Dear Roy — several yers ago my wife and I had the great pleasure of hearing and watching you mesmerize an audience at the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism conference on Kiawah Island. I saw you afterwards in the hotel parking lot as you rushed to your next engagement. I wanted to tell you then how transforming and mind-expanding your address had been. But I could see that you were still totally expended from the sheer physicality of your performance. I let you go without even shouting a “Thanks, Roy” in your direction.

Several weeks ago my father passed at age 99 years, seven months, and one day. His final years were not ones of quality and were spent in a nursing home. I was truly touched when I read your story about your dad's passing and the simple message left behind. My Dad had few defining moments but lots of little ones of good humor and inquisitiveness.

Over the past several years my wife Judith and I have looked forward with eager anticipation to the Monday Morning Memo. You''ve sent out many more hits than misses (if you were a baseball slugger you'd be batting in the .800's). I just want to take time now to send a “Thanks, Roy” in your direction.

Watching the growth of the Austin campus has been joyous. We continue to share in your “moments” that define a life that is caring and giving and sharing.

“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

You care. Blessings to you and yours.

Larry Hughes