We're doing a redesign of our business cards so, naturally, I turned to my collection. When I came across the fifth business card of someone who has passed away, I started to take stock of what these cards mean.

These cards. Some were tossed at me across a conference room table like a Vegas dealer. Others were presented with two hands and a respectful bow, which I reciprocated in turn. I much prefer the latter.

These cards. They represent relationships I've established. People I've learned from. Others that, I hope, have learned from me. A very few also represent regrets. People I've lost touch with. People I've let down. Even in those, I've learned extremely valuable lessons.

These cards. Some might consider the business card a vestige of a bygone era. Maybe. But I like to think of them as an expression of what it means to start a relationship and to keep it going. In the same way I've kept so many cards from over the years, I've kept so many relationships that have shaped who I am and what I believe.

These people. That's what they are. More than cards. These are the people in my world who mean a great deal to me.

For that reason, I'll continue to keep them....with the hope I never stop adding to my collection.