Bright and early this morning I caught that big steel bird headed north – from Atlanta to Philly and then on to Providence, Rhode Island for the ATTACh conference, where I’m connecting with hundreds of parents and therapists of traumatized and attachment-affected children. And frankly, I grateful to be able to be here, given all the hair-raising and hair-shaving events of the past few days.

Having discovered that the Stinky Cheese Monster was to blame for much of LuLu’s ills, things are much better around our place, so Super Dad decided he could keep everyone alive for a few days, and I decide that the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN) needed my presence where it was originally planned.

So maybe this is a small request...but I really wish my luggage would have made the same trip as I have. But so far, the whereabouts of my one bag, which held my clothes and possessions for the next 4 days, is unknown. It’s my own fault, for taking the flight that required I changed not only airplanes, but airlines...and in Philadelphia no less. Sorry all of you from the City of Brotherly Love, but I know it as the City of Lost Luggage. And so far, it’s holding true to form.

The amazing thing about this, is that deep down, I really don’t care. I needed the respite. Yes, I miss my toothbrush and curling iron. I’m pretty sure the rest of the people would prefer that I wear makeup and deodorant tomorrow. But the truth is, I’m getting a break from the 24/7 of LuLu, and I’m spending the time among people who “get it”. Therapists and parents of children like mine...who may or may not have other disabilities, but have profoundly affected by their early childhoods of abuse and neglect.

I watch the faces of the other moms who are here...many I have met, but some I haven’t. Most have come for education, ideas, advice. But what we’re really looking for is the assurance that we’re not alone – that we’re not the ones lost.

And that makes it worth the trip, the lost luggage and all the headaches, to get a break to regroup our thoughts and to get to know that we’re not alone.

So, the only thing that is lost in this post...is my luggage!