Badges/Adding/ Methodists/Links/Roommates/Opportunities/ transplant marriage - 6/06

Sat Jun 17 15:06:02 EDT 2006

- SOME BADGES JUST ARRIVING
- SPOUSE JOINING 
- UNITED METHODISTS ON 10TH FLOOR
- LINKS 
- ROOMMATES 
- "BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES" - THAT'S HOW THESE ARE LISTED
- ORGAN TRANSPLANT MARRIAGES

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- SOME BADGES JUST ARRIVING

> Thanks, Diane, After I wrote to you, I opened mail and found a single sheet of
> paper with my name, (3X5) no company affiliation, and the schedule sessions
> for which I have registered. And how, might I ask, are you thinking we are to
> "wear the badge on our lapel"? Fortunately, I have some badge holders which
> will fit the paper you sent me. I am disappointed.
> Rosemary Hendrix 

The badge should also have your city and state.  With 2,000 coming from
every state and 20 countries, that's what people are looking for - "Where
are you from?". You should have also received a 4-page badge mailing letter.
Was that not included?   We have badge holders when you get there.   Sorry
you are disappointed with the badge.  Hope you like the conference.   -diane

###########################
- SPOUSE JOINING 

> DIANE, MY WIFE IS NOW JOINING ME AND I SAW THAT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO REGISTER
> IMMEDIATELY TOGETHER.  I HAVE REGISTERED WEEKS AGO AND WE HAVE JUST DISCOVERED
> SHE CAN ATTEND AS WELL.  WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO EXPEDITE THIS?
> THANK YOU.
> BOB UHLE

I will forward this to the registrar and they will have her badge ready at
the conference registration desk.  As it says in the badge mailing letter,
we will extend the early-bird spouse rate if you add her.  Or, you can be
sure it gets done by calling 800-314-1921 on Monday.  Hit extension 22 or
extension "0".  - diane
###########################

- UNITED METHODISTS ON 10TH FLOOR

> United Methodists are invited to meet for lunch on the 10th floor of  the
> hotel during the noon breaks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Please join us
> for at least one of those days or maybe all three. You can purchase a box
> lunch at the take-out restaurant on the 4th floor of the hotel and bring it
> upstairs so that we can visit and share. Look for the cross and flame posters.
> We will also have  stickers for your badges to help you network with other
> UMs. -  Jane Ives

###########################
- LINKS 

I know I've sent all the info in the Badge Mailing letters, but some of you
would rather do it "online' - so here are some last min links.  I can vouch
for the MARTA as the best way to get to the hotel.  Or, at least the least
expensive and quickest.  No worry about rush hour traffic, and it's only
$1.75.  Catch Marta right outside baggage claim and get off at Peachtree
Center. http://itsmarta.com/

Not good if you have lots of baggage.  For other transportation, see:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/transportation.atlanta.html

For all kinds of Atlanta info, see:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/hotel.travel.html

##############################
- ROOMMATES 

I am no longer arranging roommates - too late for that, BUT I can almost
guarantee that you'll be able to match up and find a roommate using the
Message Boards at the conference.  Just post a notice.  If you have a room
in the Marriott and are willing to share and split costs, you'll find
someone that got shut out of the Marriott that will be happy to move in with
you.  - diane 

###########################
- "BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES" - THAT'S HOW THESE ARE LISTED

HHS
Program Support Center
Division of Acquisition Management
U--DEVELOP A NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR THE PROMOTION OF RESPONSIBLE
FATHERHOOD
Synopsis
http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/PSC/DAM/06Y009201/listing.html

HHS
Program Support Center
Division of Acquisition Management
B -- Evaluation of the ACF Responsible Fatherhood, Marriage and Family
Strengtening Grants for Incarcerated and Re-entering Fathers and Their
Partners
Amendment 02
http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/PSC/DAM/06EASPE060044/listing.html

