I deeply care of social justice issues, not ona theoretical or grandiose scale, but on a person to person level--how they affect each of our lives and how the things we do, big and small, can affect them. It sounds corny, but I do believe in the innate goodness of people. Sometimes, we all just have to work harder to find our better angels.

The most important experience I have had in my life actually influences what I do now in surprising ways: The best experience I had in my life was helping take care of my ailing mother in her final years. It was often poingant, like when she couldn't bathe herself and I had to stand in the shower to hold her up and wash her--me fully clothed, her not. At times it was emotionally difficult and heartbreaking, but it was the most rewarding experience of my life, to return the unconditional love she had always shown me, back to her in her time of need. I invoke a lot of the traits I learned taking care of her in my daily life: kindness, respect, recognizing when someone is vulnerable and setting them at ease. At some point in life, we all need someone to lean on, in various ways. It is an honor and privilege that so many men share that with me.

I think what makes me stand out from the crowd is my genuine interest in the ins and outs of the men I meet. I like to talk to my visitors and get to know them, at least a little bit. You would be surprised how many men are actually eager to share their vulnerabilities and their fears and their joys. Every single person who visits me turns out to be fascinating in his own special way. OFten ways you would never know if you didn't engage them in a personable and warm and open way.