In 2006 we received an "Angels in Adoption" award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. We were nominated by Congressman Eric Cantor and we got to go to DC and accept the award with the children on Capital Hill. It was a real honor. Last week CCAI e-mailed to see if we'd be willing to come back and represent other "Angels" who have adopted internationally at a panel discussion with senators and representatives who have been newly elected to serve on the 111th congress. They wanted us to share our story and tell the congressmen what legislative priorities we think they should focus on in regards to foster care and adoption issues.
So yesterday, I got everyone "dolled up" and we headed into the nation's capital. Patrick's dad ("Pops") met us at Union Station for a quick lunch and then we walked to the Capital Building. We had so much stuff packed into the stroller it was ridiculous. But we needed it all- Abby soaked through her dress and tights before we even got there and the event lasted over two hours, so I am very glad I had the kids pack bags with activities.
We brought a CD of pictures to share and wrote up a script detailing our personal road to adoption. We put the final touches on our speech yesterday morning and we decided that I would be the one to deliver it, since it gave details about the miscarriages and cancer and all... the last part of the testimony was our stance on the right to life. That all babies; wanted or unwanted should have the chance to live. It was an unexpected opportunity for us to speak to congress and we feel that protecting life is at the heart of the matter. Patrick gave copies of our story and legislative priorities to everyone, including representatives from the White House.
The kids behaved really well. Abby was a hoot. She was dancing and singing and had plenty of trips up to the vegetable dip table. Her language grows daily... "how about that one," "no other one" was what she kept saying about the food trays.
One highlight was that I got to take the kids pictures with John McCain who made a quick appearance at the meeting. AP's eyes light up when he walked in the room, since he had a big project on the presidential election this fall.
We got home about 10:00 pm. It was a long day and lots of work... but a neat chance to see how laws are made. We hope we helped make a difference!
