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Expectations of a NAAF conference newbie
In just over a day from now, I will be attending NAAF's annual conference for the very first time in my life. Of course, I owe this honor to my fiancée and co-founder of Alopecia World, Cheryl Carvery, who has been living with alopecia areata for nearly 20 years. Since it is my pleasure to support Cheryl, and given my involvement with Alopecia World, I am excited to have the opportunity to attend this year's conference. However, this means that I am going to miss seeing my middle daughter's participate in a summer essay contest, so I also know that I will be a bit distracted while there. It certainly will help to know that I have my daughter's blessing because she entered the contest long after Cheryl and I finalized our conference travel plans.
It should come as no surprise that I signed up for conference sessions dealing with relationship issues. I anticipate that this will benefit Cheryl and my relationship by further enabling me to be the best man I can be. Heaven knows that it has always been my heart's desire to be there for her in ways other men could not even imagine. Therefore, I hope that, with all my getting, I get a better and deeper understanding of her relationship needs this weekend and practical guidance on how to best respond to (and not just acknowledge) those needs. In other words, if the one constant is change, I hope and pray that this year's NAAF conference change me for the betterment of the already-amazing relationship I have with the phenomenal woman of my dreams.
Of course, I am also looking forward to meeting and spending time with members of Alopecia World this weekend. Each and every one of you have cemented your own very special place in my heart, so I simply can't wait to have the privilege of being in your presence. In our beloved community, we are friends and a family, so I trust that when we meet face-to-face, kind words will come easy, pleasant memories will be crafted, and the bond that we have formed here in Alopecia World will be strengthened. Though I will be new to the NAAF conference, let us not forget for even a moment that we are already very, very old friends.
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Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on June 18, 2008 at 2:01am
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To share this experience with you, is not only a pleasure but also seems so natural to me. From the very beginning you have shown me support with my alopecia as well as you stood by me when it became apparent that I needed move on.
I too am looking forward to the relationship session with rj. I am very aware that with alopecia sometimes we can get tunnel vision and just see things from our point of view. But I am very willing to look at what I contribute to our relationship, be it positive or areas that I need to improve. This relationship has been challenging for me, mainly because I have not been in a relationship for a long time and trusting and opening up to another is something that took some time and effort and 2nd we are quite different in personalities. But I truly look forward with great hope and expectations that we will continue to work on both loving each other and overcoming the struggles of merging 2 lives. I love you babe ;)
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Comment by Mandy on June 18, 2008 at 8:53am
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You both are so wonderful. ;) I wish I could be at the conference this year so badly, but I just can't afford the trip right now. It would have been so so nice you meet you both (and everyone else) in person. Have a wonderful time at the conference!! I'll be there next year for sure. ;)
Hugs, Mandy
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Comment by rj, Co-founder on June 18, 2008 at 12:46pm
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Mandy, thanks for such positively encouraging words. We appreciate you, too, and are looking forward to meeting you face-to-face soon and very soon. :-)
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Rose Marie, thanks for sending such positive vibes Cheryl and my way. As you said I would, I had a great time at this year's NAAF conference. I'm going to blog about my experience there, so please stay in touch. :-)
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Comment by Holly Ralston Oyler on July 8, 2008 at 9:45pm
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Lamri, So how was the Conference for you? We met briefly and it was such a pleasure for me to meet you and Cheryl. I hope the Conference left a spot on your heart and I look forward to seeing you again next year.
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The 2009 NAAF Conference will be in Houston Texas - Thursday June 25th through Sunday June 28th. So start saving now and I hope to see you there!
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Comment by Roger on July 9, 2008 at 5:11am
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I miss the people and the feeling =( Cant wait for next year in Texas.
Take care everyone.
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Comment by ruth on July 12, 2008 at 11:16pm
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hi i read that next year's conference will be in Houston, Texas....what are the fees for the sessions?
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Comment by JeffreySF on June 23, 2010 at 1:14am
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Flashback June 2008 Louisville KY,
I met you both in the Hotel Lobby the second I walked in. I'll never forget it!!! Major Moment!!! (and Rger too)
I cant believe I never read this Blog until finding it tonight!
I have so much to be greatful for. Thanks to you both Cheryl & RJ!!!
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