After centuries of neglect, we are just beginning to understand how fragile the environment is. We have learned that rain forests in Brazil and coastlines in Alaska affect the balance of the world.

We talk about ecosystems, realizing that the loss of one species threatens the existence of others.

People are the most important part of this ecosystem. Our lives are intertwined: visibly with our coworkers, neighbors, friends, family, and acquaintances; less visibly, with all who live.

We may have read about the "clustering" of suicides, particularly involving teenagers. One does it. Others follow.

An example has been set. A precedent. The act gathers strength from numbers. It becomes empowered. It spreads.

But what we do also affects others in more far-reaching ways than we can see now. When we seek out the highest good for our life, we contribute to the good of humankind.

We set an example. A precedent. The act gathers strength from numbers. It becomes empowered. It spreads.

We help raise the consciousness and spirit of people - some we know, and many we don't.

A Reason to Live by Melody Beattie

(you touch more lives than you know.)