I just returned from Naramata yesterday and wanted to share some photos and some moments from my weekend. It is always so nice to visit wine country on the benches above Penticton. Though not as warm as it has been in years past, we still enjoyed some sunshine and some walks along the lake. Our weekend was very full and at times we felt drained, however, at 2am while playing cards with our friends, we felt rejuvenated and carefree. It always amazes me how a group that meets once a year and is so diverse can be so united and have such a strong bond. We unite each year to celebrate, grieve, vent, laugh, cry and relax with other parents who are caring for a child with a disability. It is an experience that we treasure.





 

     The most wonderful thing happened during our closing ceremony. A mother who is new to our association explained that throughout the weekend she had a song in her head and she had been trying to ignore it. She asked if we would allow her to play it for us on the piano since the song had been so persistant. She played "Stand By Me". Not only is this lady a remarkable piano player with her own band, she is also gifted with a powerful voice. We were so moved that by the middle of the song we had all gathered around her and the piano, some singing, some crying, swaying together with arms around eachothers shoulders. It was a perfect ending.