I was a successful and single television marketing executive in New York City when my life changed forever. One afternoon while sitting alone in my living room, I heard my inner voice quietly, yet clearly, ask me: “If this is the next thirty years of your life, is this enough?”

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I was stunned. And in a millisecond, I knew what was missing - children.

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I started to read to children in an emergency shelter in the evenings, and one night after story time, I followed them to the “bedroom.” The children slowly climbed onto couches and futons. Some were crying as the caregivers tried to comfort them. There were no hugs from moms or dads, no snacks, whispers, or prayers. There was no changing of their clothes from the tight or soiled clothing they arrived in. I knew this was not at all how bedtime was supposed to be for a child and  the words that tumbled out of my mouth surprised me, “Can I bring the children pajamas?” The following week I did, and a little girl’s question rocked my world. The life and leadership lessons I learned over the next 24 years are what I now teach and share in my presentations.