D.C. Day 2

Let me start by saying that jet lag is funny.  It makes you feel like you could wake up so early because there's this three hour time difference, so waking up at 5 am to go spend some quality time with a treadmill is really like sleeping in.  But then when the #%&@ alarm clocks start going off you are pretty sure you've only been asleep for 30 minutes. 

Then you really wake up.  And you go to the window.  And if you've never been to Washington D.C. or you've only been once and it was over 15 years ago, you might really appreciate the view. 

Day 2 of our trip was a long day.  Breakfast started at 8am.  Dinner was over at 8pm.  There were a few breaks during the day, but we only got one chance to step outside.  It was a busy day because it was an important day.  We learned a lot about what program participants are expected to do in the next year.  One thing the kids are expected to do is educate others about epilepsy.  We discussed ways to do that. 

Here's Brennan giving his idea:

We also heard speakers talk about all of the research that is being done so that we could explain the importance of government funding.  All I can say is a) I had no idea of the amazing research that is being done (there's this disolving material that can be placed on the brain to "map" the location of a seizure's onset...it helps surgeons know with more certainty the areas that may need to be removed to eliminate some seizures!) and b) I have so much gratitude for the people who are working daily to come up with ways to help my child and others like him. 

The kids had their own programs to go to today.  They got to meet a football and basketball player who both have epilepsy.  They practiced talking about their experiences with having seizures.  They ate better food (probably). 

It was a long day.  Tomorrow is another long day.  Tomorrow we go to Capital Hill.  I should be sleeping and I'm too excited.  We have nine visits scheduled--mostly with the aids of Senators and Representatives.  We will be busy.  I better start counting some sheep.

I can't wait to hear Brennan tell his story.