A Humbling Vote Of Confidence On The Eve Of "The Big Day"

In two days, I will step to the podium in a small conference room in St. Petersburg, Florida and share some of what I've learned as a result of our family's experiences over the past several years in the hope that it will make the journey of even one other "Ashley" and her family a little easier.It would be a considerable understatement to suggest that this is far removed from my comfort zone.  In fact, I've never shared many of the things I intend to share with this group of "strangers" on Friday publicly before.  Still, I find a surprising sense of calmness beginning to settle in as "crunch time" approaches.  Maybe it's because I'm allowing myself to entertain the possibility that what I have to say on Friday is critically important, that my words may actually make a difference in someone else's life. Maybe it's because I know that as long as I'm speaking from heart, which I will be, there really can't be anything "wrong" about what I have to say.Perhaps my calmness derives from the following note that I received a few days ago from a treatment professional, who I admire and respect a great deal, regarding the remarks I intend to deliver:Don, All I have to say is WOW! Words cannot accurately express how ABSOLUTELY AMAZING I think this presentation is.  I really cannot even add anything to it, except maybe to add in a "handout" of some "do's and don'ts" (Conference attendees appreciate those).  I think the "Courage Chart" is AMAZING, as are the "Circles of Affirmation" and, with your permission, I would like to use both of those interventions in my practice. Ashley is very lucky to have you in her corner.  Knock' em dead!  B.D.I suspect all of the above have something to do with the peace about all of this that was washing over me when I woke up this morning at 4:00 a.m.  Whatever its source, this much is clear (and I shared these sentiments with Ashley last night): I am doing this to honor my daughter and her courage in the face of what, at times, was immeasurable pain and heartache and seemingly insurmountable odds.  I want her perseverance in the face of that pain and those challenges to inspire others the way it has inspired me - and I'm convinced it will!