The Day After

From all accounts, the conference in NYC, which ended yesterday, went very well. In fact, despite the little "ego-tempest-in-a-teapot" that preceded the conference, it was deemed a great success with good participation and attendance. I received the picture of Ann Fessler, Carol Schaefer and the great Edward Albee sitting for their panel discussion and was so heartened for all my friends that were privileged to be in on that particular part of the conference.

Another picture, that has since been printed out and added to my scrapbook, was of Ann Fessler together with several of the terrific women whose stories were told in her book, "The Girls Who Went Away." I have entitled that one, "Empowerment in a 3x5 Glossy!" It moved me so to see that picture and the obvious affection and regard between Ann and the Moms who told their stories. Then there is the emotional biggie, a picture of several friends of mine from a private, online Mother's support group. There they stand, arms around each other, on the sidewalks of NY and I wanted to reach in and hug each and every one of them. I DID cry when I saw that one.

So all the presenters and the special speakers did a bang-up job and many people left knowing things they hadn't know before. Cheering them on from a distance is all well and good, but I will be there for the next one and you can take that to the bank. Drawing strength in this uphill battle from the emails and pictures is fine, as well, but I can just imagine the infusion of power and purpose that was available, there at that conference...all you had to do was breathe because it had to be in the very air. It's too easy, as it is, to become discouraged when those with their own agendas start doing battle with all you hope to see accomplished. So we need these times of gathering to educate, spread the word and re-charge our batteries of purpose and hope.

My Mother's support group will be taking a winter trip to the beach in February and I will definitely be there. The fact that we are connecting personally as well as electronically and in writing is fair testament to our drive and our bond. Just seeing the pictures and reading about the experience has moved me to write several letters to legislators and do a bit more for the cause. It's a Good Monday!