You're very kind, and way too modest. And trapped.

Your COPS activity is important in two ways. One is what it is, a giving to the community. A giving back to the community.

It's also important for what it demonstrates. You volunteered, you got trained, you show up and you do it. As you have more time and settle in to retirement you will find more to do. You'll be driven to do it by very gentle and persistent nudges. Once one crosses the line there is a tug to stay.

An anthropologist friend of mine, a bit older, Harvard and Stanford, remarked to me one time, "What is with you, is there a 'helper gene' or something?" There may be.

The articles you write are another way to take the lessons you have learned and make them available to others. The fact that you may enjoy writing them and get paid makes no difference. It is a service, a way to give back. Motive makes no difference.

Thanks again, and try to tell me in 20 years that I was wrong.