After quickly getting ready for the evening ahead, I grabbed a taxi to go to The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Atrium Ballroom at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue. There was a cocktail reception for the first hour, where we had a chance to view the Heart Gallery and mingle again with all the nominees. Everyone sparkled and glowed...we all cleaned up pretty good !! hahaha It was so beautiful and grown up. Don't get a chance to do that alot, but that's okay too. I love the break from my normal routine, but can't stop wondering what John and the kids would think if they were here. We were soon summoned by the dinner gongs to head into the atrium for dinner. What a beautiful setting. I walked in in awe. I was seated at my assigned table with my fellow CT nominee Debra Schwartz,and family, along with a NY nominee whos name escapes me now. To my pleasant surprise, my representative Christopher Murphy's office sent one of his staffers, Linda Forman. She came to represent him, as well as just accompany/guide me through the evenings festivities. She was very pleasant and we had a great time chatting. But we barely had time to sit, when 2 staffers ran up to our table and asked where Doris Doucette is?? and Debra Schwartz?? I thought..ok what did I do?? Well it seems, Senator Chris Dodd was presenting this evening and wanted to
meet us and have pictures taken with him. He was one of the first speakers, so we hurried forward and chatted briefly. Linda used my camera for pictures as well as two other photographers. He was very pleasant and congratulated us for our work and discussed his plans to go home, and spend time with his young family (kids 2.0 - as we older parents call it, when we start all over again) Well, that was a surprise and as I headed back to my seat the speakers began and Mr Dodd gave Debra and me a shout out from the podium. There had to be about 500 people there. I have to say that I was so bedazzled, trying to soak up everything. There was a young man that came up to sing, Jimmy Wayne. He spoke of his experience in adoption and there is where I hit the brick wall.... Just hearing his story remind me of all my kids, and how I hope that they, some day, will have a story/testimony to tell, that will move people, as this young mans story did to me. I just missed everyone so much and wished that they were hear to see all this.
We were honored to be nominated along with the National Angels in Adoption .. Krisitin Chenowith (of TV-GLEE), Extreme Makeover:Home Edition !!(accepted by the Executive producer) and Rhea Perlman (CHEERS- TV) Each was honored for their work in either bringing attention to Foster and Adoptionin their work, or their work with lawmakers to help change/improve Foster/Adoption issues. The evening was passing so quickly. The food was wonderful and the whole program ran so smoothly. CCAI (Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute) put together a wonderful 3 days of tours, learning and fellowship. The Gala was truly the icing on the cake. I think Kristin put it best when she said " I am not worthy, but I am honored" I have now adopted that for myself .. Because as I received and prepared for this trip and award I couldn't think of what to say when people would compliment us..what can you say, when you just do what you do, because it was always meant for you to do. I am physically, mentally and emotionally drained....all in a good way. I was just overloaded in all areas. I have met wonderful people, so deserving of the honor, that we have all received. I enjoyed myself so much and have so many people to thank.
First I thank God for giving me a ministry that I pray each day, I fulfill in the way that is pleasing to him.. My husband, for graciously staying home with the kids to allow me to go and receive this award for US. My kids for their love and support. My parents for their financial help, as well as just being there for me physicaly and in spirit - (I know there was alot of prayers going on in the background) To my brother and sisiter in law, Earl and Lenae for their love, support and the sweet way that they are like cheerleaders in our ministry. To my sister and brother in law, Inge and Fran for their encourgement, support, and the strength that they give me with their words and spirit.(thanks for all the jewelery too) A special thanks to Deb Kelleher for taking our story along with others to Represtative Murphy. She was a special place in our heart and is herself an angel with all she does to help recruit people to become partners in this worthy cause. To Representative
Christopher Murphy and his wonderful staff. Thank you for the nomination and for taking the time in your very busy schedule to see me and talk with me -special shout to Linda for hanging with me at the Gala..you were very sweet and look forward to talking with you again. I also need to thank my Church family for their prayers and blessings to go on this trip- I felt very confident once I got their blessing. And it was a great blessing to have the meals come to John, so I knew they taken well care of. I also thank DCF, FAM, and CAFAP for their support and encouragemnt. And to all of our friends and coworkers for their love and
support. And thank you too, to all my new friends that helped me on the trip and made me feel safe and welcome as a married woman traveling alone. Special shout out to Zina, Debra, Robin, Joe and Kim, Leigh and Patrick and those whose name I couldn't remember...God knows who they all are, and He will bless them..
