Making changes

There are many things that I am doing that I would have never done before Anthony was born. For example, public speaking, I hated it and avoided public speaking every way possible. Since Anthony I have become a public speaker and have amazed myself at how well I present to total strangers. I have spoken to colleges, high schools, clubs such as Rotary, before boards and lots of T.V. interviews.

Another area that I avoided like many of my fellow Americans is the political arena. That scared the crap out of me, I hated it and didn't want to understand it. Well since Anthony I find myself getting deeper into it, I want to know every part of the government, I want to be part of that, I have to be part of it for all my children. Since Anthony was a year old I have been educating myself on the whole system (still have lots to learn)so when the opportunity came for me to go to Olympia (state capital) I could not pass the chance to be a voice. When my plane left Spokane in the morning I was invited to attend two appointments with a Senator and state rep, but I had called the two reps the night before and left messages for each to call me so I can meet with them. Once in Olympia I had to attend a briefing and at that briefing I was asked by my state coordinator to speak to the crowd, which I did, but while I was speaking my cell phone was buzzing. As soon as I was done speaking I left the room to check my messages, I was excited to see both numbers were Olympia numbers. I called them back and was able to book two more appointments. So, yesterday I had four appointments and it was awesome!

At these meetings we talked about the importance of my program, how many we serve, the outcomes of those who receive no services, and the possible outcomes of my program going away. I also talked about how my program costs very little to operate thanks to volunteers who are trained with a curriculum and once trained are matched to parents who need support. I tried to be a voice for all parents who have a child with disabilities and chronic health issues. I spoke from the heart and I did not hold back what was needed to be said. At the end of the day I felt really good with the work that was done.

Senator Marr wanted to know the business side of my program as well as who we serve, but I laid some warm and fuzzies on him which he responded to. I showed him the same photo of Anthony that is on this blog. He said Anthony was cute and asked if he was a hockey fan, I told him "He loves it and had a great time at the game. Spokane Chiefs played Seattle Thunderbirds that night and I want to let you all know that Spokane slaughtered Seattle". The room bursted into laughter, which is great as I can only imagine these guys don't get to laugh much right now.

Meeting with our reps was much the same. Except with Kevin Parker who is the only Republican. He is a young man with two young daughters at home. He shared with me that he has an idea of life with a child with disabiltities as his oldest daughter was a peer role model at the Guilds school. He was very excited and passionate, he wanted to know as much as I would share with him, his questions were very deep and real. He is excited to work with us and help us rally our community, he offered to have a coffee night with families the next time he is in Spokane. I really liked this guy and will make plans to work with him. He also shared with me that his wife believes and practices "Inclusion" with their children...hmmmm I wonder if she would be interested in volunteering in our schools to help me start our Buddy Program in all Spokane schools?

So, as you can see life really does go on with Down syndrome, not the same, but sweeter, richer, stronger and amazing! I am thankful my life has changed for the better, I have always wanted to leave a legacy and I whole heartedly believe that I am working to make many changes for the better of many.