Dear Mom,

When thinking about the “Play” pillar of Challenge Detroit, I am immediately reminded of the Rothschild family and their wine.

The Rothschild’s are known for many things.  Fine wine is one of them.  When a man asked them to recommend their favorite wine, the father replied with a short story.

“We were on vacation with family and friends,” began the father.  “We took a hike up the mountains, and just as the sun was setting, we popped open my favorite bottle of wine.”

There was a long pause and the man’s face turned from excitement to confusion. “So what was your favorite bottle of wine!” he demanded.

The father replied, “You missed the point. It’s not about the wine you drink, it’s about the company you’re in.”

As a Challenge Detroit Fellow, I’m lucky to be surrounded with positive people who not only want to work hard, but also want to play hard.

Detroit is a city filled with negative stereotypes. If you can’t see past them, you won’t experience all that this place has to offer.  There are good bars here.  There are good concerts here.  There is amazing art here.  But you have to be willing to explore it.

So yes – you can buy the most expensive bottle of wine if you desire.  Or, you can plant the seeds, harvest the grapes, and let the juices ferment.  I’m sure the latter glass will be more fulfilling.