Over the years, the three of us have traveled many places together. And if there was water around, he usually got wet. This trip was no different. Except for the ice.

His immediacy in dunking under this frigid lake’s surface startled me. I wasn’t sure he was serious when he told us his plans. What do I know any more about being 18 years old? Only that I probably wouldn’t have done it.

That’s part of why I admire him. He follows through. I mean usually. Certainly the big stuff he cares about. I’m pretty sure he’ll turn into a man who simply doesn’t fuck around, and that thought makes me really happy.