Our daughter Lexi (6) and I (30) spent the yesterday afternoon in Ann Arbor so that she could be seen by a couple of specialists that have had her under their care for several years now. It was a good visit that involved 1) me driving for 10 minutes to find a parking spot in the University Hospital parking garage and 2) me trying to figure out how to go to the bathroom without it being weird that I have a 6 year old girl with me. Logistics aside, it was a delightful experience that always leaves me appreciating the University of Michigan. Not only do they know a thing or two about Down Syndrome, they also know a thing or two about neurology, pediatric eye care, awesome waiting room fish tanks and the availability of Starbucks.

A lot of people — myself included — like Michigan football. Watching Denard Robinson run 3 million yards while his shoelaces are untied is pretty fantastic. U of M has the kind of academic reputation that prompts people from all over the world to apply; a fraction of the applicants get in. And it’s even been featured in LOST (I watch closely for Dharma Initiative symbols as we walk through the buildings). It’s fashionable to be into UM for these reasons. For me, I am a UM fan because of how well they’ve taken care of our kids.

Our visit to Ann Arbor was another confirmation of my position as a fan of University of Michigan. It’s an appreciation that runs deeper than good football, held by a dad with a very thankful heart.