Two of the big attractions in Amsterdam are the Anne Frank House and the van Gogh Museum. There are a lot of things striking about those two attractions, but one of the most powerful to me is that these two figures of such extraordinary influence on our modern society achieved that influence entirely posthumously. It would have been virtually impossible for anyone to predict during their lives they would be remembered at all, let alone such a massive influence generations later.

It strikes me that there's a lesson for all of us there. The greatest tragedy has nothing to do with ones struggles or failures. Every life, successful and unsuccessful, happy or unhappy, is filled with those.

The greatest tragedy is when you quit recording your own life story. The day you put down your pen and decide "this isn't worth recording,"is perhaps the saddest moment a person can endure. It's not for us to know what's "important" or "not important," it's only for us to know what is sincere and honest, and to never give up on pursuing that, even if only in our own hearts.

I was really moved by what I saw in Amsterdam, and wrote a toast to dear friend. I held on to it for months, not sure if it was appropriate to share, and not sure I could make it understood or appreciated. I still don't know if it's appropriate, but months later, it remains a sentiment I hold dear, so I'll share it here anyway:

"I wish you all the happiness, health and comfort that this world can afford you.

I wish that you have the grace and strength and courage to face whatever life hands you.

Perhaps most of all though, I hope you never stop recording your own life story.

I don't care if you intend for it to be shared with millions or carried to your grave as a understanding you have with yourself. I only hope, that till your dying day, you will always believe, of your own thoughts, 'these are worth recording.'"