In the early 1980s the British psychologist, John Bowlby, visited the Division of Psychiatry at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. At that time I was Director of the Child Life Program in the Division of Psychiatry, then headed by Howard Hansen, MD. As a member of the Division I had the opportunity to participate in planning a small part of Bowlby's visit that included a luncheon.

At that time, the area surrounding the hospital offered no suitable lunchtime options to adequately honor our famous guest. So my staff and I decided to prepare our annual holiday party menu of homemade cannelloni, a delicious treat that was sure to help create a memorable occasion. I remember Bowlby coming into the Psychiatry conference room, joining us at the table, enjoying the meal, and expressing appreciation for our efforts. He was gracious, unassuming, and commanding. He was a giant of a man, not in stature, but in presence and significance!

Bowlby looked then much as he looked a few years later when interviewed on film by my colleague, Marion Solomon, Ph.D. Marion realized, what few others did at the time, that it was essential to document this great and kindly man who had made his mark on psychology by changing the way we think about and understand the critical nature and lifelong implications of infant-parent relationships. With cameras in tow, Marion traveled to London and to Tavistock Clinic where she and her crew filmed Bowlby for several hours as he discussed the development of his theories and reviewed case studies. The result was John Bowlby: Attachment and Loss, a historical treasure and a pearl in the Child Development Media collection of historic videos of the great leaders in our field.

Perhaps you had an encounter with Bowlby or with his distinguished colleague, Mary Ainsworth, that you might like to share! If you would like to tell us of your experience, please post it here. It is a pleasure to read personal accounts. Your contribution is most welcome!