This morning while I was driving to work, a song on the radio inspired me to think about the parents in my life. Growing up, I had real contempt for my own parents (some of it well-founded, some of it less so). Most of my best friends growing up had really great parents (or at least as far as I could tell from the outside looking in), but in general I sensed – and continue to sense – a lot of bad/neglectful parents in our society.

However, when I think of all the people I personally know who are parents now, I think they are all amazing. Some of them I am lucky enough to see firsthand with their kids, and some of them I only know through Facebook or word of mouth, but all of them are wonderful, truly caring parents/grandparents. I am in awe of you – my close friends, former classmates, acquaintances, current and former colleagues. Keep up the great work! As negative as I generally feel about some aspects of our society, it makes me happy to know that there are so many kids out there growing up feeling taken care of and loved.