Partners

Today was a very special day!  Graduation day from Partners in Policymaking!! Yaaaa! 

You know when I first was accepted to the class, people told me it was going to be life changing.  To be honest, I really didn’t believe them.  I thought I was just going to hear the same things I knew about being a self-advocate.  I have been advocating for people with disabilities for years.  I am pursuing a Master’s in rehab counseling.  Come on, I better know this stuff. 

Man, I was wrong!!!!!!!!

We had pretty amazing speakers that came and taught us about different disability issues.  I laughed, cried, got angry, and celebrated.  I learned that knowledge is power.  I learned that knowing history is key to impacting the future.  I could go on and on about the things I learned….

But I think I have to say that I think that relationships within the group are what changed my life!  I met some of a most amazing people in Virginia.  Some of my friends have disabilities like me!  We talked about our hardships and how we could overcome them.  We cheered each other as we accomplished our goals.  We giggled over dinners and relaxed in the lounge. 

Then, there were the parents of children with disabilities.  All I can say is WOW!  I have never met so many dedicated, accepting, and loving people in all my life.  These mothers and fathers are living relentlessly to give their child with a disability the opportunity to live life to the fullest.  There is one father with a disability that changed my life.  I never told him but I have some fears about becoming a mother and being in a wheelchair.  He explained to me that there are times when he struggles to care for his children but there is nothing that can stop him from loving them. 

Lastly, there is Joe!  Joe may be the cutest almost five year old boy I have ever met!  I met him just before I was about to leave.  Let me tell you, an hour later, I still didn’t want to leave.  We made faces,  we danced, and he even followed me across the room.  He stole my heart in .2 seconds.  His smile filled my heart!  I pray that every person that encounters Joe will catch his joy like I did! 

In the end, the reason I want to be an advocate for people with disabilities is that I believe we all have gifts to share! 

Congratulations PiP Class of 2013!