Moments are all we are given, and some of the most rewarding moments in my life come from co-facilitating NAMI Connection at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.

Most nights are encouraging and uplifting; group members receive support and strength to get through tough times.  Some people return, some don't.  Many nights we share in each others' troubles.  Other nights we share in each others' triumphs.  As all NAMI Connection groups go, sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry, and sometimes there is nothing to say at all.  But we go through these moments together as a group, as a whole, never alone.

And I find great satisfaction in knowing there is more than just support stirring at each meeting.  There is acceptance, acknowledgement, kindness, encouragement, inspiration, growth, progress, understanding, healing, possibilities, experience, recovery, and of course, hope.  These intangibles generate the amazing moments that our Good Samaritan Facilitator Team gets to be a part of each week.  How much more rewarding can it become?  NAMI Connection creates change and provides hope for us all.

Susie Piasecki, "NAMI Connection" Facilitator