Don't give up.

Went for a run today.  Nothing crazy - 3.5 miles.  Was running through a small conservation area in South Kingstown called Potter Wood.  About a quarter mile into the wood along the trail there was a bench and on the bench sat two older gentlemen.  They looked to me like old friends.  I smiled politely as I passed.  The first man nodded.  The second man, wearing sun glasses and a well-worn Red Sox hat, raised his right hand high above his head, almost preacher-like, and said loudly, "don't give up."  Nothing more.

I smiled, but did not immediately respond. His words resonated. I was taken aback by the paradoxical simplicity and depth of the statement.  It was as if, in three words, the man had penetrated the very heart of my spirit.  The very heart of the human spirit.  Like he knew my story.

"Good advice," I said behind me.