I Did It!

First of all, I want to thank you all for your prayers, love, and support this week while I got ready for my little speech at the capital. Today was the big day. With Derek, in his uniform, and Ella Grace all dressed up and by my side, we arrived at about 10:00 this morning. The meeting started at 10:00 but I was told as long as I was there by 10:30 that should be plenty of time for our turn on the agenda. Um, yeah, right.

I haven't been to the state capital since I was 12. In the sixth grade, I was a page, and had a great opportunity to learn about how our legislature works. Well, that was a long time ago and I have pretty much forgotten all that I learned from that experience. I just remember getting my picture taken with then Governor, Bill Clinton. I wish I had that picture to show you. :) I love our state capital. I really think it has to be one of the most beautiful in the nation.

To be honest, I was pretty much in freak out mode before we left the house this morning. My friend, Leslie, who is Co-Chair of this Autism Task Force told me there would be about 25 people there. Well, when we arrived, there were A LOT more than 25 people in that room. I thought I might hyperventilate! Derek stayed outside and entertained EG, and I went on in to listen to other items that were on the agenda. I must say politics is pretty interesting to me. There was one Representative that got pretty fired up when they started talking about supporting senior citizens. I think this Rep. said he was 80 years old! He was so passionate about this subject that he had to be called down for using a four letter word too much. I was astonished!

Two hours later, (yes two hours later), at 11:55 I was on. I was actually feeling a bit more calm as I sat in the meeting realizing these were all people from my state that were all there to talk about something they believed in...just like me. However, as I approached the microphone, I got a little nervous again. I introduced myself, Derek and Ella Grace and began my speech. It all went okay until I got close to the end and I did it...I cried. I cried, not once, but twice. I just couldn't help it. Two of my autism mom friends were there with there hands on my shoulders to support me the rest of the way through. I was a bit embarrassed for my display of emotions right then and there, but it just happened. I guess you can practice a speech 100 times but there is no practicing just being real. As I sat there trying to gain my composure, I heard this little voice, "Momma?" Isn't that the sweetest thing? I guess EG was making sure I was okay.

After my speech, I looked up and all of these Representatives were standing and applauding. I couldn't believe it! I KNOW it did not have anything to do with me though. I won't bore you with my entire speech. Here was just my closing remarks:

"In closing, I want to mention I have two heroes in my life. One fought for freedom for our county and one fights for freedom from autism every day."

All I can say, is getting through this experience has been by God's grace and all of your prayers. Thank you so much!

I got zero pictures today. I thought this was going to be a great day to take pictures of Ella on her first visit to the state capital, but I didn't. I guess with the excitement of it all, I just completely forgot. I have to mention she was such a trooper. She walked the halls and stairs to keep busy while we waited, waving to all the old men and stealing hearts. I think she was a big hit! Ha!

Since I have no pictures from today, I thought I would include this picture. This is Derek flying his Black Hawk over the capital for Legislative Days a couple of years back.

Oh, and I thought this was funny. My mom asked me if I saw the Representative from her town. She said, "You know...His name is "X" and he has gray hair and always wears a black suit." I was like, "Um, Mom, you just described every man that was there. That is what they all looked like. That doesn't help me out too much." We both laughed and laughed. Ha!