Family Links Conference 2009

A few weeks ago, Jeff and I attended the family links conference that is hosted by the Utah parent center.  It was awesome and we learned a ton.  I love going to things like this because it provides an environment where I feel like we fit in.  I always say that raising Em is liking living in a world inside the world.  It is difficult for us to relate to people around us anymore.  Not complaining, but it's true.  The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Brooks, his session focused on from being stressed out to stressed hardy.  I really needed his speech!  I think he was great, he was funny and also had some great advice.  Check out his website.  We attended the conference with some friends of ours who are also raising a child born with Down syndrome.  We all split up and went to different breakout sessions to get as much information as possible.  During the last breakout session, we all met up again and went together.  It was a panel board of people all born with Down syndrome from age 8 all to way up to 54.  Two of them were even married, and were such an inspiration.  They live on their own and have a wonderful life, I was given hope for Em.  The audience was able to ask questions and we received such valuable information straight from the mouths of those just like our children.  I loved when they were asked about what makes them happy and what makes them sad.  I was on the verge of tears the entire time because of the gratitude I felt in experiencing something so amazing.  Emma blesses our lives in countless ways.  What an experience to remember.