The next day is a breeze. I'm running into people from past conferences, and introducing myself to people whose work I have cited in my Newsletters. Many of these top psychiatrists are subscribers to my Newsletter. Wisely, in 2002, I went back to free subscriptions, with NPR-style fund-drives to keep me afloat. My subscription base is now a healthy 16,000. My Website has 300 articles. I write this blog for HealthCentral. I have a book out. I'm engaged in advocacy and public speaking.
The second evening of the conference is once again reserved for the Mogens Schou Awards and dinner, once more held at the Carnegie Museum. This time, I show up dressed to kill, in a black business suit and a Thomas Pink shirt that probably threw me back for far more than my suit.
This is my night. I am amongst friends. My mom is there, and my platonic date is prolifically snapping photos. The cocktail hour portion of the evening is coming to a close. It is time for me to move forward toward a small stage platform and hover. On a small table are four Plexiglas Awards, resplendently bathed in discreet overhead lighting.
Dr Kupfer issues some opening remarks and hands over the first Award of the night to Adriano Camargo, president of the Brazilian Association for Affective Disorders. Dr Frank then presents two Awards to the University of Barcelona powerhouse research team of Francesc Colom PsyD, PhD and Eduard Vieta MD, PhD. There is one Award remaining on the table.
Michael Thase approaches the podium. He has the Award in his hand. "I'm pleased tonight," he begins, "to show our gratitude for the man who is my favorite person in medical journalism..."
Drum roll:
"And that man is John McManamy."
I am now on the podium. I am now shaking hands with Dr Thase. I now have an Award crooked in my arm. The applause dies down. It is my turn to speak.
I could tell these people what it is like for me back in 2001. But no one has to know that. This is my moment, my time. I am amongst friends and well-wishers. I belong in this picture. The words flow easily...
If anyone ever asks you what recovery is all about, just show them this blog.
