Luncheon.  This is a luncheon for the “Sweethearts”, the women behind the men of Sigma Chi.  This year is the 100th anniversary of the “Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” song and the song was center stage for the luncheon.  They gave four copies of the original sheet music to four lucky ladies along with some very nice table favors.

The luncheon was at the original Neiman Marcus store in the historic Zodiac Room.  I had a great time!  It was so nice to get a chance to talk to the various dynamic women and relax in this setting.  As luncheons go, I think this will become a permanent part of my attendance at Sigma Chi Grand Chapter.

We went to Dealey Plaza today.  Andy really wanted a picture standing on the Grassy Knoll.  All I can say is what a powerful experience and a piece of history that I’ll never forget.  I studied and studied and studied the entire assassination and the aftermath.  I’ve read more books than I can count on the subject, but it was never really “real” for me until I saw the two marks on the street.

As Andy said, “X marks the spot.”  When I saw that first X, I got goose bumps and suddenly I was seeing the whole event in my head.  I turned to the Grassy Knoll and saw where Abraham Zapruder was standing on that day.  The goose bumps increased and I was riveted to where I was standing.  The enormity of it all hit me.  That one short moment in time changed the path of the United States.  I began to wonder where our country would be today if John F. Kennedy had lived to complete his term as President.  How different would the national political scene be today?  Heavy subjects flashing through my mind.

We did go through The Sixth Floor Museum and saw the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald was sitting.  The entire experience was one of those “goose bump” moments.  I’m extremely glad we went.  It was a chance to experience a profound moment in America’s history.  If any of you are ever in Dallas, go.  You won’t be sorry.

We left Columbia this morning about 9:30 am for Dallas, TX, and Sigma Chi Grand Chapter.  The drive really was not bad at all.  It took about ten hours, but would have been closer to nine had we not encountered some construction and an accident.  We arrived at the Sheraton Dallas right about 7:30 pm.  After checking in, a valet helped us to our room with our luggage.  Imagine our surprise after exiting the elevator to see this sign outside our door.

Yes, folks, that *IS* an Executive Suite…and at the stunningly wonderful conference rate of a cheap $99 per night.

Our living room!

Our bedroom!