They Just Get It

I just wanted to comment on how great it feels to be with people that 'get it'. You like to associate with fans that share passion about your team or with other moms or with people that you just share common beliefs with, right?

I got back last night from two different conferences - both of which were for adults that have sibs with disabilities. We were talking about how great it is to see eachother, even if it is once a year. You can just walk in the room and let your guard down because you know that everyone in the room understands the challenges and celebrates the victories. It doesn't matter if you are 22 or 62, being around other adults, regardless of place in life, that have similar life experiences is such a great feeling.

The first conference was the national meeting - the 2nd Annual Sibling Leadership Network meeting. It is refreshing to be around people who want to advocate on behalf of sibs - to make sure that we as sibs are supported (which research shows leads to more support for our sibs). I had met a lot of the people that were there, but this year just allowed me to strengthen those relationships.

It also gave me the energy I needed to continue planning the First Annual Tennessee Adult Brothers & Sisters (TABS) conference that will be held April 3-4, 2009. I got a lot of wonderful ideas at the statewide Ohio conference that I stayed for (after the national conference). Hopefully some of the friends I made in Columbus will be able to come to Nashville for our conference - I'd love the chance to see these folks more than once a year!!

I know I don't typically write about work-related issues, but this is also extremely personal for me. I just wanted a chance to reflect on how refreshing it is to go out with a bunch of sibs.....amazing.