Well, Rachel and I had quite the exciting trip to Washington D.C.! What a treat. The Children's Congress was held June 22-24, but we went 4 days early to do some sightseeing before we had to get to work. Mike and Sara Olsen were kind enough to let us converge on them for the first few days. It was so fun to spend time with them and get to know their cute boys.
Rachel and I saw just about EVERYTHING while we were there. Sara...our vacation planner had arranged White House, Library of Congress and Capitol tours for us. We went to just about all the Smithsonian Museums and the National Archives. It was wonderful.
The Seinfeld "Puffy Shirt". A classic!
And my favorite...Stephen Colbert in front of a painting of Stephen Colbert in front of a painting of Stephen Colbert...
We parted ways with the Olsen's and checked into the JW Marriott a couple of blocks from the White House. It was beautiful. It was an incredible experience for Rachel and I to be there with all those other families who are also affected by Type 1 Diabetes. She made some great friends and I think did not feel so alone in it all anymore. There were 150 delegates, but they were selected based on population, so Rachel was the lone girl from IDAHO!
Here she at the opening dinner introducing herself. The delegates ranged from 4-17, but from what I could tell not only was she one of the youngest diagnosed, BUT, she was the veteran diabetic in the group. None of the the other kids had had it as long as she has...
I can't remember this guys name, but he is the ESPN Sports Center Anchor and his daughter (about Rachel's age) has type 1. He was really nice. Each states delegates took a picture with him, and again here is the lonely ID gal...
this is a cute girl from California that Rachel made good friends with...
Rachel got to meet some amazing people there. This girl is a world famous cellist...they say second only to Yo Yo Ma. She has type 1...Rachel was in heaven!! She played for us and it was incredible!
Sugar Ray Leonard was also there...his father had Type 1...and in his testimony at the Senate hearing he shared that he was preparing to attend the University of Maryland, but his family was struggling to pay his fathers medical bills, so he changed his course and began to box professionally to help pay the medical bills! He was awesome.
For the 1st time in the history of the JDRF Children's Congress the children were invited to the White House to meet the President! We were also told that they were the largest single group to ever meet with a president at the White House. What an amazing experience. Rachel was fortunate to be so close to him and she was able to shake his hand. He was so cute with the kids. Check out the video link I've posted as well...
Nick Jonas also joined the kids at the WH...he got bigger screams than Obama...here he is meeting the president...
And my favorite pictures...Nick Jonas came in before the president did. Here is Rachel just before Nick shook her hand... (Mary Tyler Moore is in the purple btw...)
And the "after" shot. I love it. And would have been feeling the same way!!
The last day we were there was the Senate Hearing. That was my favorite part of the whole experience. It was so incredible to be there and be a part of that group. It was inspiring to hear the stories of those who testified, and hard to keep back the tears as the disease was discussed and the horrible effects it has on people were laid out on the table.I have to admit that since I was not at the WH for the photo shoot, I was quite star struck myself when my favorite Jo Bro came in. I was hoping he and I would have a chance to meet, but alas, it was not in the cards for me...
MTM and Nick Jonas testifying...
the Gould family was from Tennessee. I have so much respect for their mother. 4 of their 8 children have Type 1 and have just been diagnosed within the last 2 or 3 years. I cannot even imagine what that would be like. She gave a wonderful speech. I think all the parents were glad not to be her.
After the hearing each states delegates attended private meetings that were schedule for us with out state senators and representatives. They were all so kind and interested in Rachel's story. Our favorite was Senator Crapo. He was so nice and supportive.
So there you have it. I am grateful for a wonderful daughter that I get to tag along with as she changes the world!
10 comments:
Seinfelds Puffy shirt! No way!
What a marvelous opportunity. Is the Jonas Brother also diabetic? Rachel is remarkable in so many ways. As is her mother.
Wow! What a great experience for her. Love the pictures!!
Very cool Becky & Rachel! That is a trip you'll never forget.
What an awesome experience for Rachel! BTW, she is looking more and more like Jared as she gets older - don't you think?
What an amazing experience, especially for Rachel! Kudos go to her parents as well for raising her to be the wonderful, articulate young woman she is. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to share.
Such great pictures!! What a wonderful experience, thanks for sharing.
okay meeting the president is exciting but meeting Nick Jonas is off the hook... but even more fantastic is standing in front of a portrait of Steven Colbert standing in front of a portrait of Steven Colbert standing in front of a portrait of Steven colbert...
Love it! Congrats to rachel!
What an amazing experience! I am so glad you two were able to do that together. I am so proud of Rachel. She is amazing. I love when I see youth making a difference in the world.
Her reaction to meeting Nick Jonas was priceless. I am so glad you captured that, it was perfect.
What an absolutely amazing experience for Rachel!! (and you as a mom) I love that you can find her in the crowd with the red hair!! :)
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