This is an event that I will not soon forget. I feel honored and recharged, and full of ideas that I hope will equip me for the continued fight. Thank you all - Doris (Connecticut)
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
PINNING CEREMONY - WEDNESDAY
Wasn't planning on getting up so early - I didn't have anything planned until Noon, but the alarm went off and I figured I might as well get up and make a day of it. My dad had come down on a midnight train to come and take pictures, and support me and his train arrived at 7 AM. I called him to find out where he was at, to be able to catch up with him, and maybe advise him on some sights in the area. (yeah- like I was the expert now) We met in front of Union Station, after I successfully navigated all the correct subway trains - hehehe. And started walking slowly towards the Capitol. My feet and legs appreciated that. We decided to check out the Thomas Jefferson Library of Congress. It was another building where you just stood in awe of the carvings, paintings and Marble.. We spent some time there and sat outside as well. We slowly made our way to the Cannon Building again to where the lunch and pin ceremony was to be held. As we entered into the building, we checked the directory for this building, and found that our Representaive Christopher Murphy's office was upstairs, so we went up and stopped in the office to say hello and thank them for the nomination, as well as the help and advise about traveling while we were in DC. The Executive Assistant , Jessica was very nice and we enjoyed our brief tour and stay. We then went back down to the area where they were having the lunch and were able to sneak in a little early and just sit at our assign table. My tootsies appreciated that... At our table, it was nice to be able to meet the other CT nominee Debra Schwartz from Jewish Family Services, and the nominee from MA. We had a nice lunch, and the pinning ceremony began. Senator Landrieu spokeabout her work and thanked us for our efforts and asked us to continue to advocate for our children. Each person/couple came up to recieve their pin and a certificate. Pictures were taken with the Senator as well. My dad opted to take video at the time since there was already a photographer there. I went back to my seat and one of the ladies I met on the first day, Debra, came and pinned me. Dad took a picture. The ceremony complete, we congradulated one another and made our way back to Hotels to get ready for the Gala. My father was going to make his way back to Union Station to catch his train back. It was so very nice of him to come all that way, to really just be there for a couple of hours. Though he didn't have to do it, I appreciated that he did - And I know that if it were possible my whole Family would have been here if they could have, but they were here in my heart and spirit, and together we accepted this award. Thanks Papa.. Have to add that my dad stopped to meet the ladies I befriended and joked with them, that he was leaving, but he better not have to come back down and bail us ladies out of jail (we were having so much fun) to which Debra didn't skip a beat.. Leave the bail money here !!! HAHAHA - thats my new girls !!! God Love them, they made me laugh alot over the last few days.
Well I detoured and walked back to the area of E st and NewJersey to get a picture of a fire house I saw built in very early 1800's. I was so quaint and I knew my hubby, John, would want me to stop in, say hi, and get something. I went in and introduced myself and mentioned my husband was a fire marshal for CT and asked to buy a Tee shirt. I purchased their Tee shirt some patches and challenge coin. It was neat, they even had a museum on the 3 floor.. If I ever get back to DC, I am gonna go on that tour, was bummed I didn't have t he time to do it today... But had to get back to hotel to gussy-up for the big night. I stopped in Union Station to buy some souveniors for the kids, since I got my "big kid" already squared away, and then caught the Metro back to the Hotel. When all was said and done, I had an hour to get ready and grab a cab and get to the Ronald Reagan Building. I will post seperately on that part of the day - There is so much to say and express about the magnitude of that event.
