This week's Pep Talk Blog: "Job Well Done"

It was the early stages of a recent drive across America: 2,930 miles, four time zones, 12 states and a lifetime of memories. My two children and I are in Chicago staying with loved ones.

It's the morning after an annual Christmas party and a "hostess with the mostest" was busy cleaning away the prior evening's fun. I'm helping this fabulous cook with the process when she slides a hand-written card within my view.

Written by her husband's aunt, the note thanked Mary Gans Schmitt for all she is ...