Memories from the 2017 TCF National Conference

2017
Sept-Oct
Summer is over and now we are heading (faster than I’d like) to a new year. We had lots of good and not so good packed into three months. I imagine everyone can say the same. I am just not certain if I can handle any more memories. However, let me try.

I’m going to share the amazing memories that I have from the TCF Conference in Orlando. It was definitely a “good” that we had this summer. Even though Bob and I never had a chance to go to a workshop during the conference—we had a better experience—we made lots of great new friends! We were busy working the entire time and because of that we had the chance to talk to hundreds of people! Really!

So many people stopped and asked questions about TCF while we were in the open space. We were able to guide people with recent loss of a child to a chapter, and give them information. I saw several people lose the tight look of stress, and just let go when we shared. To me that was not only a “good” but a “great.”

Many of the people we talked to were not part of the conference, making it even better that we were able to share with them. The people who worked in the hotel were unbelievable. Taking care of people all day has to be difficult, but not one of the people working there acted annoyed when I needed something. Putting rooms together, setting up the stage, asking for help with things in the rooms—it was unreal. It helped me see that the people who are really important are the people who get down and do the work. Our wonderful chapter had so many go to the Conference. Truly it was like being with family and extended family.

“We were able to guide people with recent loss of a child to a chapter, and give them information. I saw several people lose the tight look of stress, and just let go when we shared.”

Even though some were a little overwhelmed at times, most seemed to enjoy their experience over all. I think we got to know each other much better, cementing that family feeling. Yep, I was afraid I had no more space for memories—thankfully I was wrong. I am so happy with all of the great times I can still picture in my mind.

There were emotional moments, solemn moments, joyful moments, and really funny moments. We look forward to next year at the Conference in St. Louis, reconnecting with newly made friends and making more.

Thank you, all of my wonderful friends in the TCF family.

 

❤Mary

Sept-Oct
Focusing on How They Lived
March-April
More Than a Memory
Nov-Dec
The Holiday Season