Few conversations are as emotionally draining as listening to the rant of an idealist explaining, “how things ought to be.” 

I have a single response in these situations. This is it: “Are you prepared to die on this mountain? Will this become the animating purpose in your life? If so, I admire you and will help you in any way I can. But if this is just some adolescent preachment; if you’re not willing to pay the breathtaking price of making difficult change happen in an uncaring world against all odds, then please shut up. I have things to do.”

Talk is cheap. Changemakers pay for the changes they make with days and years that can never be replaced. 

Small people complain.

Giants spend their lives.

Jan Wagner was a giant, a protector of children around the world and a good friend to Wizard Academy. She will be sorely missed.