I think that's partly because I've always found it odd that it's so easy to feel completely alone in this work, even when you're surrounded by people, even in rooms like this one, when your entire job is communications and

communicating.

Please welcome to the stage, Prebys Foundation CEO, Grant Oliphant.

As lovers of stories, I imagine that every one of you has a metaphor for what it feels like to be doing this work right now.

Let me show you one of mine.

This little sketch was dashed off 10 years ago.

by my father, the renowned political cartoonist Pat Oliphant, just as his fading vision was bringing an end to the artistry that had animated his life.

Personal connections aside, I love this little bird, huddled as it is against the charcoal deluge, its gold puddled beneath its feet.