Widows Conference Details

I spent the weekend in San Diego at a conference for widows. The entire concept made me nervous for a couple reasons. For one it’s for widows. I didn’t know what to expect. How many people would be there? Could I relate to them? Would I be the youngest? And second because I’m a major introvert. Conferences are not my thing. I like to meet people, but I hate the work involved in meeting them. I am still the same shy girl that I was in kindergarten.

It was not a room full of gray heads. There weren’t canes and walkers being pushed about. This was a room full of everyday women, young and old, and even some men. Introductions typically went like this, “Hi, I’m so and so. So how did your husband die?” It was strange. Heartbreaking. Young or old their stories were touching. I didn’t hear a single story of someone dying of old age. They were mostly healthy people dying of tragic accidents in everyday situations, heart issues or blood clots. And all sudden.

I hoped that the sessions would not be interactive. But, of course, first session, first words muttered were “This will be an interactive class.” I wanted to run for the door. Every introverted fiber in my body froze. Even though I wanted to run, I didn’t. It would be too obvious.

Lunch came, and with it the resource expo. Many authors were at the tables selling their books. I was tempted to buy each one. Also an organization that I like to support was there- The Liz Logelin Foundation. They financially support widow/ers who’ve lost their loved ones and need some extra help. Simple concept, great impact.

Once the sessions ended I went for a short walk along the marina. A perfect place to unwind. Time to get ready for the dinner, so I skipped the elevator and its ceaseless traffic jam, instead climbing up many, many stairs to get to my 9th floor hotel room. Leisurely got ready and finally headed back down to dinner.

At last, some comic relief. One of the speakers at dinner was hilarious. If only the whole day had been like it. You know, like traffic school. Nobody wants traffic school, but if it’s comedy traffic school then it makes it bearable. After the weight of everything from the day, I desperately needed to laugh.

Making laughing my new official favorite hobby. Forget sewing, hiking, reading. So if you have a joke, or really anything that will make me laugh don’t hold back.

After dinner I went with some friends up to the lounge at the top of the Hyatt. What an amazing view. Finally felt like I could be more myself talking with some friends as a smaller group. Wonderful.

Crashed out with overly optimistic hopes of waking early to do the 5K walk with everyone. Didn’t make it. Slept in. The bed was perfect. It rivals the Westin beds and even my own bed @ home.

I planned to spend the entire day in San Diego. But almost as soon as I opened my eyes I was looking forward to being home with Nolan. Left the hotel with grand plans of going to GasLamp Quarter or Balboa Park and jetted to the freeway to come home instead. I am glad I did. Here’s how the rest of the day went: