*A*M*A*Z*I*N*G* Day!

Here's what our scheduled looked like:

8AM        Breakfast

9:30AM   Meeting with staff of Congressman John Shadegg's office

10AM      Meeting with staff of Congressman Jeff Flake's office

11AM      Meeting with staff of Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford's office

Lunch

1PM        Meeting with staff of of Congressman Raul Grijalva's office

1:30PM   Meeting with staff of Harry Mitchell's office

2PM        Meeting with staff of Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick's office

2:30PM   Meeting with staff of Congressman Ed Pastor's office

3PM        Kids Speak Up! Hill Briefing

4PM        Meeting with staff of Senator John McCain's office

4:30PM   Meeting with staff of Jon Kyl's office

5PM       Rip off shoes, weep a little while putting comfy shoes on for walk and Metro ride back to the hotel!

We knew ahead of time that we wouldn't be meeting with any actual elected officials, but were also told by people in the know that meeting with staffers could be better.  The first appointment we went to we stepped into the office and out of one door pops a Congressman!  It shocked us a little, but we got a few minutes of time with Rep. John Shadegg, who happens to be our district representative. 

Brennan's job was look handsome (which he did!), tell his story of living with epilepsy (he talked about how it all started and made sure to mention the seizure he had at school and how that felt), and not fall asleep during any boring parts (which got harder by our 8th and 9th appointments).  Brennan started the day very nervous and sometimes needing to read from notes he had about how his seizures started (not surprising because he doesn't remember what happens during his seizures).  Brennan spoke from the heart and most of the staffers were very interested in listening to him speak.  Many staffers, security guards, strangers passing in the halls also were interested in his attire.  He may have been the most sharp dressed individual on Capital Hill yesterday (was nearly a tie with the kid who had on the most vibrant blue shoes). 

One other visit where we bumped into an actual member of Congress was in Congressman Raul Grijalva's office.  He was on his way out, but once he saw us...well, Brennan, he came over and chatted a bit, took a few pictures (his staff tried really hard to get him to smile), and then brought Brennan out something to take with him.  We didn't look until after we left, but it was an invitation and ceremony program for President Obama's Inauguration.  Sure, it's too late now to go to that party, but what a great piece of history it is!

Carol Chamberlain, Karen, Brennan, Rep. Grijalva, Dr. David LaBiner

(This was the picture when one of the staff said, "Smile, Boss!")

The only real disappointment was the meeting at Congressman Ed Pastor's office.  Congressman Pastor had grandchildren that went to school with Brennan and his granddaughter was in kindergarten with Brennan.  Whenever Congressman Pastor was in town he'd pick the kids up from school.  He was there several times when Brennan was in the hospital and he was so nice.  Even asking us to let him know if there was anything he could do.  When we made the appointment with Congressman Pastor's office they knew that we really were hoping to see him, and they tried very hard to make that happen.  There was always the chance that he would pop in, but alas it wasn't meant to be...this time! 

                                                  

At 3PM we stopped in for a bit to see a Hill Briefing put on by the Kids Speak Up! people for staff and members of Congress.  The briefing included a talk by Greg Grunberg (actor from the TV show Heroes) who has a son with epilepsy.  Brennan is a big fan of the show Heroes, so it was cool to hear him talk about his son.  Greg started a website to talk more about epilepsy (has great information for anyone wanting to know more about epilepsy including first aid):  http://www.talkaboutit.org/. 

                                      

After the briefing we still had two more visits in the Senate buildings.  To get there you go into the basement and there are these underground trams that take you over.  Our first senate appointment was with staff for Senator John McCain.  We had a few minutes to sit before the staffer showed up.  This was when it was hard to keep Brennan awake, but he managed.

                                           

The last meeting of the day was with staff of Senator Jon Kyl.  It was a good meeting to end the day with because this staffer was very friendly, seemed genuinely interested in listening to Brennan.  And also she gave us passes to come back on Friday to sit in the House and Senate Galleries. 

It was at this last appointment that I felt so overwhelmed with emotion.  I was just sitting there and thinking about how just over three years ago I just wanted my son to live.  I just wanted him to be alive, stop having seizures, and be my son.  And here we were walking around the underground tunnels of Capital Hill and sitting in offices members of Congress and meeting staff and a some of the people who really are helping to make sure that there is Health Care Reform helps Brennan and people like him with "pre-existing" and chronic medical conditions.   

What a truly amazing day.

And Brennan refused to take off his cool threads until right before going to bed.  I think he wanted to keep the feeling as long as he could. 

Here's a list of the Members of Congress from Arizona that voted to pass Health Care Reform:

• Gabrielle Giffords (CD8)
• Raul Grijalva (CD7)
• Ann Kirkpatrick (CD1)
• Harry Mitchell (CD5)
• Ed Pastor (CD4)

 Remember them kindly the next time they need your help...like a vote or something.