Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?

“Si je puis” translated centuries ago by my Scottish ancestors means “If I can, I will.” Historians recount that Sir Robert Colquhoun (pronounced “Cahoon”) was called upon by King James to relieve a Barron of His stronghold. The Barron had refused to remit taxes, apparently and held up in the stronghold.

Robert called upon his clansmen and devised a plan. One evening while the Colquhouns were laying siege to the stronghold, they released on of the King’s venison (with permission, of course) out in front of the gate. The men inside the stronghold were starving with their families. They left their posts and pursued the game. While they were out, the Colquhouns moved in, locked the gate and not a single drop of blood was shed!

Hence when someone asks anything of me, I respond “If I can, I will!” or “No.”  Explanations may be offered on a case by case basis but usually if I say no, people that know me, know not to ask twice.