It's that time again, that lovely season of change and rebirth. It's in that spirit that I offer you the words of my son, Scott, the amazing next generation of my gene pool. You are about to digest his words as he wrote them, unchanged and unedited, when he offered to pen the closing pages of my book. I claim no credit for any part of this epilogue; it's all his. I do, however, take great pride in the fact that he is my son. Without further verbiage, then, Scott's musings:

"It is quite unusual for the son of an author to write the epilogue for a book, especially this kind of book, but when the author (my mother) and I were talking recently, it became clear that I was in a unique position to offer comments, and that my epilogue would be a good way to cap this work. I've known her as mother and columnist, as single woman, single parent, and as friend, and I've seen the many stages that led to the completion of this book.

"From my close vantage point I see how she has lived this material before setting it down in print, how she has brought herself from feelings of helplessness and self-pity to the pride and self-affirmation that come from an inspired creative process. I've watched her grow as a person and as a parent, taking control of her life and developing self-determination while building it. All of this enables her to be a much better mother, and our relationship has gotten much stronger. I can affirm the value of the ideas embodied in this book because I've seen them put to the test and provide sure guidance to a life. But more than expressing admiration and appreciation for my mother's determination and faith in herself (and for the practical value of these exercises), I want to share my perception of the chapters you have read.

"Essentially, this is a book of empowerment. At every step, the goal is to offer the reader those ideas and techniques that can bring greater understanding and self-fulfillment, so that unmarried women in transition can take advantage of their singleness and exert greater control over their lives — with growing confidence in the fullness of their inner resources.

"This book can be a valuable catalyst and support system, pointing the way toward a more satisfying life. I know better than anyone else that it was written with the conviction that each of us can fulfill our dreams and our unique potential, as I know my mother is striving to fulfill hers."

There is nothing more to say — except that I am one proud mom.

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