Boy, this has been a challenging year! Personally, I thought the pandemic would be contained or behind us by now. But it isn't, and that's very frustrating for all of us. Today's reality means we need to continue to adapt and move forward.

Just as it is critical that we move forward, it's also essential that we simultaneously pause and recognize the important stuff that happens every day to the people in our worlds. Not the ones on TV, but the ones that we live with, work with, play with or pray with. There are some very real stresses going on in their lives, just like in mine and yours.

The other day I read a post recognizing what would have been Robin Williams' 69th birthday. It included a long list of quotes attributed to him. A number of them stuck with me but this one specifically stood out: "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."

Being kind when you're stressed or angry is not easy. Actually, it's quite hard, but it's worth every ounce of effort you put into it. It will enrich your life and the lives of those around you. I know because I see it daily. I'm extremely lucky to work with some incredibly kind people who make it possible for us to provide faster, smarter and easier solutions to you every day... as a result, they make a huge difference in my life and those of our customers' and vendors'.

Speaking of vendors, we lost a really good one in late July due to corporate cutbacks related to this pandemic. Josh Kuhn-Kraemer has been released from CommScope. If you've met Josh, you know what an infectious smile he has. You also know what a helpful, smart and kind person he is. We wish Josh the absolute best in his next opportunity. He will be missed!

I hope your desire and ability to be kind grows throughout your day.