################################
- ORGAN TRANSPLANT MARRIAGES
We live in amazing times. When I extol the ability of programs like PAIRS
and Retrouvaille to save even the most troubled marriages, my litany has
included "marriages rocked by infidelity, substance abuse, bankruptcy, job
loss, infertility, illness, the death of a child...."  I'll have to add
transplants. And, of course, more and more often, stroke, heart attack, and
recovery from war wounds.  The transplant article inspired many emails that
emphasize that our wonderful medical progress brings with it steroids and
all manner of mood and marriage altering effects.  Our very first Smart
Marriages Conference waaaaay back in 1997, included a keynote by
cardiologist, Dr Marty Sullivan of The Duke Center For Living, about his use
of the PAIRS program with heart attack recovery couples. He'd come to
realize that including couples skills -- how to handle stress, conflict,
appreciations -- was absolutely critical in recovery, in preventing further
incidents.  Wayne Sotile has presented numerous times for us on the
challenges of dealing with chronic illness in marriage including this
session: #754-504 "After the Diagnosis: Marriage Matters! Wayne Sotile, PhD
Good  marital functioning is never more important than when facing chronic
illness. Learn a practical, tested model to help couples not just manage but
thrive."  And, Jana Staton, is, again in Atlanta, chairing a panel on
including marriage strengthening, skill-based programs in medical treatment,
which as Terry Hargrave pointed out so eloquently in his opening keynote at
last year's Smart Marriages conference will be the "Challenge of the
Decade".  At least we never run out of work to do.  I'll share just one of
the "for better, for worse" letters below.   - diane

> 318 - Atlanta, Fri June 23
> Getting Your Foot in the Healthcare Door
> Jana Staton, PhD, Scott Haltzman, MD, DeWitt Baldwin, MD,
> Carolyn Curtis, PhD, Greg Deitchler, MA
> Learn how marriage educators are collaborating with hospitals, health care
> systems and mental health centers to offer marriage programs for new parents,
> cardio rehab, physicians and others.

> Diane,
> My wife and I have been married 25 years (a great gift I must say!).  When I
> was 17, I contracted a rare disease which damaged my kidneys.  Dialysis
> followed soon after, and an awesome gift from a cadaver donor came 1 year or
> so later.  When I was 20, I never thought I'd live to see 30.  I turn fifty
> next week, and am among the most blessed of men to be married to a woman who
> has stood by me through two additional kidney transplants, the last being
> February of 2005.  We have traversed deep darkness and been bathed in great
> joy.  Every day is a gift, and the little things seem to have the most amazing
> meaning.  God has been our refuge and strength.  Amazing friends have
> supported us through the years.  Thirty years of steroids and
> immunosuppressants don't just take their toll on one's body, they wreck havoc
> upon moods and relationships.  My wife has been a pillar..., not that she
> could not be distressed or worn thin, but that she would not break.  A more
> remarkable woman you will not find.
>  
> As a marriage counselor, I am grateful to get to sit with couples mired in
> seemingly hopeless conflict.  It brings tremendous satisfaction to help
> engaged couples prepare for the exhilarating and exhausting journey which lies
> ahead.  For the men, I can come alongside as one who has been, and still at
> times is an extreme knucklehead.  For the women, my wife offers hope, and
> tenacity, perseverance and faith.  Marriage is worth fighting for.  If our
> lives are extended, God must have a purpose for our pain, and some further use
> for our battered bodies and enlivened souls.
>  
> This past year, I have become involved in an effort to bring a Community
> Marriage Policy and a marriage strengthening movement to Central Ohio.  I have
> the privilege of going around to local churches and meeting with pastors and
> lay leaders.  God must have a great sense of humor to send this shuffling
> teetering and wobbly guy who walks like an old geezer, to bring a passionate
> call to the faith community to unite, despite all their differences, to rally
> together to save marriages.  Transplants, infidelity, bankruptcy, infertility,
> chronic illness, step-families, mental illness, sexual addiction, and even
> death should not deter us from seeking healing for marriages which are rocked
> to their very core.
>  
> Thank you for sharing the stories of transplant marriages.  More of the word
> needs to get out so those going through it can have hope and find practical
> help for their marriages.  We had very little guidance, but excellent support!
>  
> I am looking forward with great anticipation to attending in Atlanta later
> this month, for my initial exposure to the Smart Marriages Conference.
> Peace to you
> Bob Uhle
> Director, WellSpring Counseling
> 

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10th Annual Smart Marriages Conference, Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel,
June 22-25, 2006
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Diane Sollee, Director
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