I guess this is my valedictory column as president of May Memorial. By the time you read this, I expect the presidency will be in the able hands of my successor as I become a “past president,” joining the ranks of my predecessors who hold this delightful honorific with no specific responsibilities. Yahoo!

Of course, I’m not going anywhere. I expect to see you in church for worship services, along with wife Chris and my relatively well-behaved (I hope) children. I expect to continue to be a fully-engaged member of the congregation, and no doubt will find other ways to make myself useful in future — after a little break to recharge my batteries.

It has been my great privilege and honor to serve May Memorial as president during two “good years” — a time of remarkable harmony within the congregation, when we focused on the hard work of searching for and settling our new minister and getting our house in order for the future. The “good vibrations” at May during this time made our church a welcoming place — witness all the new faces that have popped up in the pews, and new members joining our ranks.

Another reliable barometer of our good health is the burgeoning Religious Education program. Much as I enjoy the spiritual refreshment and intellectual challenge of the “adult” services and sharing in the Social Hall, I also have found inspiration in time spent with the children — in their very special worship service and in the classrooms where the sharing and learning and exploring continue.

Speaking of children, last month Chris and I formally adopted our three foster children — Dorthy, Michael and Tanika Tyler. May 7 was a great day — from the moment the white stretch limo pulled up at 547 Allen St. to carry us to the courthouse, until the last goodnight kiss. There were tears of joy as we became a “family” — and also some bittersweet feelings about the difficult road our kids have traveled. They have been helped immensely by our team of social workers, counselors, case workers and others in the Onondaga County Social Services Department — which I believe is second to none in its professionalism and its dedication to children in need. And my kids have grown and blossomed along with their peers at MMUUS, their “religious home.” For the kindness and care and friendships they have found at May, I am very thankful.

As any parent will remind me, I shouldn’t expect the road ahead to be all smooth paving and scenic views. I suppose there are ups and downs for just about everyone else, including May Memorial’s past presidents, the incoming president and trustees and other church leaders who will be working with Rev. Jean on some exciting and challenging projects. Wasn’t it Nick who used to preach about the Yin and Yang of life? You can’t have one without the other — and it wouldn’t be worthwhile any other way.