In this week’s essay, John remembers dropping his son off at college, and trying to hold onto moments and feelings while you can. Notebook Entries:Notebook 75, page 6. September 2021:They chose you.Notebook 15, page 4. April 2004:Sitting with Brice by waterfall. Throwing rocks in stream. Loading sand from dump truck and loader and back again.References:What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithSongwriter Nick CaveTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth.Email us at [email protected] to listen to Navel Gazing uninterrupted? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock ad-free listening to Navel Gazing and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/navelgazingplus to get access wherever you listen.HostJohn DickersonLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices