One of my favorite parts of our club meetings is the inspiration. I love not only the concept of people sharing what inspires them, but also hearing the stories they tell and the insights they offer into their lives as Rotarians. 

 

I have done only one inspiration, back in the fall of 2022. At that time I explained that I was having trouble dealing with the subject: I was not feeling very inspired myself so it was hard to find something to inspire the club members. In the end my inspiration to the club was a picture of my granddaughter, Luna, who was then only a few months old. And she remains my inspiration, one of the reasons I get up each day and why I participate in Rotary. I want the world to be a better place not just today but also for the future, for Luna and her generation, as well as for generations to come. I had hoped to have Luna at the Transition Dinner but she was in New York visiting her maternal grandparents.

 

When I look at her picture I see many of the same things I saw when I presented the picture of her nearly four years ago: innocence, openness, curiosity about the world, kindness, and a nearly complete lack of negativity. In short, I see a young life full of potential for doing good and being a positive influence on the world. And that inspires me not to give up when I think the world has gotten too crazy or conflicted to be worth my time. It tells me that we all have to work to make this world a better place, not just for ourselves but for those who will follow us. 

 

I believe Rotary exists to improve the world for everyone, young and old. I have seen the results that can be produced when people work together to make the lives of others better. That is the power of Rotary. I am proud to be a part of it, and I trust all of you are too.