Message to the next gen: we can never ask ourselves to save the world alone, but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't even try to make it better.(Editor'sLetter/Op-Ed)

Dear Niece,

Thank you for making me a very proud aunt today. It's my first time, and I'm extremely excited about the new addition to our clan. I plan on spoiling the bejesus out of you, being there for you, and doing everything that a good aunt is supposed to do, at the best of my ability anyways, and always.

That being said, there are certain uncertainties ... Some things I can't do or guarantee, although I wish I could. I can't shield you from the nightly news; I can't protect you from the air you breathe; I can't buoy you up from oil-contaminated waters; I can't promise there's never going to be nuclear fallout or terrorist attacks using our nation's own resources. These are the sorts of things that people fear …