For a number of years I offered peer recruitment for others’ education programs. I received many thoughtful invitations to holiday industry events and holiday shindigs each year. When I began recruiting exclusively for STS education programs, these yearly invitations ceased. I also ceased to be invited to present with partner organizations.

The week before my Mom passed away, she told me, “Steve, you have a good heart and people will take advantage of that. Please be careful with your heart.”

It bothers me greatly that this trend is contingent on the limited funds for mental health education programs. The grumbling I heard after STS was awarded an annual grant that established organizations were accustomed to receiving heart-breakingly lithified my suspicion that everyone gets along just fine until their money and power are threatened.

Bummer. It feels good when I can prove Mom wrong (joke). Her words are comforting when her cautionary timeless Mom-Advice holds true.