This trip arose out of Bridge's Roots 'n' Wings Support Group for people living with physical disabilities. Our members live with a variety of physical disorders such as cerebral palsy and blindness, and in recent months have had many stories to tell about how the budget cuts are impacting their lives. They decided they wanted to do some advocacy, but most found the prospect of a long and arduous day of travel impossible. Therefore, those of us who could go went and did our best to represent everyone.
Between us we did cover a pretty wide range of needs. We numbered a father of two adult children with brain disorders, a man who requires the use of a wheelchair for mobility, a teenager with autistic disorder and a communication disorder, and myself - the single parent of a special needs child. My personal goal for this effort was simply to try to put a human face on the numbers for our legislators. I think I can safely say we did do that!
When we arrived at United Churches of Olympia early in the morning we found the building was packed. We squeezed around people with some difficulty and eventually found seating in the balcony. I think when all the talking started Lucas was wondering, "Mom, what is this and why the heck did you bring me here?!"
We watched as people of all faiths and denominations spoke in turn about the moral imperative to care for the less fortunate and how to speak effectively to our legislators.
It wasn't all sitting and watching people talk. Lucas got to see many interesting sights throughout the day, such as this visit to the Senate Chambers
Lucas and I tried to visit all of our District 5 legislators. We spent a good deal of time talking to Senator Pflug's staffer Adam Day. We were unable to speak to Representative Anderson because we weren't able to get from place to place quickly enough, so I left a letter and my card with his Aide. But we did have an opportunity to meet personally with Representative Rodne. I talked to all of these people about the difficulties people living with disabilities are encountering due to budget cuts, such as lack of access to healthcare and other basic needs.
Lucas did his best to get through a long day of meetings, sitting and listening to people talk about things he probably didn't understand very well. He did grow somewhat tired and impatient towards the end. But, needless to say, his presence in the room tended to keep everyone present pretty well on topic.
I think Lucas did a pretty good job of advocacy yesterday. I'm proud of him. And hopefully God will bless our efforts by giving those who serve in the Legislature guidance to protect the vulnerable among us.
The Lord's will be done.
I'm proud of both of you! And Lucas does look like he's enjoying himself - tell him thanks for a great advocacy job!
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