Over the last several weeks, I have reflected upon the connections I have made over my lifetime. Special moments remind me of how precious these are. This has never been truer for me than when several months ago I received an email from Ken and Lynn Marran, my New Jersey neighbors on Mount Paul Road, where we lived for 17 years, asking me to be the mentor for their 13-year-old son, Sam, as he was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. This was a special request of Sam’s, and it touched me greatly. Ken and Lynn moved to Mount Paul Road in Mendham, NJ, as young newlyweds, so I had the privilege of watching their family grow. That special family now includes not only Sam but also his sisters, 11-year-old Julianna and 7-year-old Cecelia (Cece). I met Sam on day two of his life, and over the years, I have watched him become an extraordinary young man. He is very smart, curious, conversant and interested in many things. When I was 13, I had faith and commitment, but I had no c...