NAMI National Annual Convention in San Diego was a Blast!!

There are so many GREAT things to talk about regarding my attendance at the NAMI 2007 Annual Convention. The convention was held in San Diego, California, on June 20 - 24. If the location isn't GREAT enough for you read on.

My number one GREAT thing was the congenial environment we Okies brought with us and maintained around us, during our stay there. I was reminded of my family reunions; at my family reunions I arrive with love ones, upon my arrival I am reacquainted with distant cousins and other family members, invariably I always meet new family members instant bonds are formed. There were approximately 45 Oklahomans, in San Diego. NAMI Oklahoma (Through a grant from the Innovation Center) was able to offer 23 Convention Scholarships. The purpose of the scholarship was to support organizational development within NAMI Oklahoma affiliates. The award covered, airline fare, three (3) nights of lodging, and registration for the NAMI National Convention. At the convention we embraced each other much like cousins, instant bonds were formed. I was gitty with delight the song “We are family” vibrated in my mine; you may or may not know that song from the 1960's. However, there is another song I heard a lot while there, one I am sure you know. Nearly every time when I was asked "where I was from"? After I answered, the questioner would break into - - “OKLAHOMA where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain…” It seems everyone in the country has heard our state song. I was Oklahoma proud when Terry Cline one of the Opening Plenary guest speakers was introduced. Our own Terry Cline former Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, who now heads the Federal Department for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, was born and raised in Ardmore, OK, and is a graduate of Oklahoma State University; he spoke to hundreds of people on "Treatment, Leadership and Promising Practices... in mental health/illnesses in America. After his talk Terry received a standing ovation. I found myself behaving like a groupie. I ran on stage, asked him to pose for a photograph with me, I gave him a hug as if I was greeting a long lost cuz. Later, Terry came to our Oklahoma Caucus and took a picture with the Oklahoma delegation. The "Cream de la Cream", of the day, came for me when Terry recognized Steve Buck, ED of NAMI OK my "Servant Leader" and "Boss" Steve, Terry said is, "the man he looks up to as much as any". Terry praised Steve for his superb advocacy and leadership on Mental Health issues, it does not get much better than that, for Oklahoma Mental Health/Illness issues. That was my GREATEST happening at the NAMI National Convention. Where NAMI OK had a family reunion. You are welcome to join our GREAT NAMI OK family!