Anthropologist Margaret Mead was once asked by a student what she believed was the very first sign of known civilization. The student expected her to talk about a hatchet, perhaps fishhooks, the bow and arrow... Possibly a building structure, clay pots or grinding stones and knives. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a thighbone that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, your timely death is assured. "You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal." A broken thighbone that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. "Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts." Mead said. We are at our very best when we truly help and serve others. Be civilized. Be kind. Be helpful