“It is rarely possible to repay directly those who have rendered us great personal kindnesses. But it is also futile to rationalize and say that the time for sacrifice, to repay just moral debts, is past — for I do not believe that time ever passes . . . We may never be able to pay directly for the gifts of true friendship — but pay we must — even though we make our payment to someone to whom we owe nothing, in some other place and at some other time.”

Thus said Yousef Karsh, internationally-renowned photographer, whose works included quintessential portraits of Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway, Queen Elizabeth, Mother Teresa, and Pope John Paul II. Mr. Karsh was speaking of his feelings of indebtedness to his former teacher and mentor, John H. Garo, who had died suddenly, before Mr. Karsh felt he had been able to repay him for all of his kindness, help, and encouragement.

Once in a lifetime, if you are very fortunate, someone comes along who affects you in a preponderance of positive ways, and, as a result, you are never the same again.

That person seems to have a gift for bringing out the best in you. From the moment you meet, you genuinely like each other and enjoy each other’s company. You’re comfortable. You share the same jokes and like many of the same things.

You feel you have known one another always. It’s uncanny how you connect. At times, you almost complete each other’s sentences. Kindred spirits seems to apply, for you find the two of you have a “meeting of the minds” on what really matters in life, agreeing on so many basic principles.

You also have some different perspectives and preferences but are able to discuss those and ultimately understand and find validity and pleasure in each other’s viewpoints, thus gaining a wider and healthier concept and appreciation of the world.

This individual listens to your deepest thoughts and concerns, which you feel free and welcome to express. You also listen to his. He may have already had experiences you are just encountering for the first time, and, in those cases, he humbly offers his wisdom and guidance to you.

His never-failing goodness and the assurance of his love warm and envelop you. You feel affirmed and strengthened. You’re a happier, better person, and life itself is brighter and more meaningful because of him and the special relationship you share.

You may try many times to express your gratitude for all he does for you, but he downplays any accolades, pointing out instead admirable qualities he finds in you. Sometimes that wonderful person passes away before you have a chance to communicate your deep appreciation for him.

So what do you do? How can you accept and fully repay such goodness if you can’t give back to the donor? As Mr. Karsh so wisely advised, you can pass it on. You can try to help others with the same kindnesses you have been shown. In turn, they may be moved to reach out similarly to those in their midst, and, on and on, it will go.

Love never fades or dies, and once it is unleashed, who knows how far-reaching, life-changing and long-lasting its positive effects may be.

With love for Frank, for all you were and all you did for me. Though you passed away 18 years ago today, your bright and affirming spirit and incomparable wisdom are still with me, comforting and guiding me every single day. And so, in gratitude, I strive to be like you and to share with others what you taught me.