Getting to that age when people I have worked with are suddenly gone, yet children are still in the house.
Reflecting on our “boring” weekend at home, when I am happy to have some time to myself, to sort my files, photos, videos, papers, laundry and lots of other stuff too numerous to elucidate.
I guess the empty nest syndrome will hit me one day too? My boys are all sensible enough to know how to have a good time and still appreciate the comfort of home.
What I wanted to write about today was a tribute to David Turner (RIP).
In 2008 I helped organize the Beyond 2008 Conference at the VIC on behalf of the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs (VNGOC).
It was the first ever conference organized by the NGO community where the Permanent Missions and UN Staff were the observers and the NGO representatives were the actual conference participants. Then  I became secretary of the VNGOC and David was the President. We went to Rome for an executive commitee planning meeting in January 2009.
Queen Sylvia of Sweden came to Vienna in March where the VNGOC was invited to the Swedish Embassy for a reception.
Queen Sylvia receives appreciation from David Turner on behalf of VNGOC
I don’t post so much these days because I don’t really want to attract a lot of attention. What I do now has little to do with what I did then. However, I have this photo of David presenting Queen Sylvia with a tribute for her support of the activities of the VNGOC. Her comment was: “Even a queen likes to get recognition”.
Thank you, Queen Sylvia for all your support of activities of the VNGOC.
Thank you David Turner for your leadership and perseverance and the opportunity to support you in the VNGOC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVHWc5BymC0&index=1&list=PL_Jb7hpdbwkxzhXlaMI449UcKuYxQD5i3
Raphaela, where is the photo of me shaking hands with the Queen?