I have to hope it makes a difference. I really don't believe in one single institution any more, and I have no idea how to affect any systemic change. And a lot of times I'm even guilty of looking away from individuals! But when I can--I try more than ever to give one person at a time what I have to offer. I prefer it when people treat me as an individual and can remember many such instances when people did. That's the sort of thing that keeps you going. At least for a little bit.

When I was young I often worked multiple jobs, and a lot of hours, just because I could. But when you age and have more people to care for or more responsibilities--those longer hours are tough. You're absolutely right. Honestly I think what we should do is implement national service plans where everybody has to work a public service desk, even if just part-time, for one whole year. Like military service, only at a fast-food restaurant or something. Some of the problems we're having is that clearly not enough people know what it's like to wait on other people these days.

Thank you for reading--as always.