Staying Connected and Maintaining Hope

Abstract

As I sat down to write this introduction, I began reflecting on AACAP’s 70th Annual Meeting held in New York City this past October. AACAP annual meetings have always been a mixture of euphoria and exhaustion for me. There are so many friends and colleagues to see, embrace, and check-in with, and not enough time; so much valuable educational content to consume, and not enough time; so many restaurants, social gatherings, and receptions to attend, but simply not enough time. When the flurry of the week ends and I return home to recharge, it is the sense of community and solidarity that endures. For me, solidarity with folks who are deeply concerned about the health and wellbeing of children and families cultivates an important source of hope. Especially in these trying times, it is important to seek out sources of hope and hold them close. I want to thank the AACAP community and readers of this journal for being a source of hope for myself and many others.