growing up, my Dad and Mom required a kiss and and "I love you" before they left the house or we left the house. No matter what. 10 boys. 2 girls. In front of dates, friends, teammates. Didn't matter. Embarrassing right?

But here's the thing. One day, he wasn't there. And all of us had had a phone call in which the last thing he said to us was "I love you" and the last interaction I'd had was a kiss. All 12 of us. And all of his grandchilden. All of us. That was our memory.

The idea that we'd question it as appropriate is downright invasive and offensive. It has kept my family united through cancer, COVID, and any other number of things. We say "I love you" and we kiss each other, and mean it. Every time. Because one day you won't be able to.

I know Joe Biden knows that. And I've always kinda known that that's why he does it.

I've been there. And that family will never regret it.