Carlos is one of those guys who walks by you in a room, smiles and says hello with a big smile. Every day, without hesitation. It's a genuine grin---one that makes you stop and think, "I needed that." After trying to climb the corporate ladder, a heart attack and SEVEN bypasses, Carlos made his life about something greater. Something greater than himself. He made it about helping people "get it". He would say, "I don't want to be a salesperson. I don't mind competition. I don't have to be right all the time or have the idea. If Chris isn't successful, then I screwed up, man. I don't want to let anyone down." A week before our interview, he had invited a new friend to a Super Bowl party at a brewery Carlos and kin beloved. The friend came and seemed to enjoy himself. Sadly, the next day he took his life. This left Carlos troubled in reflection on the principle---that opinions don't impact the world, actions do. What more could it have took?

I'm reminded of being a kid in 5th grade listening to a D.A.R.E. representative share a story. She talked to us about how there was once a young boy in school emptying his locker. No one spoke to him as they passed by. "Now imagine you're walking down the hall and you see him. You actually decide to say hello to him." Little did we know, that hello meant his world. The story continued that that young boy was planning to venture into the woods to take his life. But...your hello encouraged him to give another day a chance. Friends, let's explore even further than a simple, "hello." Though it holds so much value...let's buy someone a drink. Let's ask them who they are and how they came to be. You will be surprised. And so will they.