Why Orlando?

Three weeks from today I will wake up in Orlando. I know Orlando sounds like a vacation, with Disney World and Universal studios. It’s not. During the first weekend in March, it transforms into something magical. It becomes an oasis of understanding and acceptance. It is the weekend of ETAAM. It is the weekend of my Trauma Mamas.


These people are my lifeline in my journey to heal Hope. All of my feelings, nice and not so nice, all my stories, are met with acceptance and love. I do not have to wear the dozens of masks I wear each day, just to survive. I don’t have to keep my guard up, ever vigilant for an attack. I can wake up in the morning and know that I will not be attacked. 


I went to Orlando last year, not really knowing what to expect. I had meet one of the people who were going to be there, once, for a couple of hours, over dinner. I knew a couple of other people through the internet. I hate crowds were I don’t know anybody. That feeling lasted until I met up with Trauma Mamas at the airport. Trauma Mamas just get it. This weekend is for me. I will laugh and cry. I will live in the moment and just be.


When I come home, I will be refreshed and ready to pick up the battle again. I will know that my Trauma Mamas have my back. I will deal with the crazys that are inevitable on my return. 

 I go to Orlando because I belong there.