It's not exactly a secret that these are increasingly difficult times in the newspaper business.
In effect, we are furiously trying to scramble across the bridge from the print world to a digital environment before it burns down behind us.
And we do it under increasing economic duress, which equates to dwindling resources.
It's enough to make you wonder about the value of what you do every day.
And then you receive an email like the one I got earlier this week.
It was from Lisa Dombroski.
She had reached out to the paper last weekend to remind us of a very special event that was taking place at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester. They were holding the collegiate rugby championships there.
But this would be much more than a sporting event.
Among the teams competing was the squad from Saint Joseph's University. But they would be without one of their star members.
Mark Dombroski, a Nether Providence resident and Archmere Academy grad, died in a fall earlier this year during a competition in Bermuda.
On Sunday, the Most Valuable Player award from the tournament was officially named in his honor.
Lisa Dombroski is Mark's mother.
To say she was moved by our coverage doesn't do it justice.
This is what she wrote to me and our columnist Jack McCaffery, who was on hand to commemorate the event.
"You so beautifully captured his can-do attitude, athleticism and spirit, as well as the incredible tributes by the team, fans, and tournament organizers. You also helped share our family’s gratitude, because throughout this horrible situation many have provided kindness to us."
It was signed by Lisa, as well as other members of the Dombroski family.
Ironically, it was actually the second time this weekend we wrote about young athletes gone too soon.
Rose Quinn chronicled the efforts to honor the legacy of Kip Taviano, a standout lacrosse player at the Haverford School from Concord Township. He was killed in a car crash five years ago.
On Tuesday I editorialized about these two young men, their families and friends who are intent on preserving their legacy.
That's part of what we do here every day.
Sometimes it's easy to forget the effect that can have on people.
Thanks for reminding me, Lisa.
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