I complimented her on the croissants, the barista at Juniper coffee shop in San Francisco. We returned the next morning — they were that good! In this sea of people, riding this wave of Saturday morning coffee drinkers and weary tourists, I smiled when she remembered my name. I had been standing in line for over 10 minutes. She wasn’t calling anyone else out. Never underestimate the power of a compliment.

I suppose we’re always looking for our tribe. It doesn’t always happen, but I know where to look — where I will have my best chance. Sometimes it’s obvious. Book stores. We went to City Lights. The City Lights masthead says “a literary meeting place since 1953,” and this concept includes publishing books as well as selling them. I bought a book and a postcard before I saw the pin — “Open Books. Open Minds. Open Hearts.” As he handed me the bag, I said, OH, Is it too late to add this?” He said, “You can have it.” My people.

We all want to see the landmarks. The bridges. But it’s always the people I remember most. The interactions — they are the souvenirs I carry. And it goes both ways. I am not the only one watching. How will I be remembered? In this time. In this moment. How am I acting? I always catch my mistakes, but unfortunately not always before I make them. But I’m still learning. I’m still trying. Because people will remember. People do remember. So I ask you, I ask myself, Who do you want to be, when they call you out by name?