Almost two weeks ago I told you about our pending trip to
Dallas. Now we are back and all that I can say is that my experience was much
greater than anything I ever could have imagined. The event, the National MS
Society's Annual Leadership Conference, started on Thursday and ended on
Saturday and in between were general sessions, breakout sessions, gala dinners,
entertainment and more than 500 of the nicest, kindest and most caring people
that you could ever meet.
Then it occurred to me. “Of course they are nice. After all,
this is a cause.” The people who work for the MS Society are a kind and caring
bunch, otherwise they would not work there. The people who volunteer and
contribute at this level are kind and caring, otherwise they wouldn't be there.
To be immersed, among and gathered with all of these people was an
absolute joy. It was a great thrill for me and a weekend that was filled with
praIses and accolades. I do not know if that is because of the job that I
did or because they are so darn nice. Either way, it sure felt good.
There were X Games Gold Medal winners, Clay Walker, David Osmond
and a very talented 10-year-old girl who brought the house down when she sang
“the Climb”. There were astronomical fundraisers who have raised millions of
dollars for the society, activists who have helped make great changes in how
Medicare treats those of us living with MS. There were students who were
scholarship winners, researchers and clinicians. Barbecues, cocktails and a video being shot that had everybody singing
and dancing.
In other words, it was fun, moving, informative and inspiring.
It was everything that you could hope for at an event like this. It was without
a doubt one of the best experiences of my life. My only hope is that someday
all of you have the opportunity to attend an MS Leadership Conference.
Who knows? Maybe next year we can all meet up in Denver at the
next conference.
Participate. Make a difference. Live a life
that matters.
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