Normally I delete all my spam – all 1.5 billion pieces a day – with hardly a glance. But this one caught my eye:

I don’t know any Deans, but I’m happy I could have such a profound effect on his life. Whatever I did, I’m glad I did it.

Significantly, the time stamp shows I received it at 2:38 AM. I can just imagine what happened. Dean was having what F. Scott Fitzgerald calls “a three o’clock in the morning of the soul.” Unhappy, sleepless, restless. Probably pacing to and fro.

Finally, it came to him: his big moment. His eureka of clarity – with help from me, of course.

At that moment, he wiped the sweat from his brow and dashed me off a grateful missive. SInce I deleted his e-mail without opening it, I’ll never know the full depth of his gratitude.

Still, Dean, wherever you are: Buddy, it’s okay. I’m happy to help. No problem. And you’re very welcome.