I think that’s true with all fathers. We always want those things for our sons that we never had. Like an education, a ’69 Mustang and a clean rap sheet. Yeah, I wanted him to have everything. But I didn’t count on the unforeseen. I didn’t count on concerts.

Boy, did we have some arguments. Real scream-a-thons about whether he should study or see Pearl Jam, whether he should work on his term papers or see Dave Gahan or Arrested Development. He couldn’t understand that I only wanted what was best for him, that he couldn’t have everything, and that there comes a time when a man has to make the tough decisions.

But did he listen? Oh, no. Not my boy. Iron Maiden, Neil Young, Dixie Chicks – it made no difference. When it came down to hitting the books or seeing a great show, like Tori Amos or Radiohead, he always made the wrong decision. And despite all my words and all my warnings, I just couldn’t make him listen to reason. I couldn’t convince him that opportunity only knocks once and sometimes you have to give up something to achieve something greater.

And tonight is graduation night, the night I always thought I’d see my son walk up to the podium and accept that hard-earned diploma. But I guess there are some things that just aren’t meant to be. Sure, I’d love to see him graduate, tonight. I’d love to see him grab that ol’ sheepskin and win something his old man never won. Yeah, I’d love to see him do all that, but… but…

But tonight I have primo seats for Phish, and I guess I’ll have to watch his graduation tomorrow night on the video tape. That is, if my wife remembers to take the camera.