PanCAN Advocacy Day continued

Even after an early and long day with rain on our way back to the hotel, we decided to go out for a walk after a light dinner. So our Tuesday Advocacy Day continued a little longer.

We stumbled upon the Navy band performing. We missed most of it but were in time to sit down (whew) and enjoy. The voices were wonderful; it was overall a wonderful unexpected event that really topped off the day. You can’t help but be proud to be an American, be a part of the process and end it with men and women in their dress whites, standing tall. Of course it ends with asking members of all branches to stand and be recognized with their service song.

My favorite meeting: Rep Brian Babin DDS with his wonderful cowboy boots and very personable. He is also aware of the 20,000 Escapee RV club members; it was nice we could represent them with our own personal experience. We will be sending in that picture to the Escapee Magazine.

Met Gil, one of the long time survivor advocates, when we first arrived. Saw him just as he was on his way out of DC, how touching for him to expect to see us next year and telling David, now don’t you stand me up. One survivor can say that to another because we know the meaning behind that.

First Class to DC - Advocacy Day

Our first time flying first class begins. Boarding is quick and easy, first on, first two seats and immediate offer of drinks. We got on board with partial cups of coffee so David only asked for water. Tip for future, have an empty hand. Hard to juggle coffee cup, luggage, phone with boarding pass.

Waiting now in Phoenix. I am tired. Still a bit to go. Wrapped in my shawl, they did have a blanket on the plane but my legs and arms were cold. Wear long pants and long sleeves.

I don't sleep well on planes. We arrive in D.C. at 7 a.m., 4 to us. We got to the hotel and the early check in worked! We were in our room before 9. Nice! Napped! Bagel and fruit for breakfast. We then head out to do some exploring. Walked to the Ford theatre where Booth shot Lincoln; museum of aftermath, where there is a 4 story stack of books about Lincoln; next to the Patterson house where he died. Interesting and nice walk. 

Returned to hotel to, yes, nap more then check in for PanCAN advocacy. Our schedule and tips for our meetings and follow up thank you's, make me feel like I have a big test at school and didn't study! Add to this tomorrow starts at 7a.m. est

There is a lot of purple being worn. A lot of positive enthusiastic people. 130 survivors this year, only 100 last year. When this began a few years ago, there were only 14 survivors, progress.

Tuesday morning. Subway to the capitol. 

We split into groups by State and then later by district within the state. There is a lot of security. Gates and barricades in the roads that must be lowered and then raised; large “flower pots” that are full of gravel; and of course we all must go through metal detectors and have our bags screened. You can see various entrances to buildings that are permanently boarded up, so to speak. I’m not complaining but noticing how things have had to change. Fortunately the old subway tunnels are now the “hallways” to walk from one building to another and as long as you stay in the Senate or the House, you do not have to be rescreened. This all involves a lot of walking. One of our folks recorded 12,000 steps at the end of the day. With advocates from all 50 states (about 600 of us) we have a lot of meetings scheduled. It was an emotional and enlightening day.