My trip to the PSI Annual Conference was, as it always is, inspiring and energizing. Merrill Sparago, Diana Lynn Barnes and Kimberly Wong did an amazing job putting this event together.I just don't know how they could accomplish it while also doing their day jobs and attending to their personal lives!! Even after four years of attending this conference and five years of writing this blog, I always learn a lot of new things.
I got to see (and hug!) people that I talk to all the time via email, Twitter, Postpartum Progress and/or Facebook but only get to see once a year in person (Shout outs toJen Stoll, Diane Ashton, Kim Rogers, Chris Raines, Lynne McIntyre, Ilyene Barsky, Cathy Dore, Gina Keefe, Heidi Koss-Nobel, George Parnham, the Gibbs family, Christi Hibbert, Stephanie Morales, Andrea Zas Jimenez and many others!). I got to meetgreat new people, manyI was aware of but had never had the chance to meet in person(So pleased to meet youAdrienne Einarson, Shirley Halvorson, Brian Kinstler, Misty Wainwright, Kellie Haworth, Wade Bowen,Will Courtenay, Emily Dossett,Deborah Hayes,Vivienne Burtand many others!) And I was, of course, so happy to see the whole PSI board (Ruta, Wendy, Mary Lou, Birdie, Kimberly, Brian, Yvonne, Mary Joan, Linda, Merrill, Kimberly, Pec and our office hero Devani) and members of the President's Advisory Council (Susan, Sonia, George, Cheryl, Diana, Mary Ellen, Jane). I wish I could list the name of every person I met because it was such a treat to see each and every one of you.
I wish all of you could have been there to see the amazing group of dedicated people who care so much about women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Rather than feeling you are alone, you could see there is a whole "army" of wonderful and compassionate people who know exactly what you are going through and who look forward to helping you.
It has taken me a few days to get back to blogging. Between the jet lag, the post-conference letdown and the fever/sore throat I acquired (why can't I fly on an airplane without coming down with something?!), I've had to sleep it off the last few days. But I think I'm getting back to full steam so get ready for what I hope are some interesting and educational posts the next few days.
Sorry I had to miss it this year! Next year for sure!
So great to see you too Katherine along with all my fellow PND warrior comrades! Keep up all the fantastic work. Lots of love.
Ditto to you Katherine, and all my other "sisters" and new-found "brothers". It really is like coming home. Next year: Don't forget the Airborne!