Well I detoured and walked back to the area of E st and NewJersey to get a picture of a fire house I saw built in very early 1800's. I was so quaint and I knew my hubby, John, would want me to stop in, say hi, and get something. I went in and introduced myself and mentioned my husband was a fire marshal for CT and asked to buy a Tee shirt. I purchased their Tee shirt some patches and challenge coin. It was neat, they even had a museum on the 3 floor.. If I ever get back to DC, I am gonna go on that tour, was bummed I didn't have t he time to do it today... But had to get back to hotel to gussy-up for the big night. I stopped in Union Station to buy some souveniors for the kids, since I got my "big kid" already squared away, and then caught the Metro back to the Hotel. When all was said and done, I had an hour to get ready and grab a cab and get to the Ronald Reagan Building. I will post seperately on that part of the day - There is so much to say and express about the magnitude of that event.
CAPITOL HILL DAY - TUESDAY
Well I dragged my "sore" butt out of bed by 7 and readied for my day on "The Hill". Well, I have to be honest here, I was on the Metro (subway) and as I so confidently got off the Orange line, transferred off onto the Red line, I realized I was on the right train in the wrong direction !! I didnt dare tell my husband, because he has been so worrried about me anyway. But I was able to figure it out and got off on the next stop and got myself in the right direction again. Thats onething about traveling here. I am a person that travels by "markers" not so much by street signs. And have been discombobulated a number of times while trying to get my bearings. It is very different here. I look around on the Metro and think - the people rush to and fro and look like ants in a colony to me. Its a fast pace for this country girl...but I also need to say. that they are also. some of the most helpful people I have encountered in a long time too. It is a maze in DC and most people come here from somewhere else and I think they help others. as others have helped them - ITS COOL.
Well I was late, but I traveled back to the visitor center where we met in a meeting room . Here we had members of Congress, and staff from key Congressional committees speak and answer questions on Foster and Adoption issues. Teens "aging out", long drawn-out adoption proceses, International adoptions and Opening adoption records were just a few of the topics touched on. We then broke up into smaller groups and were lead by Jason Matthews (director of Congressional and Public Affairs Division.) His record in DC is extensive, but include his work with Senator Mary Landrieu, a chanpion for Foster and Adoption, work with CCAI (Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute) and work with ASF (Adoption and Safe Families Act) of 1997. He first took us to lunch were we chatted about who nominated us and what we were nominated for. We had a nice time talking with other Angels and seeing what issues they face in their home states. My group consisted of families repressented from NJ, IL, NE, FL, CA, PA, WV and of course little ole me "Miss CT', as my new friends from NE called me !! We went to the Cannon Building, where we first met with NJ Rep staffers to say hello, introduce ourselves and relate on a personal level our concerns. I related to this and other Reps that I would like to see Adoptions be made easier and faster to give permancy to the children here in the US - It is sad that a big reason why most people adopt outside of the US, is because the 'process" is too long and the chance of losing the child due to lengthy process is too great. I also stated that we need to strengthen our efforts to help the teens that are aging out of the system with no prospects. I was amazed at the similiarities of our states plights and at sometimes I saw that CT really was better then some. My friends in NE, Kim and Joe, work with teen boys (over 300) and work within a system that is very broken, and they continue the good fight. Their fight and others, were so sad to hear. I think I am glad I work/live in CT. We ain't perfect, but we are trying. And so the battle goes on....
Our next stop was to Daniel Lipinski IL rep staffer where we were welcomed and again we voiced our concerned. The next hour we met with Adrian Smith NE rep and spoke again and allowed Kim and Joe to
really get to speak to broken state of NE and the need to audit what is going on there. By this time it is now
3:30 and we have walked about 5 miles. My feet and legs are continplating a mutiny.... We walk to catch a bus that takes us to the White House Reception at the Eisenhower Executive Building. (attached to the actual White House). Well we show our photo ID and have ourselves metal detected for the 5th time that day. I have to say the building was so architectually appealing to me. I love some of that old craftsmenship. We were all led to a room where Melody Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy council and Tina Tchen, director of White House of Public Engagement and Joshua Dubois Director of White House office of Faith based and Neighborhood partnership, talked to us and answered maybe 5 questions. I have to be honest here. This was not at all what I thought it would be... I thought we would have had more of an oppurtunity he hear what they do. And get some ideas to bring back. For all the time and energy it took to get us in a room to sit on a floor and just hear that we do a great job and keep it up... it was a little bit of a let down to me. But I may have read more into this event then I should have.
