2 minute read
Oley 2023: Being Part of a Community by Sarah Ellis
Maisie and I loved our first Oley conference! A couple months later, I can see how big of an impact the community made on both of us. Of course I loved the time with other moms—it is the very best support out there. And this was one of the first times I also got to meet and talk with older kids and young adults on nutrition support. Hearing what's important to them and seeing how they thrive is amazing and helps me see what might be ahead on our journey.
Maisie would tell you her favorite part was playing with her friends! Never has she ever before stayed up late watching movies and playing hide and seek in a hotel lobby—she was living her best life. And as her mom, I once again saw there are really no limits to what she and we can do—we can hook up parenteral nutrition (PN) in the hotel lobby and not miss a moment.
I can also hear a difference in how Maisie talks about things, with a little more awareness and confidence in her voice. On the plane home from St. Louis, she made a friend with someone sitting in the row in front of us. Her new friend asked if she'd been on vacation in St. Louis. Maisie said, "No, I was at a PN conference! My friends have a line like me!" I am so grateful for the community and the connections and support we both experienced at Oley. Looking forward to next year!
