She stood about 4’ 10”, just a tiny little thing with beautiful, should-length silver hair and a smile that lit up her small bungalow, nestled on a quiet street on the outskirts of Havana. Ninety years-old, Maria had been married 61 years to her well-known artist husband, a crotchety old Cuban painter who felt the world was against him. Contentment blanketed her…

Perhaps the most frequent message I give, either in whole or part, is “don’t give up” on important things in life. Keep plugging away no matter how challenging an issue may be. Persevere. Endure. If you fall down get back up. Don’t be discouraged when something is hard. Stay after it. If you love something, pursue it despite any difficulties. I know…