Well it was now almost 6 PM and I need to get back to my hotel and get dinner. I had found an interesting place called the "Melting Pot" and decided I wanted to check it out. My friends of the previous day, ZIna, Robin and Debra had thought they might want to go, but were too tired to make the trip out to where I was staying. Another couple from NE, Leigh and Patrick, caught a cab with me back, we weren't gonna walk another step. We had a good laugh in the cab... Poor Leigh gets car sick and was mentioning how the Metro (Subway) made here very sick the night before, what was funny was, as we were talking the cab driver was rolling down his window.. And Leigh confronts him and asks if he opened it because of her...He sheepishly says yes... and who could blame him..self preservtion - hahaha. On our way to hotel we bumped into Kim and Joe and all agreed to go out together to eat just a couple of blocks away. We had fun with Fondue...It was a different, yet fun experience - none of us had every done this and thnk God the waiter was so patient with us. We talked, laughed and enjoyed a "grown ups" night out. I am so glad they let tag along with them at times, or followed me on one of my excursions. I take back with me their plights in my heart and also take their ideas. They are both deserving wonderful couples that I will not soon forget. It is late and I don' t need to get up in the morning, but was too tire to type all that I have, after that long day. But if you got tired reading it...imagine how tired I was doig it HAHAHA - thanks for following my blog.
Well I was late, but I traveled back to the visitor center where we met in a meeting room . Here we had members of Congress, and staff from key Congressional committees speak and answer questions on Foster and Adoption issues. Teens "aging out", long drawn-out adoption proceses, International adoptions and Opening adoption records were just a few of the topics touched on. We then broke up into smaller groups and were lead by Jason Matthews (director of Congressional and Public Affairs Division.) His record in DC is extensive, but include his work with Senator Mary Landrieu, a chanpion for Foster and Adoption, work with CCAI (Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute) and work with ASF (Adoption and Safe Families Act) of 1997. He first took us to lunch were we chatted about who nominated us and what we were nominated for. We had a nice time talking with other Angels and seeing what issues they face in their home states. My group consisted of families repressented from NJ, IL, NE, FL, CA, PA, WV and of course little ole me "Miss CT', as my new friends from NE called me !! We went to the Cannon Building, where we first met with NJ Rep staffers to say hello, introduce ourselves and relate on a personal level our concerns. I related to this and other Reps that I would like to see Adoptions be made easier and faster to give permancy to the children here in the US - It is sad that a big reason why most people adopt outside of the US, is because the 'process" is too long and the chance of losing the child due to lengthy process is too great. I also stated that we need to strengthen our efforts to help the teens that are aging out of the system with no prospects. I was amazed at the similiarities of our states plights and at sometimes I saw that CT really was better then some. My friends in NE, Kim and Joe, work with teen boys (over 300) and work within a system that is very broken, and they continue the good fight. Their fight and others, were so sad to hear. I think I am glad I work/live in CT. We ain't perfect, but we are trying. And so the battle goes on....
Our next stop was to Daniel Lipinski IL rep staffer where we were welcomed and again we voiced our concerned. The next hour we met with Adrian Smith NE rep and spoke again and allowed Kim and Joe to
really get to speak to broken state of NE and the need to audit what is going on there. By this time it is now
3:30 and we have walked about 5 miles. My feet and legs are continplating a mutiny.... We walk to catch a bus that takes us to the White House Reception at the Eisenhower Executive Building. (attached to the actual White House). Well we show our photo ID and have ourselves metal detected for the 5th time that day. I have to say the building was so architectually appealing to me. I love some of that old craftsmenship. We were all led to a room where Melody Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy council and Tina Tchen, director of White House of Public Engagement and Joshua Dubois Director of White House office of Faith based and Neighborhood partnership, talked to us and answered maybe 5 questions. I have to be honest here. This was not at all what I thought it would be... I thought we would have had more of an oppurtunity he hear what they do. And get some ideas to bring back. For all the time and energy it took to get us in a room to sit on a floor and just hear that we do a great job and keep it up... it was a little bit of a let down to me. But I may have read more into this event then I should have.
