Words to live by

For those of you who missed the President's remarks tonight at the memorial in Tucson, AZ, here's a quote that stood out to me. Whether you are a democrat or republican, you can't argue with this sentiment. And I think, for parents, the message has unique resonance.

"So sudden loss causes us to look backward — but it also forces us to look forward, to reflect on the present and the future, on the manner in which we live our lives and nurture our relationships with those who are still with us. We may ask ourselves if we've shown enough kindness and generosity and compassion to the people in our lives. Perhaps we question whether we are doing right by our children, or our community, and whether our priorities are in order. We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame — but rather, how well we have loved, and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better." -- President Barack Obama, speaking at the memorial in Tucson, AZ.