I saw the Michael J. Fox special on TV and was fascinated as well by the exploration of optimism among different people and places.

I wanted to make a comment on the genetics versus nurture description of optimism. I believe that while we do have genetic predispositions we are born with, the impact of nurture from parents, family members and the overall environment seems to have much more of an influence on young children. At least that is my experience based on observations of kids and families over the past 15 plus years.

I’ve been told I’m quite an optimistic person, and just like your daughter, I chose pediatrics as my medical specialty. I guess there are many pathways to the same place, we each have to just find the one that works for us.

I like the phrase you use, “Every child is smart in their own way.”