I mentioned in an earlier post that I was invited to speak at
the 17th annual VA Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Conference. What a privilege and an honor to work alongside the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the lead investigator on the case. Plus, a chance to escape for a few days to VA Beach at no expense! What a gift!
In all honesty, as I prepared for the conference, I questioned what I had to possibly offer an audience of professionals in the fields of law enforcement, attorneys, seasoned social workers/investigators, and health care providers. Up until the seminar began, I continued to doubt what exactly I had to share that would somehow help these attendees become better advocates.
I had rehearsed my “talk” countless times after rewriting it 3
times. As a precaution, I printed out my talk making several copies “just in
case”. I also wrote up my notes on 3x5 cards which I planned to use for
reference. I didn’t want to be mic’d as I didn’t want to hear myself. I wanted a
podium for that added security of standing behind something almost as tall as
me. Plus, I knew that no one would see my knees knocking if I was behind
such.
It was almost supernatural though! Something about being in the presence of two incredibly strong and successful women gave me confidence. As I was introduced along with the two others, I felt an incredible sense of calm wash over me. I put my note cards away. I stepped away from the podium. I looked out to see a “standing room only” crowd. And yet, no butterflies. I thought of my grandmother and the past year and knew this was for her.
The seminar played out like a well orchestrated concert. The 3 of us worked together so well. One would have thought we had done this time and time again together.
My grandparent’s story and my involvement in helping were well
received. I felt incredibly supported with little to no judgment. At the
conclusion of the conference, I received a great deal of positive feedback
which was emotionally overwhelming to me. It was only then that I realized that
this tragic story could bring about good for many others. Hopefully, sharing this story may change the way such cases are handled, or better yet, prevent them all together.
the 17th annual VA Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Conference. What a privilege and an honor to work alongside the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the lead investigator on the case. Plus, a chance to escape for a few days to VA Beach at no expense! What a gift!
In all honesty, as I prepared for the conference, I questioned what I had to possibly offer an audience of professionals in the fields of law enforcement, attorneys, seasoned social workers/investigators, and health care providers. Up until the seminar began, I continued to doubt what exactly I had to share that would somehow help these attendees become better advocates.
I had rehearsed my “talk” countless times after rewriting it 3
times. As a precaution, I printed out my talk making several copies “just in
case”. I also wrote up my notes on 3x5 cards which I planned to use for
reference. I didn’t want to be mic’d as I didn’t want to hear myself. I wanted a
podium for that added security of standing behind something almost as tall as
me. Plus, I knew that no one would see my knees knocking if I was behind
such.
It was almost supernatural though! Something about being in the presence of two incredibly strong and successful women gave me confidence. As I was introduced along with the two others, I felt an incredible sense of calm wash over me. I put my note cards away. I stepped away from the podium. I looked out to see a “standing room only” crowd. And yet, no butterflies. I thought of my grandmother and the past year and knew this was for her.
The seminar played out like a well orchestrated concert. The 3 of us worked together so well. One would have thought we had done this time and time again together.
My grandparent’s story and my involvement in helping were well
received. I felt incredibly supported with little to no judgment. At the
conclusion of the conference, I received a great deal of positive feedback
which was emotionally overwhelming to me. It was only then that I realized that
this tragic story could bring about good for many others. Hopefully, sharing this story may change the way such cases are handled, or better yet, prevent them all together.