I'm not even going to look at my todo list for today. Why should I? It's nearly dinner time, and I haven't been able to yet.

This has been a remarkable day. One in which problems lined up at my doorstep ready to cross the threshold without an invitation. There were technical difficulties, such as the most important podcast of the year not being served to my subscribers. And I could not figure out why.

On the personal front, my boy was so very sick with an exam scheduled that did not allow for makeups. He didn't know what to do. Then, I had a dear friend going through a tough time with what appeared to be no light at the end of the tunnel. And there was more.

It would have been an easy day to give up on people and withdraw. "There's nothing I can do about it." But instead, in each instance, I stepped into the breach and was honest about the situation. And each time, people responded.

My The Digital Story audience rallied around technical alternatives and keep me posted on the progress of the repair. By mid-morning, we were able the fix the problem. The teacher who had a "no makeup test" rule came up with a solution that allowed my boy to stay home and get better, without failing the class. And my friend reached down inside and found the courage to overcome the challenge.

Most people would say that I had a terrible day. Yet, much like my visit to Cuba, my belief in human character has been affirmed once again.

I'm impressed that time and time again, from what appears to be the bad,

is really an opportunity for good to emerge.

-Derrick