Thank you for this, Wil. I was only a kid when TNG first aired, and like you, I came from dysfunction. I have to say that I dont think my life would have been livable as it was had Trek not been a part of it, your contribution included. I'm still sorting it out but at least I'm doing that much, which is more than I can say for the family I left behind.

I never understood why people were always so down on Wes, though. Now that I am a writer and understand the tropes of story telling better, I can see how the Wunderkind trope wears a little thin if overused. That, however, doesn't diminish the place Wes has in canon.

From that first season episode where he saves the ship with the repulsor beam, to this last appearance, guiding a lost child to destiny, Wes is as integral as anyone to this rich modern mythology we've brought forth. It's been a pleasure to have been a part of this journey, Sir.

LL&P _\\//