Applause for talents redirected

I feel compelled to respond to Sherry Lansing’s colleagues’ reactions to her decision to retire and devote a portion of the rest of her life to trying to make a difference in the world [“This Exec Smiles: The End,” Feb. 6].

I have just returned from Hanoi, where I was visiting my son who is there on a two-year assignment with the national Centers for Disease Control. I was impressed and surprised by the number of people who live in foreign countries or needy regions of the U.S. who are associated with the Red Cross, UNESCO, WHO, Doctors Without Borders and many more governmental and privately funded organizations. There are some perks but most are related to the satisfaction of knowing that at least they tried to make a difference to the lives of the people in this and future generations.

While I was in Vietnam, I resolved to follow in the path of these unselfish people. But now that I’m back home I get caught up in my mundane routines and my resolve remains only at the back of my consciousness.

I applaud Ms. Lansing’s decision. Go for it!

Nan Wolfe

Northridge