As this blog drips into the system I will already be at the Elms Resort, welcoming our pre-conference speakers and attendees and ATN board members as our second annual conference kicks off. Yesterday my phones were ringing like crazy as I managed home issues, conference issues, and “regular” ATN issues. I have families in crisis all over the place, with kids blowing out of placements and families searching for answers. One mom wrote on a bulletin board recently that she was “tired of feeling all alone.” I hastened to reply that she wasn’t alone. In crisis, yes; alone, no. I wish she could join us at the conference. I will be doing a workshop on disruption and unfortunately I have no lack of subject matter. One of my slides depicts some of the disruption calls I have received in the past eight months ...


We have an incredible array of speakers and topics. We will be videotaping the workshops and making them available to those who cannot attend or who want to hear the workshops again. We have also had a great deal of volunteer (wo)man hours poured into this conference by a wide variety of parents. I am blown away by the growth we are experiencing. I am sorry for the families who need to find us, but happy that they are no longer alone.


Julie and her family went out for pizza last night with me and my family. Beth had met Julie’s Lulu several years ago, but hasn’t seen her since then. Lulu made quite a repeat impression on Beth. And my deep admiration for Julie and her family only increased exponentially. Living with Lulu would be a totally unique experience. I guarantee you there is only ONE Lulu on this planet. I am so glad Julie blogged about the hole in the underwear …


I know there will be much to blog about during the conference, but I cannot promise you it will happen. I will do my best to get in at least one a day.