June 3, 2013 Day 14 — Silver Spring to Chevy Chase (19 miles or 38,000 steps)

My hosts Ann and Richard prove to be–as has been my experience this whole trip–warm, welcoming, and generous with their attention to my needs. For dinner we feast on a grand salad to inaugurate the summer. I sleep well, but wake a few times, not to the sound of gentle rain on the roof, but a deluge. “Oh, please stop by 8:00!” I pray.  Well, my petition is only partially heard by the heavens. The deluge scales back to a gentle but annoying rain by daybreak. Every pilgrim encounters this eventually. Ann offers me an SUV-sized umbrella, and I graciously accept. It works for the downpours but is less effective with lateral splashes of cars speeding past. I quickly get soaked, but the day must go on.

Walking with a raincoat on is like wearing a sauna, and I hardly need to lose any weight at this point. I make it to BTC (Behavioral Treatment Center) of Greater Washington. The Center’s founder, Dr. Charley Mansuetto, greets me. Shannon Shy and Carter Waddell, both IOCDF Board members, join us as well as others who practice there. Reinforced with “second breakfast,” OCD Mid-Atlantic tee-shirts, and a team of fellow walkers including Dr. Mansuetto, Shannon, David, Kate, and Brad, we start the 8-mile trek to NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health).

It’s not raining, but it is hot and humid. I love the company, but I’m not too sure my companions love the walk. (I do this daily. They do not.)

Once cleared through NIH’s security, our group finds Building 10 where Dr. Judith Rapoport welcomes us. She apologies for the NIH Director Thomas Insel’s absence from our gathering. Apparently, he was called at the
last minute to the Oval Office by President Obama for a summit on mental health issues. (OK, that is a good excuse.) At the exact moment I am visiting with Judith Rapoport, the president speaks to the press: “We whisper about mental health issues and avoid asking too many questions. The brain is a body part, too. We just know less about it. And there should be no shame in discussing or seeking help for treatable illnesses that affect too many people that we love. We’ve got to get rid of that embarrassment. We’ve got to get rid of that stigma.” (The synchronicity of my pilgrimage’s purpose with his message is startling. Perhaps he has been reading my blog!)

Being in the presence of Dr. Rapoport is pure delight. She is a pioneer in OCD research and treatment, and how grateful we are to enjoy her wisdom and company. The hour passes by too quickly.

After goodbyes to my walking companions, I head to Chevy Chase where Westtown host Karabi (Bhattacharyya) Acharya and her husband, Malay, welcome me along with a group of Westonians who live in the DC area: Meg Greene, Dan Sanders, Tina Hoffman Warwick, Scott Roby and Tacy Paul, David Levinger, Steve Sawyer, and Andrea Littell. What a lovely group of individuals to spend several hours with! The depth of our connections has not diminished over the years since we last saw each other when I was their teacher. The Westtown bond is eternal. Thank you for coming, Westonians. (Photos of the gathering to be posted later.)

The day ends with good food, good company, good fellowship, and Judy, who joins us at the Acharya’s home after having spent the day on Capitol Hill attending the Green Ribbon School Award Ceremony and accepting a beautiful plaque for Westtown School’s sustainability efforts. What full, rich days we have both had, and what warm hospitality we receive from Karabi and Malay, who pamper us with all kinds of delectable food, deluxe accommodations, and superb company.