I dig deeper into myself and come up with one of two things:

1) A question phrased with two options for answers knowing this will open up the conversation for me to learn more about his experience;

Or,

2) A story – hopefully one from my childhood that makes me the vulnerable protagonist.

It takes one knowing person at the right time to say, “You are one of the special ones.” “I know you can do this.” “I trust you to work it out.” “You’ve got this.”

These words can come from a friend, a peer, an Eagle buddy, a parent, a mentor, a guide. It is the authentic human connection that counts: I see you. I know you. I care.

These simple things do matter when the road looks brutally long and you want to give up.

But then you don’t.