There is a veritable host of people who help me every day as I’m wrangling the young ‘uns through Coast Guard Headquarters, and I appreciate it so much. And I think that one of the best things we can do is to ensure that our kids see us doing good things for no reason. The first time one’s child struts their stuff as a civil, compassionate, selfless human being is a joy to behold…talk about hope.

And one final thought from the blog of another good buddy:

“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in the world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love”

Love that.