[Ohio-talk] my convention review

[Sheri Albers]

Thank you Ed, this is just the beginning of your journey in the Nfb, and I believe you are off to a great start!

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 5, 2018, at 10:07 PM, Edward Louden via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I am reluctant to send this, but I believe you all should know.  I worked on
> this since I got home.  
> 
> 
> 
> I wanted to share some of my feelings and thoughts about the 72nd NFB of
> Ohio State Convention I just attended.  
> 
> 
> 
> First I have to get something off my mind.  This is about Suzanne Turner, my
> Chapter President.  In general session we all heard that she was hurt by
> someone.  I can personally attest to this wonderfully fantastic person who
> is Suzanne.  I had the privaledge to meet her and shadow her many years ago
> when she worked at SSA in Lakewood Ohio.  She worked with my sister Kay.
> She was so kind and understanding and extremely patient with me.  So earlier
> this year when I became a braille mentor and learned about the NFB and
> observed all the other mentors in the room, I wanted to learn more about
> this group.  So I was put in touch with a name I kind of recognized, Suzanne
> Turner.  When it finally dawned on me who she was and knowing the kind of
> person she was when I met her before.  I definitely got more interested in
> what she was representing.  So I know, because I observe quite well as a
> blind person, she would not even think of treating somebody badly, not at
> all.  So I'm here to say, I'm very proud to belong to the Chapter and the
> organization of the NFB she represents.   
> 
> 
> 
> Now with that done, I'm still quite tired, but here goes.  
> 
> 
> 
> I was witness to some of the most intelligent and heart felt speeches I have
> ever heard in person.  From the National representative Denise at the
> banquet, to the one Sheri Albers (nice to have personally meet you finally)
> gave during general session on Sunday.  Both of these had me choked up and
> almost in tears.  
> 
> 
> 
> I got to hear many intelligent members of the NFB talk about what they love,
> which is all of us in the NFB.  I learned from so many of you that I'm not
> sure I'll even be able to digest it all.  From Barbara Pierce (who was my
> mentor), nice article you wrote by the way in the Monitor.  To Dr. Peters
> and Dr. Smith to a fellow veteran Lee Martin (nice story in the Monitor).
> Not to mention Eric's wisdom and knowledge.  To see how everyone interacted
> with each other.  How in a pinch you all took care of what ever was needed.
> There are many many more, but it appears I'm writing a book, so I'll try to
> finish.  
> 
> 
> 
> As many of you heard from me, (how could you not), this was my first and
> only convention ever.  So I have nothing to compare it to, but I don't know
> what could upstage it.  I did read many comments put out on this Ohio Talk
> network and I'll trust your judgement.  But for me, I was blown away.  The
> thing that totally blew me away was the voting machine in the Exhibit Hall,
> especially when the man told me that this has been available in my county
> for ten years.  No one ever told me about this.  They even told me my wife
> couldn't go to the booth with me to read the ballot, I of course wouldn't
> let that be, I vote every election.  
> 
> 
> 
> Finally, it was a honor and a delight to have met and observed so many
> leaders in this organization of the NFB of Ohio.  Especially President
> Richard Payne.  I must say though Richard, at times I didn't know how to
> take you,  but I couldn't ignore your great enthusiasm.  One thing I did
> learn,is how much you really care and love this organization.  I still have
> much to learn but I'm here to stay as a NFB member with the Cleveland
> Chapter.  
> 
> 
> 
> I thank you all so much!  
> 
> 
> 
> Ed Louden 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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