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)
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