I have to say that I really missed everyone who went to the Spring Seminar. I heard that it was really nice. Thanks to Mike, Mary and Matt Carpenter.
This was the first time that I have missed a Seminar/Convention in 17 years. I had received many phone calls from friends and colleagues asking where I was. It was a nice feeling knowing that I was missed. I was busy that weekend sending my son off to college. Too big of an event to miss. But missing the seminar was hard too. I was so saddened to find out that they landed on the same weekend.
I really look forward to going to our meetings. One, to learn how our trade is implemented in fields of specialties which are given by the lecturers. Two, I really learn the most by talking to all of you. Finding out what works in your office. How you handle special tasks. What policies that you implement. What you tried that may not have worked so well, that I will try to avoid! What works really well.
I really miss catching up on some of your family lives. I have been around for so long, that it seems like I not only know you, but some of your families as well.
I think of our organization as an extension of my family. I really missed not being able to go to one of our family reunions.