Each fall, I always like to send out a little all-call encouraging people to consider attending meetings, even if you haven't in a while. Sometimes September, even if we aren't involved in an academic setting anymore, can feel like a time of new beginnings. Coming to support meetings gives you a little breathing room to spend time working through your loss, and every presence in the room also provides support for somebody else.
On the topic of coming to meetings, I should address that it is my current intention to resume my cherished role as lead facilitator for the October meeting. Originally I had been hoping to return in August, but as the weeks led up to that meeting it became readily apparent that neither our new baby nor I were prepared for that time apart. I am hoping that by October things will be more predictable allowing me to leave for the three hours necessary to lead a meeting. I look forward to coming back and meeting the new families and to having my own time to be Charlotte's mother.
