DownSyn Forum

marlene · Last edited by marlene on October 21 2008, 9:21 PM; edited 16 times in total

The person's initials are S.P. (J.M., too)

Now, I have to get Aleena bathed and in bed and THEN I will be back to post pictures and the story!!! Wink

OKAY!!!

We were at a rally today!!!!

What rally you ask???

It was a BIG day for us!!!!

We talked to him . . .

And her . . .

Okay, I will post these so you all can see them and then I'll add the story while you're looking. Be back with the amazing story soon! Be warned, it's LOOOONNNGGG!

Okay, this is such a God thing!!!! A short time ago, I read a story on here about a family with a little 5-yr old girl who got to meet Sarah Palin and John McCain at a rally. So, Monday morning (yesterday) I heard that the McCain/Palin team were coming to Lancaster County (my county) on Tuesday - one days notice! I e-mailed the man who e-mailed me that article I posted about Palin and thanked him and told him I was hoping to go see her the next day. He told me he and his wife were going. By the time Mom and I called to get tickets, they were OUT! I emailed that guy and told him and he said he might be able to find tickets for us. HE DID!! So we were going! Well, I just knew since that other family met them, that I would, too! I called my BIL and asked him to make a sign for me (he's a graphic artist) that said, "Extra Chromosome, Extra Love" - if possible by the next day! Shocked

I also ordered a t-shirt for Trig that said "fearfully and wonderfully made" and had it over-nighted. Got an e-mail saying it would arrive Wednesday. Sad

So Tuesday, I call Aleena's teacher to let her know that Aleena would not be in school and told her what we were doing. She was VERY excited for us and she said that she heard there were to be between 6000 and 7000 people in attendance. Shocked

Um, maybe it's not going to be as easy to make the contact as I thought! Anyway, my BIL DID make the sign AND Trig's shirt arrived at my door A HALF HOUR BEFORE WE LEFT!!! How cool is that!! I quick printed out a picture of Aleena and me and wrote a note to Sarah and slipped it in the shirt.

So, we meet Mom and off we go! When we arrive, I am dismayed to see how LONG the lines were! We puposefully waited until after the doors had opened to avoid the lines. Well, Aleena did NOT do well waiting. She didn't want to hold hands, she just wanted to run everywhere! Mom walked around to see if there was a handicapped enterance. I've never played the handicapped/disability card before, but we did today. We went through security. They took my sign!!! Only the campaign sign were allowed. Sad

That's how I was supposed to get Sarah's attention! Sad

We enter this big gym, with a raised podium in the center of the room. Aleena wasn't considered handicapped enough to be seated in the handicapped section, which was on the second level. On the main floor, it was standing only. We were able to get somewhat close and I thought that if I had Aleena on my shoulders, we might get Sarah's attention. I asked the staff people if there was a way for me to get my gift to Sarah and I was told no, no and no. No we can't get to her, no you can't give it to the secret service, no she will not accept gifts. I was thinking, "this just is NOT working out the way I imagined it. I parted the crowd to get back to Mom and Aleena. Put her on my shoulders and watched the entertainment. It was still an hour to go until they would be arriving. I just KNEW that I could not hold her that long and that she would eventually get miserable standing amongst legs! I surrendered to my hopes and desires and told Mom we just may as well get out of the crowd and go to the outskirts of the gym and let her run and play. I'd have to figure something else out the next time they came through - (I know a candidate running for auditor general who said he would help us if we weren't successful today). So Aleena was happy to have space and be on her feet. She danced and played with Elmo while many people walked by and smiled.

After a while, I saw a very pretty young lady talking to my mom. After their conversation, Mom came over to me and said that she noticed Aleena and that Aleena had Ds and asked if we would like to meet Sarah Palin. Shocked

Of course Mom said yes! There was a man in attendance who has a 21 yr old daughter with Ds and he wrote a book about their lives (A Different Kind of Perfect) and he had a book to give Sarah, so she was going to take us all back. She told us she would be back for us later. In the meantime, this beautiful music was being played and they announced John McCain and Sarah Palin's arrival and enterance! Man, was there energy in that gymnasium!!! It was very exciting! We watched Sarah begin her speech on the giant screen and we waited for Sarah (the young lady who talked to my mom. Btw, she is part of the "advance team" - they go to the venues early and make all the preparations) to come back. About midway through Sarah's speech, she came and got us. She took us behind some bleachers, past security and right to the black curtain where they enter and exit. "Advance team Sarah" introduced us to Sarah Palin's personal assistant. I didn't get her name, but she went directly to Aleena and greeted her and asked her name. She told us she would let Sarah know we were here and to wait. So, we never really got to see or even hear too much of the speeches. I sat on the ground and Aleena laid down with her head on my lap - it was a huge day for her!! Eventually it was TIME!

