Occasionally, I like to step away from markets, interest rates, Washington, artificial intelligence, and whatever else is occupying our attention and write about something a little closer to home.
And this seemed like a particularly good time to do it.
Back in 1965, The Who released a song on their debut album, My Generation, called “The Kids Are Alright.” Pete Townshend wrote it at a time when many adults weren't entirely convinced that the younger generation was going to be alright. The song became something of an anthem for Britain's Mod generation and, eventually, one of those phrases that long outlived the era that created it.
Sources: Facebook & Wikipedia
To help set the mood for the rest of today's story, I've included a YouTube link to a performance of the song, which also became the title of the band's 1979 documentary.
The Who - The Kids Are Alright
More than 60 years later, Rachel and I would like to borrow Townshend's line with a more grateful and optimistic outlook:
The kids (and grandkid) are alright.
Actually, they're doing pretty darn well.
Our oldest son, Shane, turned 35 in April and continues to build a career in a world he loves—the theater. Shane is the Assistant Artistic Director at the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. A recent article about the Palace's Children's Summer Series gave readers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of what Shane and his colleagues do.
I've included a link to the article if you'd like a closer look at the amazing work being done at the Palace.
https://manchester.inklink.news/longtime-palace-theatre-youth-actors-make-one-last-sprint-through-summer/
I really like Shane’s insights about what makes the youth program at the Palace Theatre so unique:
“When it comes to creative outlets for young actors, you either have a high-caliber theater, or you have a great community of people who work hard, or you have a beautiful space. And I think luckily at the Palace, we have all three of those things,” Hurst says.
Imagine putting on a musical while simultaneously rehearsing the musical you're going to put on next week. Then repeat that process for seven straight weeks. That's essentially what Shane and the team at the Palace do every summer.
But this isn't new for Shane. He has always had a vision for what should happen on stage. When he was 10 years old, I would pick him up from theater rehearsal and ask how things went. He would typically say something like, “It was OK, but if I were directing, I would have done it this way…”
Looking back, I probably should have seen his career path coming.
That instinct continued through Shane's years directing and choreographing his high school show choir, directing shows in college, and now in his role at the Palace Theatre. As a parent, there is something incredibly rewarding about watching one of your children discover what they're gifted at—and then find a way to make a life doing it.
Shane and Hunter are also preparing to trade New Hampshire for considerably warmer surroundings and a well-deserved break. They're heading to Puerto Rico with some of Hunter's family to celebrate Hunter's birthday later this month. Below is a photo from their recent trip to Italy for a friend's wedding.
Source: Shane's iPhone
Our son Zach and his wife, Kayli, have their own milestone coming up.
Later this week, they celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. It doesn't seem possible to Rachel and me that they have already been married a decade. Time really does fly. They're marking the occasion with a trip to Grand Cayman.
Both continue to do wonderfully in their careers, and it has been a joy watching the life they've built together. We are happy that they live in West Akron and that we get to connect with them regularly. It is always fun exploring new places and creating memories together.
Source: Jesse’s iPhone
And then there is Sedona and Mark.
They're both doing great professionally, but during the past five months they've taken on their most important new titles: Mom and Dad. Our grandson, Sonny James, just turned five months old.
Source: Sedona’s iPhone
He recently discovered books, and I will be teaching him about “modern portfolio theory” when we visit in a couple of weeks. Rachel thinks I may be getting a little ahead of myself.
He is also lucky to have his big brother Rocco to guard and protect him as he grows.
I suppose I could tell you that Rachel and I have handled becoming grandparents with restraint and moderation.
I could also tell you that Keith Moon was known for quietly sitting behind his drum kit.
We're getting ready to make our fifth trip to Charleston in five months to see Sonny. So much for restraint and moderation.
It has been amazing to watch Mark and Sedona navigate new schedules, feedings, daycare, less sleep, and all the other changes that come with being parents to a newborn. They've handled it with joy and a renewed sense of partnership. It has been wonderful to watch each of them find their own rhythm and role in this new phase of life.
One of the interesting things about getting older is that your perspective on your children changes. When they're young, you spend so much time wondering about what comes next. Will they find their way? Will they find people they love? Will they discover work that matters to them? Will they build lives that make them happy?
Then, somewhere along the way, you look around and realize those little kids aren't little anymore.
They've built careers. They've built marriages and relationships. They've found their own communities and created lives of their own. And now, in Sedona and Mark's case, they've begun raising the next generation.
Rachel and I couldn't be prouder of all of them.
Pete Townshend may have written the line in 1965. It just took Rachel and me a few decades to fully appreciate it.
The kids are alright.
And we're very happy to report that the grandkid is doing pretty darn well, too, Pete.
We always love hearing the stories you share about your own families during our client review meetings. Thanks for letting me turn the tables this time and share a little of ours—and a little of what keeps Rachel and me Moving Life Forward!
©2026 Jesse Hurst
Senior Wealth Manager
The views stated are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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Featured Blog Image Source: iStock.com/william87