My father was telling my mother about the visit he had that day and quoted the rather large amount he had pledged to the committee. My mother, a very charitable and generous woman, nevertheless, showed astonishment on her face, as my father’s business was at its lowest level. She did not say a word. But my father, understanding her astonishment, added to his explanation the following words: “Of course, we will have to cut down on a lot of necessary things. But the need is great, and help has to come from somewhere. Life is not worth living if we cannot help the needy, whoever and wherever they might be, even if it means a great sacrifice on our part.”