Well it's September. This is the real new years. I liked the beginning of the school year because it came with the promise of new trials and with the hope of new successes. While that was a faint hope for me, a bit of hope is all it takes to get through even the most difficult times.
For those of you within driving distance of Toronto, September brings Sue Gabriel from Michigan to speak at Vita's Master's Series. She is the perfect way to usher in a new month and a sense of a new year. Sue brings hope in her bag.
I met Sue years and years ago when we were both doing a presentation somewhere up in Ontario's far north. We were both much younger then, I hadn't heard of her but was definately interested in her topic about practical supports to people with dual diagnosis. I sat through her presentation and was quite taken aback. She wasn't your usual presenter. She was down to earth, funny, and she had direct contact with those who's stories she told. Behind her stories was a deep and abiding respect for the people who's lives she'd been pulled into.
After it was over I told her she had a book in her. Then for about a year she would send me drafts of a book and I would take a marker to it and send it back. Finally, Psychiatric Tower of Babble was done. The book has been updated and morphed into something else but it's never lost it's ability to talk plain language and give clear examples.
Sue will be presenting for Vita's Masters Series on September 19th in Toronto at the Yorkdale Cinemas. The registration fee is $100 for an individual and $80 per person if registring 5 or more. To get more information about the conference you can call Rose Castronovo at Vita, her number is 416-746-6234 x211. Tell Rose that Dave sent you.
Again, if you got staff, or if you are a staff, who supports indivduals with a dual diagnois. Sue's a go to girl. I guarentee you'll both laugh and learn.
*****
I am so glad I had this to write this morning. I'm awash in fear and anxiety. There are few things that frighten me to the bone. Most of those I can avoid. But today I have to face my fears for a few hours. I couldn't have written a regualar blog because I'm way too distracted, fear has hold of my fingers. So for those of you who believe in prayer, could I have a wave of it slapping around my feet at about 12:30. Thanks.
14 comments:
Your feet shall be covered in prayer.
I will be at Sue Gabriel's presentation. Yeay! I heard her speak in Orillia a few years ago and loved it. I bought her book, "Quanderies," and loved it too. She is a "real" person; down to earth; able to pass on information that helps where the rubber meets the road.
I'm not a prayer person Dave, but my thoughts and good wishes will certainly be with you at that time. Take care. And i can't make Ontario but i'm certainly going to check out this book, sounds fascinating!
Whoops, I think I mispelled the title of the book. It should have been "Quandaries," not "Quanderies," for anyone who is interested. Well one of the two is correct and I think it's the second.
....cannot make the presentation but will direct my clinical and direct support staff her way...prayers on the way at 12:30...thanks for the info..
I've already prayed and will keep praying as I remember you today. I trust that by the time 12:30 gets here, your prayer support will reach tsunami proportions and wash over you...
God bless you, Dave.
praying for you always (you and Joe are on my list for my morning and evening prayers) but praying especially hard at 12:30.
May God the Father take all your anxiety away now.
Praying,
Prayers are coming your way, Dave. Here's hoping your fear and anxiety settle, and that all goes well.
Not a prayer, but my thoughts and hope will be with you.
spotted elephant
It's 9:30 BC time & I'm sending good thoughts your way.
I said a little prayer for you ! My thoughts are with you. Toni
Although, I read this and it is way past 11:30, I am a BIG BELIEVER IN PRAYER. No matter what happens nothing is too big for GOD. I would be happy to put you on a network of prayer lists. Just say the word.
Holding you up in prayer.
God Bless you.
DL
Oh dear....I have read your post too late to be of any help. Luckily God does not wait for me to ask, to help you.
Dave, I'm pretty sure that, at 12:30 am, whatever you were facing has long since passed. Sorry I didn't get to read your blog earlier to give you a boost, but I hope you are sleeping well and sound right at the moment.
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