I just returned from the Rotary club presentation. Even little presentations take gearing up for… and I’m usually pretty drained afterwards. I have no clue how Nancy Thomas keeps the schedule she does! I came home to a sea of hungry dogs. They have all been satisfied and as soon as their food digests, we’ll all go for a walk and decompress. Do you have a mental picture of me walking FIVE dogs?


The presentation went well. Very tough to describe our lives in 15 minutes. Interestingly enough, the man assigned to be a “greeter” today informed me that he and his wife just completed MAPP training… the foster parent certification in our state. They have three bio kids, ages 5-10 or so. They appear to be moving appropriately slowly as they check this out. I figure the meeting was worth it for this family alone if they proceed… at least they will know where to find some resources.


The gentleman that introduced me is a veterinarian! He explained the horses and zebras theme for me… that was a first! We had a great conversation during the eating lunch portion of the meeting. Oh, and speaking of the food service, shall I let you in on a secret? The meeting was held at the hotel where Tommy worked when he lived here in Kansas! I strongly suspect the wait staff knew him… do you think they connected the dots when they saw my title slide bearing my name on display during the entire lunch period? I don’t think they were in there when I actually presented… but how’s that for coincidence?


I went a minute or two over my time so folks had to bolt quickly, but I received some very positive feedback.


A very elderly gentleman sought me out after everyone else had left. He told me about his granddaughter who is apparently about the age of Amy or a little older. I was having a little trouble keeping the who’s who straight… but I think the granddaughter has had several kids and his daughter has taken custody of them. But the bottom line is the grandfather was very worried about the granddaughter and tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke about her. I asked him if the granddaughter was interested in changing her currently-less-than-successful life? He silently shook his head no. I put my hand on his and told him the best thing he could do for his granddaughter at this point was to let her know he was still there for her but not enable her… he needed to send her messages that she could, if she wanted to, change her life. But it was so sad… and such a reminder to me of how these kids impact so many people so profoundly. This gentleman reminded me a great deal of my dad who is only now really starting to grasp how resistant to change Amy is. I can still hear my dad tell Amy… “If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for Grandpa!” Poor guy, of course he quickly learned that what Grandpa wanted had nothing to do with it. Oh, if it were only that simple...


Here's a place for grandparents to find more information and support.