Walking in Our Shoes

I am not unfamiliar with conferences having attended my fair share over the years as a delegate for Presbyterian Women, Early Childhood Education, Girl Scouts, P.E.O., and as a visitor to the CAC’s conference “Walking in Our Shoes” yesterday. Whether it’s a group of 500 or 5,000, I always leave feeling empowered.  And yesterday was no different.

My daughter-in-law, Debbie and I attended four of the five workshops choosing to spend time in the exhibiter’s room which was filled with valuable information.  Both of us came home with goodies to share with Lexi and her parents.  I could write a book on what I learned in the three sessions I attended and what amazed me is that some of the lessons were applicable to all children, not just special needs.

One story I will share hit home dearly.  I attended the “Helping Your Child be a Successful Writer” led by Jacinta McGavock, EdD.  As a writer, this was a subject close to my heart.  I learned so much especially when she got to the part about the steps to finalizing a story and the presentation.  For months now I have been meeting with our Junior Girl Scouts working on their Bronze Award.  This past Sunday we meet, planned, discussed, and brainstormed fundraising ideas.  We did a lot, or so I thought.  Upon leaving, Paige said, “Well, that was a waste of time.”  I had to laugh.  But it didn’t occur to me until Dr. McGavock’s session that I’ve been documenting every one of our meetings (as required) but the girls have not seen the pictures, notes, and list of what we accomplished at each meeting.  Thanks to the lesson, I’m going to collect all my documentation, give it to the girls and let them start writing their presentation to the Council by using video cameras, power point presentations, scrapbooks, or whatever they can create.

I am so grateful for the Chattanooga Autism Center for this opportunity.  I could not close without adding that the highlight of the event was the keynote speakers, Gina Gallagher and Patricia Kojoian sisters and co-authors of the book “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid.”  Creators of The Movement of Imperfection invite “parents of ‘non-perfect’ kids to come out of their messy closets and talk about the accomplishments of their children.” We laughed and cried as we heard their journeys and reflected on how all of us with imperfect children and grandchildren were walking in the same shoes.

Finally, before leaving I was able to purchase one of their books for my daughter Jennifer.  Gina signed the book with a personal message to my daughter.  And WDEF interviewed me asking me how I felt about my granddaughter Lexi.  In my four seconds of fame, I said how much I love her gift of joy and inner spirit. ~ Pris