Well it was now almost 6 PM and I need to get back to my hotel and get dinner. I had found an interesting place called the "Melting Pot" and decided I wanted to check it out. My friends of the previous day, ZIna, Robin and Debra had thought they might want to go, but were too tired to make the trip out to where I was staying. Another couple from NE, Leigh and Patrick, caught a cab with me back, we weren't gonna walk another step. We had a good laugh in the cab... Poor Leigh gets car sick and was mentioning how the Metro (Subway) made here very sick the night before, what was funny was, as we were talking the cab driver was rolling down his window.. And Leigh confronts him and asks if he opened it because of her...He sheepishly says yes... and who could blame him..self preservtion - hahaha. On our way to hotel we bumped into Kim and Joe and all agreed to go out together to eat just a couple of blocks away. We had fun with Fondue...It was a different, yet fun experience - none of us had every done this and thnk God the waiter was so patient with us. We talked, laughed and enjoyed a "grown ups" night out. I am so glad they let tag along with them at times, or followed me on one of my excursions. I take back with me their plights in my heart and also take their ideas. They are both deserving wonderful couples that I will not soon forget. It is late and I don' t need to get up in the morning, but was too tire to type all that I have, after that long day. But if you got tired reading it...imagine how tired I was doig it HAHAHA - thanks for following my blog.
Monday, October 4, 2010
TOUR DAY Monday
I left this morning at 8:30AM and got back at 9:30PM. Long day...yes...
Well, I left this morning and ventured back to the Metro to catch subway to Union
Station and walked to the Liason Capitol Hill Hotel. The Hotel featured an Adoption
and Foster Care Advocacy Fair. I met with different groups. "Voices for Adoption" had
their past publications displayed, one which had our story was published in it. that was cool. Other groups:
Adoptive Families Today, AdoptUSKids, Bethany Christian Srvc; Buckner Intl, Casey Family Prog,
Center for Adoption Support and Education, CWLA, Children's Home Society of Amer, Christian
Alliance for Orphans, Dave Thomas Found for Adoption, Equality for Adopted Children, Foster
Care Alumni of America, Infant Adoption Training Initiative, Joint Council on Intl Children Srvc, journey to Me, Kidsave Intl, Metropolitan Washington coiuncil of GovernmentsNatl CASA Network, Nat'l center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse, Nat'l council for Adoption, Nat'l Foster Care Coalition, No Amer Council on Adoptable Children, OrphanFoundation of America, and Save the Children. I picked up alot of literature
and talked with many of the represtatives. I will have to check out some the websites that were given to me
..
There was a light breakfast buffet served and there I met different people and found out how and why they were nominated for their awards. I met a couple form Nebraska, that was nominated for their work getting clothes for kids that come into care. They don't get Clothing vouchers when kids come into care. So when they have absolutely nothing, their service will take care of getting them the clothes they need - It looks very much like a store and is done very professionally. It was awesome to see some of the pictures they had. I also met ZIna from Virginia for her work with her two special needs adopted boys. She traveled down with her friends Debra and Robin. We chatted and I asked if I could hang with them to go to the Capitol tour. We walked to the Capitol Visitor Center and learned about the importance of E pluribus unum.. many become one. How the many different states with different needs can come together and be represented in the Senate and House of Representatives. We learned of the history of the building and saw the different paitings, statues and structural architecture. I took pictures and hope to be able to post it so that you can see some of them.
At 4PM we got on a tour bus that took us around to look at all the different buildings down Pennsylvania
Avenue. We stopped at one point and got out and walked to see the White House. (No we didn't see the Obamas outside -hahaha) We got back on the bus and went to the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam and Korean Memorials. It was so awesome to stand there at the Lincoln Memorial. What an honor. We got back on the bus and some more interesting information. We returned to where started the tour and made our way back to the Liason Hotel. I hung out with Zina, Debra and Robin in their room till the Ice Cream Social. We had a great day and laughed so many times. I appreciated that they let me tag along with them all day and I think we will get together again tomorrow.
