by Melissa Hudelson
Thanksgiving is approaching and like everything else in 2020, this holiday will look a little different. Many of us won’t have generations of family gathered around the table for the traditional turkey feast, and it’s sad to think about missing out on time to connect with siblings, in-laws, and cousins that we may only see once or twice a year. I am learning that lot of the changes that have come this year have also come with silver linings. While I will miss the time with extended family, it might be nice to have a small Thanksgiving with just the five of us. I am looking forward to some relaxing family time, not having to share my college kid during his limited time home, and I think I might try a new recipe that I wouldn’t risk if I was serving a larger group.
I also found some silver linings in the changes 2020 brought to KAAP operations since March. I missed interacting with members in person at our spring and fall CME meetings, but have been pleased to see members participating in virtual CME events who have not been able to attend in person meetings in the past. I met several members that I didn’t already know during committee meetings. The meetings themselves introduced new voices and educational webinars that reached more people due to the access virtual events allow. We have made stronger connections with key staff in county health departments across the state and at the state level at KDHE and KSDE that will last long after the pandemic is over.
While I am looking forward to putting 2020 in the rear view mirror, I am also appreciative of the good things we get to take with us as we met the challenges the year brought us. I hope you will take advantage of some of the many free CME opportunities KAAP is offering members in the next few months, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to get involved or need support.
