But when I look back, way down the road,
I can see the next generation,
and they are strong,
because their backs are not broken,
because we built them a sidewalk,
with the hand rail,
and wide paved roads,
with accurate maps and GPS,...

​and they know where they are going,
 
because we built them a park
where they had time
to play, and think, and strategize.
 
When I try to give them my tools,
my shovel, my ax and knee pads
to complete the journey
 
to the top of the mountain,
 
they look at me, and say
ever so casually,
- oh, didn’t you know,
we’re building an elevator with,  like,
a penthouse view,
from there we can fly
to mountaintops
all over the world-
and teach others
to do the same...
 
But- your tools would be,
like, so awesome
for the museum.
 
It is in those moments that I understand
the depth and full purpose of our work,
and the power of education, 
persistence, love, and generosity,
to create the most

pleasant and surprising outcomes.