There is something very nice about a “second marriage”.  While there is much I still need to learn about marriage…I have learned about a key ingredient over the past while….partnership.  I’m extremely lucky to have the husband I have.  He is a wonderful partner.   The best part is he really gets me.  He also is good at the “trade offs”.  For example, I totally stink at domestic stuff.  My husband gets that.  He happens to be very good at those kinds of things so takes charge in that area.  He even makes homemade bread! (Sorry all you single folks…he’s an only child).  On the other hand, I tend to be the one that handles more administrative type tasks.  So far, it works for us.

Research is much the same way.  Every member in a research partnership brings qualities, skills, abilities to the project.  Everyone has to be willing and able to do trade offs.  I’ve seen this in a current project for the Stop Now and Plan program (a.k.a. SNAP).  There have been some good, early results and great feedback from the youth.  You who have been in the program have shown improvements in school and behaviour toward others and they themselves report they are doing better and using the skills they have learned in the group.  They also report that the friends they have made in the group are one of the best things about the group.

This information would not be possible without the SNAP service providers who took the time to deliver the group, collect the information from the youth and parents, and help us clarify any questions we may have had.  Nor would it be possible without the youth took part and answered questions for us.  Finally, it would not be possible without the help of George, a researcher at Kinark, who worked diligently on pulling all of the data together and getting it ready for us to dig into.

Thanks to all of my wonderful partners!  Especially my great husband!