This has been an amazing day, I am already fired up from the inspirational people I’ve met this evening at the National Eating Disorder Association Conference. My brain is already brimming and the conference has barely started.
My first ‘AHA’ moment of the day occured as I was waiting for a flight in the Houston airport. I have been reading ‘The Children’s Act’ by Ian McEwan. The narrator is a judge who decides a difficult case wherein a family’s religious beliefs prevent them from agreeing to a life-saving treatment for their 17 year old son. The hospital appeals to the courts to allow the treatment, and after significant deliberation (SPOILER ALERT), the judge rules that the hospital can administer the treatment. Tough decision – right? After his treatment and recovery, the young man writes the judge with the insight that it was actually the best possible outcome; the family held true to their religious beliefs AND his life was saved, since the decision for treatment was TAKEN OUT OF THEIR HANDS. Talk about your Win Win situation! (SPOILER ALERT postscript – the rest of the book isn’t quite so uplifting… but I chose to ignore that for purposes of this specific epiphany.)
When I read that part, I got chills, because that is EXACTLY what it was like to stand up to my daughter’s eating disorder. ED wouldn’t let my daughter choose to eat, so we took that decision away from her in order to provide the life-saving treatment she needed. I have read accounts of sufferers expressing relief when their parents ‘made’ them eat; allowing them to eat without debilitating anxiety and guilt — because they had no choice in the matter, no matter how loudly ED screamed in their ear. A win, win, lose situation, with ED being the loser.
The conference hotel is in downtown San Antonio – it is absolutely beautiful (and it better be at these prices!) We had some introductory sessions this evening, and I’ve met several beautiful young ladies that are recovered and helping others in a variety of ways. I have also met several other parents, including a dad who shared his heart-breaking story about his 17 year old daughter who continues to struggle after several rounds of hospitalization.
There are many exhibitors that are largely treatment providers from around the country. Next year I want to set up a stand and sell ED punching bags and dart boards. I think they would sell like hot cakes!