I was given pause today, which all by itself says something—things seem very hectic these days, and multitasking the order of my day—when I opened an envelope containing a donation to Provident’s Life Crisis Services Hotline. The envelope contained a number of checks from members of a book club, honoring the memory of a member’s daughter who has died by suicide.

I was struck by the power of the collective—we can pool our time, our money, our caring, and somehow when we bundle it up, it is greater than its parts. I am touched by the reminder of how suicide affects so many people, in so many unsuspected ways. I am moved by the hope that lives in the idea that this family who has lost a child has this circle of friends who care deeply, who were brought together by a love of books.

My day has been altered. What I was angry about five minutes ago is not even all that important. The pile on my desk will wait. Thank you.