Hi Mr. Bedley,

I want to thank you for the amazing seminar yesterday in Oakland. First and foremost, I appreciate, respect and empathize with your sensitivity to the issue of parents with bi-polar disorder. My mother also has bi-polar disorder. It wasn’t diagnosed or addressed until well into my adulthood, but now that I know, it sure explains a lot about my childhood. Although I was not a “difficult” child in the sense that I was volatile, I had a whole other set of “difficulties” that resulted from inadequate parenting. I find that the more I learn about discipline/ethics/values, normal and abnormal behavior, not only am I better able to help my students, but I am also better able to understand my own life. Very empowering on many levels. Which brings me to my second thank you.

Yesterday’s seminar was like a breath of fresh air, a badly needed rain, or a great big cheeseburger when you’re really hungry. While it is true that children need lots of reminders, I believe it is also true of adults. I needed to be reminded about the importance of attitude, positive influence, power of thought, etc. I feel as if my batteries have been recharged.

I especially liked what you said about the importance of language and how it affects our attitude – not burnt out, but overbooked on events – sooo true!! I definitely prefer the latter and think you have an excellent point that I look forward to sharing with the rest of my staff. I even shared many of your nuggets of wisdom with my husband. Even he was impressed because so many of these nuggets apply to all human interaction, not just to children.

I thank you again for your work and dedication. You are a great inspiration and I am really thankful I was able to attend your seminar. Wishing you the best,

Amber Hampton/Hyde

Oakland Hebrew Day School

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