YOU MATTER! How do people find purpose in life at any age and stage of life. How can life, ultimately, Matter? When looking back and forward on one's life, did I mean something? What was my purpose? This book is a collection of short essays that reflect on these questions and cover the different stages of life, from childhood to retirement. They are written by numerous authors from all walks of life, and mirror the diversity of the American experience. They represent different races, genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic status, religious preferences, ethnic heritage, and professions. They come from the worlds of sports, entertainment, business, government, espionage, education, social work, and emergency medicine. Some seek meaning in their faith; others in their works; still others in their immediate family, extended family, or family trees.