Diane and I have had plenty of time to talk this trip.   Surprisingly, perhaps, we’ve talked relatively little about our marriage and our friendship.  The sum total there, as far as I can tell, is that we’ve always loved and respected each other.   That’s really never changed.  Our friendship remains one of the most precious parts of my life. 

Instead, we’ve talked a lot about ideas, some of which we shared this last month.   One in particular seems like a fitting way to close my contribution to this blog.  

The Ripple Effect:  It’s the long term consequences of your choices and actions on other people’s choices and actions.   For most of us, it’s the most powerful tool we have to change the world.   Your everyday decisions and actions affect others’ everyday decisions and actions.   And, for the most part, that’s how things change for better or worse.  

I think this idea is worthy of a final post, not only because it’s important, but because Diane’s ripple is wide and deep.    And it’s good.   

I’ve seen her say a word, place a hand or give a smile in way that has changed  a situation from bad to good.  She does it all the time.   

“If you turn me into a good person,”  I once told her, “I will hate you forever.”    I’m not sure if she succeeded, but I know that I’m a better person because of Diane.   And I’m one of many, many people who have learned from her and passed  it on, wittingly or no.   

So, as a final thought, thanks to all of you who came along for the ride.  We had a tremendous time, in part because we felt like you were with us.   

And thank you, Diane, for having the courage and strength to tend to our friendship rather than  letting it pass away.    The way you see the world is very special, and I’m grateful to have learned from your angle of vision.