This is my final column for IMPULSE as NCSPP President. What an amazing ride this has been. Many talented and dedicated people helped make this a truly meaningful year, and without this rich experience, I would have been the poorer. I just returned from my friend Vicki's 50th birthday weekend in suburban northern Virginia. Vicki and I met in the second grade and have been friends ever since. She was surrounded by her adult children and stepchildren, an amazing second husband, and the strength of an extended family that was affected by multiple divorces, betrayals and adversities. Out of these ashes, her family has reconstituted as a resiliently loving creation. My partner and I were embraced by their love, and I had more fun and familial joy than I have had for a while. They inspired and moved me with their heartfelt connection to each other, their respect and affection for all they each have become. I tell you about Vicki's family because I associate to it when realizing the importance of the work we are all doing. Daily, we work to repair, reconnect the strands, revisit, reintegrate the vestiges of the past. Our work is difficult, we don't always see the results immediately -- and requires enormous courage, stamina, faith and hope (mixed with dread at times). As Vicki's family did this weekend, I have been inspired by many of you to keep working faithfully and to not give up hope for profound changes to occur in my patients' lives and in my own. I will end with the words of the character, Prior Walter, when he speaks directly to the audience in the final moments of the play,Angels in America. Somehow, it seems appropriate.

"The time has come ... So, bye now.
You are all fabulous creatures: each and every one.
And I bless you: More Life.

Warm regards,

Drew Tillotson, Psy.D.
NCSPP President