The Ice cream social was nice. We met more people from Florida, New Hampshire and New York..
What a wonderful chance to see what other people are doing. As we sat and chatted, they had pictures that were taken all day of ANGELS and the tour. I was fun to see all the people we had come to know. I left my
new friends to get back to the Metro. I went with two other couples, which made it nice. I didn't want to travel in the dark on my own. Well I better go to sleep - another long day tomorrow. Hill Day - going to visit a Legislative Seminar, then meet with Congress and then off to the White House reception. I should have brought my roller skates or a segway to get around here... Lots of walking.
Well, I left this morning and ventured back to the Metro to catch subway to Union
Station and walked to the Liason Capitol Hill Hotel. The Hotel featured an Adoption
and Foster Care Advocacy Fair. I met with different groups. "Voices for Adoption" had
their past publications displayed, one which had our story was published in it. that was cool. Other groups:
Adoptive Families Today, AdoptUSKids, Bethany Christian Srvc; Buckner Intl, Casey Family Prog,
Center for Adoption Support and Education, CWLA, Children's Home Society of Amer, Christian
Alliance for Orphans, Dave Thomas Found for Adoption, Equality for Adopted Children, Foster
Care Alumni of America, Infant Adoption Training Initiative, Joint Council on Intl Children Srvc, journey to Me, Kidsave Intl, Metropolitan Washington coiuncil of GovernmentsNatl CASA Network, Nat'l center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse, Nat'l council for Adoption, Nat'l Foster Care Coalition, No Amer Council on Adoptable Children, OrphanFoundation of America, and Save the Children. I picked up alot of literature
and talked with many of the represtatives. I will have to check out some the websites that were given to me
..
There was a light breakfast buffet served and there I met different people and found out how and why they were nominated for their awards. I met a couple form Nebraska, that was nominated for their work getting clothes for kids that come into care. They don't get Clothing vouchers when kids come into care. So when they have absolutely nothing, their service will take care of getting them the clothes they need - It looks very much like a store and is done very professionally. It was awesome to see some of the pictures they had. I also met ZIna from Virginia for her work with her two special needs adopted boys. She traveled down with her friends Debra and Robin. We chatted and I asked if I could hang with them to go to the Capitol tour. We walked to the Capitol Visitor Center and learned about the importance of E pluribus unum.. many become one. How the many different states with different needs can come together and be represented in the Senate and House of Representatives. We learned of the history of the building and saw the different paitings, statues and structural architecture. I took pictures and hope to be able to post it so that you can see some of them.
At 4PM we got on a tour bus that took us around to look at all the different buildings down Pennsylvania
Avenue. We stopped at one point and got out and walked to see the White House. (No we didn't see the Obamas outside -hahaha) We got back on the bus and went to the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam and Korean Memorials. It was so awesome to stand there at the Lincoln Memorial. What an honor. We got back on the bus and some more interesting information. We returned to where started the tour and made our way back to the Liason Hotel. I hung out with Zina, Debra and Robin in their room till the Ice Cream Social. We had a great day and laughed so many times. I appreciated that they let me tag along with them all day and I think we will get together again tomorrow.
The Ice cream social was nice. We met more people from Florida, New Hampshire and New York..
What a wonderful chance to see what other people are doing. As we sat and chatted, they had pictures that were taken all day of ANGELS and the tour. I was fun to see all the people we had come to know. I left my
new friends to get back to the Metro. I went with two other couples, which made it nice. I didn't want to travel in the dark on my own. Well I better go to sleep - another long day tomorrow. Hill Day - going to visit a Legislative Seminar, then meet with Congress and then off to the White House reception. I should have brought my roller skates or a segway to get around here... Lots of walking.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
TRAVEL DAY
WOW what trip !! Left New Haven train station about 9 am and arrived in Washington DC Union Station around 2:30. The train ride, in and of itself, was no big deal, but I had oppurtunity to seat next to a very interesting lady.
