I wrote this quote down from my "Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor" DVD.

"I think that everybody longs to be loved and longs to know that he or she is loveable. And consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they're loved and capable of loving."

I know there are a lot of people feeling as empty and alone as I am. I keep this quote in my wallet and I think of it often. It reminds me to always let the people in my life know that they are important to me, that I do care about them, that they are special. People don't do this enough. And when someone new comes up to you and tries to make small talk, try and remember that they’re often desperately trying to say, “I’m good. I have value. I’m someone worth knowing.” Isn’t that what you’re saying when you reach out to others? It is for me.