Fellow Rotarians,

Last week, I told you about teaching surveillance detection teams under contract with the State Department. That was only one part of the work. I also taught protective details and ambassadors how to respond if an attack disrupted a motorcade. Some training days involved damaged vehicles and a great deal of noise. It’s the sort of thing I can describe over breakfast and watch everyone at the table stop eating.

The serious lesson was that you can’t count on a plan unfolding exactly as expected. You prepare, you trust the people beside you, and when something changes, you do the next thing that needs doing.

I still think about that lesson, though these days the circumstances are very different. As we get ready for Cigars, Bourbon & Benefactors on Saturday, October 3, I’ve watched volunteers and friends solve one problem after another to make the event possible. I see that same willingness at Rotary. Someone spots a need, speaks up, and others step in beside them.

That’s the part of my Secondhand Lions comparison I care about most. I’ve had experiences that sound improbable, but the best stories have always been about the people I could count on. I’m grateful to have so many of them in this club.

Until next Wednesday, I hope something good happens because you were there.