[Glenn Dromgoole, a longtime Texas newspaper editor in Fort Worth, Bryan-College Station and Abilene, is writing a book of essays on the little ways people's lives can make a difference and can "brighten the Corner" in their communities.]

I stared at the question on the form. It asked simply: What is your net worth?

Well, I had never stopped to figure it. What's my net worth? Not much, I imagine. Maybe, if I'm lucky, it comes out a little above zero.

But as I gave the question more thought, I realized I couldn't possibly answer it. Could you?

Net worth is measured in dollars, but real worth can't be counted that way.

How much is a loving husband or wife or best friend worth?

How about your children? How much are they worth? (On a good day.)

Aren't your memories worth something? What would you give for the experiences you've had?

Who can put a price tag on friendships?

How much would you take for your freedom?

I had the kindest mother anyone could ever have. How much has that been worth over the years?

Laughter is free but invaluable. What's the net worth of a sense of humor?

Principles certainly count for something. But how can they be measured? Certainly not in dollars. What would you take for your self-respect, your conscience, your integrity? Are they for sale?

The value of an education is much greater than its cost. But how much?

Life itself is the ultimate treasure. Can you place a value on it?

Most of what is important in our lives cannot be bought or sold. It has value, to be sure, but not monetary value. It can't be measured; it can't be counted. But it is what makes life truly rich.

We're all a lot richer than we think, aren't we, when we stop and add up our true net worth.

Updated Thursday, December 28, 2000