"Responsibilities exceed rights."

     Fred Smith, Sr.

Fred Smith was a wise mentor of mine and many, many others. He had the foresight to make a video for those attending his memorial service to offer some parting words of wisdom. In this short video, Fred concisely and very profoundly touched on a few subjects, however, I want to focus on one in particular, Rights vs. Responsibility.

Fred stated that rights can become divisive, whereas responsibilities overlap and form bonds. In the years since Fred's home going in 2007, I have given much thought to Rights vs. Responsibilities. I now see more clearly and better appreciate the profound wisdom Fred conveyed.

If you were to give a departing message to those who came to celebrate your life, what would you say to them? Fred's video was a little under 10 minutes, and he had much to say.

Reflection on this quote helped me to see this topic as one each of us should really understand and do something about. I see this as a responsibil...