Peter and I had a policy about our children.  We’d do the best we could. But as for how they turned out, we would take neither credit nor blame.

I don’t think about that very often now because they’ve been on their own for a long time and seem to be doing fine. 

But when on my recent visit to Maryland, I visited Jeremy’s office, although it was clear that his associates think highly of him, I found myself not taking credit.

Upon leaving, I told him how proud I was of his positive relationship with his colleagues.

Always truthful, he explained to me that he was picky about who(m) I met. 

Taking credit would have been just fine.