But maybe the rest of us, the more stick-in-the-mud types, will still contribute, although in less outstanding ways -- ways which we may not even be aware of, like modelling understanding and tolerance to our children and community (not just preaching it), even if we aren't actually out there leafletting -- modelling a degree of tolerance and empathy that we simply wouldn not have felt, had we not been touched the way we were in the first place (and thus couldn't model it).

Back like a bad penny.

Ann, I just read through my reply to you, and decided the section I quoted directly above sounded sarcastic, as if I were implying that YOU were "preachy," and that a person like me (the inaction type) was somehow more noble, "modelling" empathy and tolerance.

Don't get that impression! (If you did.) I didn't mean to convey it at all.

*offers hugs*