Lower Manhattanite of Group News Blog, "Fragility", March 30, 2008:

Not trying to sound all New-agey / Haley Joel Osment “Pay It Forward”-y here. Just noting that with the fragility of the world about us, a little bit of reciprocal care—given out to friends and loved ones in the hope that it will come back in kind someday is NEVER a bad thing. You never know when a “support brace” in your life will give way, and having people looking in on you—caring, considering, loving you even a little can be enough to if not prevent the roof from caving in and burying you, shielding you a little so you're not crushed beneath its weight.

Look out for each other a little. Call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Check in. It could be just the thing they need at that moment, and I think it opens one up to just a touch of extra good coming one's own way when road gets rough.

They say that a prophet is not someone who can predict the future so much as accurately and meaningfully identify the current reality. In this sense I remain grateful for Lower Manhattanite's prophecy, as well for the many kindnesses extended to me by friends and family during recent difficult months, including at times when I did not exactly deserve kindness.