Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A Luxury I Can Afford

I am sure I have posted about the wonderful dinners we used to attend for support with local traumatized parents. I wrote that correctly, we are traumatized. The kids may have been first, may be more traumatized, and even win the contest but make no mistake, we are, too. Back to the dinners. We loved going. We looked forward to it all month long. It got me through the really tough months when I wasn't sure which one would survive, the kids or me. It was so nice to sit at the table and order for just me. I didn't have to worry about what everyone was doing or saying. I didn't have to watch for clues to who will react to what. I would even occasionally have a drink or two or three. We laughed so loud people stared at us and not b/c my kid just ripped her clothes off. We closed down the restaurant more than once. These parents got what we were going through. They gave us ideas that worked for them. We howled at each others' stories one upping each other and finding comfort knowing we were not the only ones that were slowly losing their grip on reality. Many times, what is normal for us isn't for the rest of the world. We are normal in this group. These dinners stopped when we all got too busy. I received an email last night that promised the return of these blessed events in my life. I know I have many local readers, if any of you fit the bill and want to join us, we'd be honored. It's Saturday night December 6th at 6 PM in Atlanta. Please send me a comment with your info (I won't publish it) and I will call you with details.

Many of the folks attending will be in a workshop all day, Diane Best's Therapeutic Parent Workshop. Nina Jonio, a Neuro developmental Reorganization clinician, will be presenting with Denise. NR is a neurological -based intervention that can work along side attachment and trauma therapy to change your child's brain development They will be at the Hampton Inn & Suites at the Atlanta Airport from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. You can call 404-767-9300 if you are interested in the workshop.

3 comments:

Mama Drama Times Two said...

Oh does that sound good!!!!! We just love our Foster Support Group - those wonderful families are the reason we are able to keep doing what we do...the core group is my lifeline....so glad to hear your group is rallying - wish I was more local to Atlanta to see another fine group work their magic.

marythemom said...

Oh how I wish I lived nearby! What do y'all do with the kids while you're out?

Mary in TX

Tudu said...

Mary, we lock the kids in the van. LOL This time my daughter, Rosa, will stay home with them. I will rent a movie and they will eat appetizers for dinner while laying on the living room floor in PJs and sleeping bags. We do that every weekend and they won't even notice we are gone.