I sat for a time, by myself. We rolled into Penn Station NY and took on alot of new passengers. Seating
was getting crowded, so along came an older woman, and asked to sit next to me. I agreed. We didn't speak right away, but soon, I just asked her if she would care for a mint and she accepted and we began to have a conversation. We found we were both heading to DC - she, to see her sister and I told her of the award I was going to receive. She asked alot of questions about my kids and was impressed at how many kids we had and their age ranges. She was very helpful to tell me about all the best ways to travel and I was impressed when she mentioned she was 82 (she didn't look it- God bless her). The ride went by pretty fast as we chatted about some of the kids and what a blessing they are to me. She asked me, if financially I was being taken care of while I was in DC - I mentioned that some of the meals were taking care of and the touring was too - but that I was taking care of the room and maybe a couple of meals. Well to my shock, she said " I'd like to give you some money for a lunch" At first I said .. no, but then realized that she was trying to bless me and if I stopped her, she wouldn't be blessed for doing it. I only expected her to give me a $10 or a $20 at most. I was shocked when this little angel handed me a $50 bill !! I graciously accepted it and thanked her for it.
Well we got off the train at UNION station in DC and she guided me through the large station right down to the Metro to purchase a pass and get on the subway to head to Arlington VA. We parted ways at Metro Central. She stayed on the red line and I got off and continued on the orange line. I can't imagine how much longer it would have taken me if I had gone on my own.. She really was a big help to this country girl traveling in the big city. Oddly, I didn't get her name.. but I know we both were blessed to have spent even
just the fews hours we did, and we both have stories to tell.. Thank you to my traveling ANGEL.
I sat for a time, by myself. We rolled into Penn Station NY and took on alot of new passengers. Seating
was getting crowded, so along came an older woman, and asked to sit next to me. I agreed. We didn't speak right away, but soon, I just asked her if she would care for a mint and she accepted and we began to have a conversation. We found we were both heading to DC - she, to see her sister and I told her of the award I was going to receive. She asked alot of questions about my kids and was impressed at how many kids we had and their age ranges. She was very helpful to tell me about all the best ways to travel and I was impressed when she mentioned she was 82 (she didn't look it- God bless her). The ride went by pretty fast as we chatted about some of the kids and what a blessing they are to me. She asked me, if financially I was being taken care of while I was in DC - I mentioned that some of the meals were taking care of and the touring was too - but that I was taking care of the room and maybe a couple of meals. Well to my shock, she said " I'd like to give you some money for a lunch" At first I said .. no, but then realized that she was trying to bless me and if I stopped her, she wouldn't be blessed for doing it. I only expected her to give me a $10 or a $20 at most. I was shocked when this little angel handed me a $50 bill !! I graciously accepted it and thanked her for it.
Well we got off the train at UNION station in DC and she guided me through the large station right down to the Metro to purchase a pass and get on the subway to head to Arlington VA. We parted ways at Metro Central. She stayed on the red line and I got off and continued on the orange line. I can't imagine how much longer it would have taken me if I had gone on my own.. She really was a big help to this country girl traveling in the big city. Oddly, I didn't get her name.. but I know we both were blessed to have spent even
just the fews hours we did, and we both have stories to tell.. Thank you to my traveling ANGEL.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Nomination
John and I have been honored by Deb Kelleher of FAM ( Foster and Adoptive Mission) to be nominated to CT State Representative Christopher Murphy. His office has nominated us for the 2010 Angels in Adoption award. With this honor, we have been invited to Washington DC for OCT 4-6th for a conference, pin ceremony, a gala and much more.
I will be traveling down to DC by myself, as John will be here holding down the fort at home. We are excited for the opportunity to learn as much as we can from the experience. Our Family, Church and DCF and it's collaboratives have all been very helpful and supportive and we appreciate all that everyone is doing to help make this happen. I will post my experiences over the next week for everyone to review. Thanks to everyone !!
I will be traveling down to DC by myself, as John will be here holding down the fort at home. We are excited for the opportunity to learn as much as we can from the experience. Our Family, Church and DCF and it's collaboratives have all been very helpful and supportive and we appreciate all that everyone is doing to help make this happen. I will post my experiences over the next week for everyone to review. Thanks to everyone !!
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