My Other Family

“People help you, or you help them, and when we offer or receive help, we take in each other. And then we are saved.”

— Anne Lamott

Remember last year when I said I was going to go to the next 5p- national conference alone? Well…I did it! I left the boys and Olivia at home and took my Mom and went alone. It was awesome!

It was the first time I had been without Matt or the kids since 2002! How crazy is that? Clearly, I need to get out…alone…more. Usually the conference is far away so we have to make a family trip out of it; but this year it was in Columbus which is only about 2 hours away. Perfect chance for a solo getaway.

As much as I missed my kids and Matt, it was really nice to go alone. I was able to socialize with the other moms and dads as much as I wanted. I didn’t have to worry that Olivia was overstimulated or upset in some way. I didn’t have to feel guilty for leaving Matt with the kids all day while I went to sessions. And I got to spend a whole weekend with my Mom! It was wonderful.

The best part for me is meeting new people and seeing old friends again. All I know is that 10 years ago, I never felt more alone in my entire life. I didn’t know what to do or who to reach out to. I decided right then and there that I was going to do something so that no one would ever have to feel that alone. I started a website and then eventually started this blog. I can’t tell you how humbling and wonderful it is to have women come up to me and tell me with tears in their eyes that they love my blog and that they don’t know what they’d do without it. This experience is exactly what I was hoping for. I wanted to provide them with hope. I wanted them to know that there was at least one person out there who understood, who truly knew, who was here so they were not alone. It’s a wonderful feeling.

To Erin and Adrienne and your beautiful family…I feel so blessed to know you. 3 days every year just isn’t enough.

To Kate…you are so beautiful and warm and I am so glad to have finally met you. I hope we see each other again soon.

To Brad and Christy…if only you lived next door! I just adore you and the boys. I’m getting my passport ASAP so we can meet halfway…once a year just isn’t enough!

To Christina…hang in there. The beginning is so tough and you are already doing so well!! I look forward to getting to know you better.

To Natasha…you still have the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. Your little girl has made such huge gains this past year! I couldn’t believe when she waved and smiled at me! Amazing!

To Holly and Marcy…I wanted to hang out more! There’s never enough time, is there?

To Tu-Truc…I am getting teary right now just thinking about you! To finally meet you in person was just wonderful. I hope we get to see each other again soon.

To Olga…I’m so glad we were able to visit so much the first day! Your calm spirit is inspiring.

To Gina…I’m so very happy you came! It’s hard to come to your first conference, let alone by yourself, but I hope you’re glad you did.

To Tammy and Ginny…so glad we met for lunch. I would love to take your girls home with me!

To Nick, Angie, Jolene, Jessica and Dan…what a perfect conference! Way to go!!

To Taimie, Tammy, Patty, Amy and everyone I’ve forgotten…I cherish you. Truly.

It’s such an amazing group that I feel so lucky to be a part of. We are not exactly alike, but what we share is so deep and true. I can’t wait to see you all again soon!!