I got a beautiful note written  on a vintage typewriter from a young blog reader named Tammy, she also calls herself “Triplet Mom.” She lives in a small town in Michigan, she sent me a timely and beautiful poem from Rumi, and this note, there was a $20 bill in the envelope.

You did plenty.

“For you. I wish I could do more. Your writing inspires me to make the world a kinder place. — Tammy (Triplet Mom.) Thanks, Tammy, with triplets, it is a very generous message.

“Before you speak, let your words

pass through three gates:

Is it true?

Is it necessary?

Is it kind?”

-Rumi

I think this would be a much more wonderful world if every message online or in writing or spoken on television came through these same three gates.

I have some of my own gates.

What I begin writing in the morning, I ask myself some similar questions:

What is happening in my life today?

What am I feeling right now?

It is the truth?

I think I might add “Is it kind?” That would be good for me.

Thanks, Tammy, for making me think, and for taking the trouble to type and mail this message. In our world, that is a commitment. I’d love to see a photo of your triplets, [email protected].