Some days it's mightily depressing not being a parent *or* a writer. That's one reason it's gratifying when people remember who I am, and gratifying out of proportion when someone tells me Ive affected their lives. I can't think of anyone, offhand, whom I've directly affected who's more than a decade or so younger than me. On the other hand, some of the people I've affected have kids. The ripple theory is consoling, but mostly I don't spend too long thinking about it.