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Lyla is old enough to get on the Phillie’s train but not quite old enough to understand that the train has stopped and we have disembarked until April 😭. Every morning, with her hat on her head and her sweatshirt dragging behind her, she asks, “We goin’ to the Phillies today?” You see, even at 4, Lyla gets that being a part of something feels good. She loves cheering with 42,000 fans or just her way too loud family in their family room.

When I had my sign at the Phillies game, people stopped me to take pictures. They went to Tatnall; they knew someone who went to Tatnall, or they lived near Tatnall. We instantly became a small Tatnall/Phillies fan community, and it felt good. We smiled. We hugged. We yelled Go Phil’s as we parted ways.

Bryan and I ran into our neighbors at the Tatnall Alumni and Faculty reception this weekend. We never realized we shared Tatnall despite seeing each other all the time. Now, when we see each other walking our dogs, it is as if we have been friends forever. During the Homecoming Game, Lyla’s PAL took her around the festivities. Bryan linked up with Tatnall parents, who also fish. I joined other Lower School parents at their tailgate tent. My older two found their friends, and we barely saw them (unless they needed food or money). Humans crave connection and community, and we need it for our mental health.

This year, a new summary from the longest happiness study (started in 1930) revealed that the one thing that appeared repeatedly was the importance of good relationships. The researchers share that people who are more connected to family, friends, and community are happier than people who are less well connected. Authors of the new book, The Good Life, who summarize the findings of this study, discuss how to cultivate better relationships. They suggest that people (of all ages) should prioritize relationships, remain present in the relationship, and let people know how much they matter.

So, let’s lean into this finding. Embrace our community and the others you are a part of. Wear the spirit gear, cheer the cheer, and talk the talk. Connect, connect, connect. In a world where it is so easy to slip into the screen, be the person who embraces the people around you. Our children are so lucky to live near the city with the “best fans.” Our children are so lucky to have Tatnall and each other. Let’s model prioritizing people, making connections, and staying in the moment! Phills… better luck next season! Tatnall… thank you for having us!