Friends and colleagues. With all of the reflective and insightful thoughts flying, I feel somehow obligated to make a start at contributing something. The reunion week is just like a mini-summer. We journey from "wow, this is awesome", to "what have I gotten myself into", to "pit of despair", to maybe, just maybe" to "uh oh" to "damn, that was fine!" in such a tiny span of time. And, after weeks and weeks of angst and anticipation, in the blink of an eye, it is over all too soon. As I am genuinely struggling to deal with the complicated world that I re-enter, I am amazed at how the simple focus on a unified task can make the world seem so filled with joy (the emotion, not our Joy - who fills the world in her own unique way). Michael, you are spot on about Doc and how he can be remote and analytical, and then, totally unexpectedly, giggle like a schoolgirl (and how remarkable is the depth of happiness when I hear the sound of Doc's giggle/snicker... first heard in spring of 1979 when I uttered the words "my name is Wayne E. Bango"?). What I love best about S at W is the people. Sure, the unadulterated sense of satisfaction of a task well done, the pure clarity of saying the language and the shared experience with the audience(s) has remarkable power... but ahhh the people we get to do this with, that is the magic. Doc does have a knack for attracting and finding some pretty remarkable folks. I did not get to hear and share the stories with many of you (maybe we should do that electronically), but everything I learned was impressive. Even people I have known for decades have new accomplishments and amazement to share. I am just so very contented and blessed to call you my friends. I am still trying to transition back into the "real" world, where daily decisions alter lives and jobs and careers, and it is hard to get perspective and into the rhythm again - it is though you have all knocked me off kilter, like a weighted top that needs to right itself. On a very personal note, I want to thank my brother from another mother, Clayton, and Madge the Marvelous - for helping us all get to where we needed to be... and my profound gratitude to each of you for the intimacy and connection that you shared with me (and how you embraced my daughter). It is a treasure that cannot be priced. Jackie Robinson said: Life is not a spectator sport, a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. By this criteria, you all lead very important lives. more to come... Bruce