First and foremost the collective of PLWHIV/AIDS who came out to this year's Gathering need to be applauded on the supportive and welcoming atmosphere they created. The feedback from this event has been astronomical. We took a leap with some new programming and landed on our feet. If you're someone living positive in this province and have not been out to a gathering or event yet, you're missing out on meeting some of the most incredible people who are both supportive and educational. One of the most powerful statements from this year's event is: I now know that I can live positive in New Brunswick This tree created by a member symbolizes the coming together of many people, putting down roots, and growing into a community. Let's take a moment and reflect on the layers of support and power that this one sentence evokes. What we see in rural communities such as New Brunswick is lack of services, support and community. So, many people chose to leave for larger urban centres, so that they can access these types of wants and needs. However, it's not home, and most people want to come home and have the same quality of life. On the other hand we have individuals who stay, but completely disengage from their community and live in isolation for fear of exposure and discrimination. Having someone come out to this event and make such a strong statement reflects the love, compassion, leadership and community building that those who do