Have you or any of your children ever experienced poison ivy?  Up until last week, we hadn't. We made it through the first 11 years of parenthood without encountering this plant even with our long walks (not necessarily hikes) down trails filled with brush and unknown vegetation.  

I often cringe when I am in an environment where selfish behavior is running rabid whether it's my own or another person's.  One thing I learned as a transient child is that I did want to be the type of adult I often saw. My desire to not be selfish was one of my greatest gifts from a not so great childhood.  This doesn't mean that I always get it right, but it does mean I am more aware of my behavior and the behavior of those around me.