HOME FROM SOCK HOPE - EXPO

Hi Natalie! I cannot express how grateful I am that you and David put this conference together every year.   What I took home with me reaches far beyond anything I could have imagined.  I feel rejuvinated and ready to tackle a lot of things I needed a good kick in the butt about.  It was so much fun - but more importantly, I feel like it "watered my spirit" which was kind of in a desert stage.... and to all my new and old friends that were there from this board .... I miss you and look forward to seeing you all again next year.  You are all funny, beautiful and very important to me.  Thank you Tink .... See you when you come up to my neck of the woods!

You are one person , I leave each year thinking about . Wondering where our connection is . I now know .. our spirits are so much alike ... and both needing to be watered .  Your energy is abound .. and I wish we lived closer ... I really do . I hate each year .. time goes by and we cannot chat longer . Tis why I have promised those .. you included to re-connect with . And stay that way .  Alan and I will be in touch and let you know when we are coming up .  I will love to hang out .. and just melge !!  Love you so much !  Tink

I had a wondeful time meeting everyone and I really enjoyed the awesome sessions we had.  I can't wait for the next function!  And next time I promise to get to know more people, as I didn't venture very far out of my table's comfort zone.  :)  But I had the best time ever chatting it up with Cindy, Joe, Amy, Corinn, Joe (when he popped back and forth) and a several others.  Thank you for making me feel so welcome - when I walked in the door and you came right to me with a hug (and knowing my name) that really touched my heart.  You are the best!

At last I can get some time to look at the board and respond about the weekend.......... I had a great time seeing old friends and getting to know new ones. I loved the speakers - Dr Krieger is a wonderful speaker and such a talented plastic surgeon!! I am so greatful and blessed that he is my plastic surgeon.  Katie Jay is an awesome author and speaker and a good friend of mine. It is always a pleasure to hear her speak...... Merri Goldberg is an expert on Cognitve Based Therapy and her sessions are always fun. She is also a great speaker. Jill and Jon - your love story touched our hearts - I am sure you will be successful in whatever endevours you set yourselves up to accomplish. Kimmie - what a brave woman to speak about your addiction - but it was a story of victory as you are is still winning the battle - Kimmie I love you and have so much respect for you!!  I know it has not been easy but you are a strong woman!  Stronger now than you have ever been! The Sock Hop - What  a blast!! And those dressed in costumes  (me me me! lol!) - it was so great to see people dressed up and enjoying themselves -  this is one time we can cut loose and enjoy ourseves. Nat and David - I know these conferences are a labor of love for you both and thank you so much or putting this together for us!!!  Great weekend!  To those I met this weekend that I did not know before or know as well before - it was great to get to know you all a bit better! You are what makes the whole weekend experience so valuable for me. It is so good to see old faces and new ones alike - and if you felt a bit shy or out of place this weekend - I promise you next time will not be as bad because you will know more people. Lauren - it was great to meet you and I can't promise I will know you next time - you will have changed so much that people won't even recognize you!!!  And that is a good thing!!! Cindy - glad you came and joined us - hope you enjoyed yourself! See you soon! So all in all - I had a good time as usual and can't wait for the next one! Jackie

I had a great time, Jackie...thanks so much for making me feel a part of things!  I'm looking forward to attending more in the future.  See you at the next support group meeting! Cindy

Jackie, you're stuck with me now! I so enjoyed spending time with you and am looking forward to lots more! Mary D.

I am very happy about that too!! We can exchange battle scars again next time we meet as we both have another round of plastics soon....... Jackie

I had a wonderful time, and am really happy I was able to attend the conference!  You and David did a fantastic job...the speakers and the subjects were great...hearing everyone speak about their "journey" was awe inspiring...getting to know some of the others there was just FUN.  I'm looking forward to meeting many more in the future! Thanks for the opportunity to join everyone!  I look forward to attending many more in the future! Cindy

Natalie, the weekend was indeed a great one! Kudos to you, David and the other "helpers" for making the conference an outstanding success. I'm convinced that more of these gatherings are needed and am committed to helping make them happen. Put me on your list for helping at future events. Thank you to everybody who attended - I had some fine company and enjoyed lots of laughs, great connections, and some excellent scar sharing! I have been mostly a lurker for the last year, but this pas weekend has convinced me that I need to be a more active part of the board, so I can get to know the wonderful people who share this journey with me at all stages. Mary D.