So . . . John McCain came first. We were standing at a ramp/walkway with people lining either side, so they came through and zigzagged back and forth to greet people. We were the last people on their left side. John McCain zigged and zagged and just as he got to us he patted Aleena's back and zagged to the other side. Across from us and right at the exit curtain, he stopped and had his picture taken with some couple's baby and I wished we had had that opportunity, but he was already past us and ready to go out. I turned my attention forward to wait for Sarah. The next thing I know, John McCain RETURNS JUST TO US!!!!! I don't know why, but he did!!! I have to say that my Mom and I were both impressed with him so much. You would have to experience it, I don't know that I can put words to it, but he was so kind, humble, gentle and compassionate. When he spoke to us he looked right in our eyes. He thanked us with such gratitude and told us that Sarah really wanted to see us. He posed for the picture, Aleena blew him a kiss and then he was gone. SO COOL!! [edited to add my mom's comments about John McCain. Mom: "What impressed me most was John McCain. He was warm, friendly, humble, and truly interested in Aleena. He touched her gently, and graciously thanked us for coming and bringing her, and told us that Sarah was looking forward to meeting her. I expected that Sarah would be loving and warm, and she most certainly exceeded my expectations, but John was a very sweet surprise."]

We had to wait a LONG time for Sarah! She must have been greeting TONS of people. We couldn't even see her from where we were so we had no idea how close or far she was. It was hot! I was holding Aleena. A lot of people were gathering around us! "Advance team Sarah" was still with us and kept the crowds from getting in around us. She is also the one who took the pics for us. She was so dear! If not for her . . .

And before I finish, let me say that all of this was so exciting, so tiring, so exhilirating, so overwhelming, so so many things and the time that each candidate was with us was really fairly short that everything kind of overruns your mind. Like we talked to each them, but now, I can hardly remember what was said.

Anyway, finally Sarah turned the corner, and then SHE zigged and zagged! She zagged over to the other side and seemed to stay on that side. She was just across from us and her personal assistant was by her side and turned her over to us. She was supposed to go to the book man first, he was in line in front of us, but she came to us. I can't give you the conversation by word, but she said, "Awwww" and kind of melted when she saw Aleena. She asked her name and age. Then she hugged her. She actually got watery eyes (When the second pic of her above is bigger, you can actually see her misty eyes). Remember, even though she is Governor, VP candidate, Do-It-All Woman, she is still new to the world of Ds. She said she was soooo glad we brought Aleena to see her. She just kept smiling and looking at Aleena. I told her we brought a gift for Trig and gave her the t-shirt. In fact, I'll have to post another pic. I cropped it too close and you can't see her holding it. I told her that I have such admiration for her because when Aleena was Trig's age, I was still crying. Then we did the group shot and, of course, Aleena blew her a kiss, too. (I cut Mom and me out of the pic for you guys- neither of us liked ourselves in it.) After us, she went back to the book guy. Wink

All kinds of people came up to us and talked to us. It was obvious to everyone that Aleena was there to see Gov Palin! One guy came up to me afterwards and said he had shots of us and asked for my e-mail so he could send them to us. "Advance team Sarah" also said she would send us pics that she took with her camera.

So it turned out amazing! I had reluctantly given up my ideas of meeting Sarah Palin after seeing the situation. And only God could have orchestrated all the events of the day! Very Happy

And if you read my whole story - WOW! Thanks! Because it got REALLY LONG!!! I hope I can read about others of you meeting ANY of the candidates before this thing is over!! Very Happy

Here's the little rolled up baby shirt and my note stuck inside

I just checked my e-mail and that guy (Roger Baumgarten) sent me lots of pictures. This picture is precious, I had to share it!

If you want to see the other pics he took of us with Sarah, see here:

http://baumgarten.smugmug.com/gallery/5932691_iD6ig#P-16-12

******************************************
UPDATE:
Click here to read about our second "Sarah Sighting"! Laughing

http://www.downsyn.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=38160
******************************************

Stephanie · Posted: September 09 2008, 7:15 PM Post subject:

NO WAY! YOU KIDDING US???? DON'T KEEP US HANGIN'

MY GUESS IS OF COURSE SARAH PALIN AND JOHN MCCAIN

_________________

Joey 3/8/97
Megan, DS 11/8/03
Olivia 7/6/05

vonda · Posted: September 09 2008, 7:25 PM Post subject:

NO FLIPPIN WAY!!! Get that child bathed and get back here!!!!!! I'm dying. Shocked

_________________
Vonda, mommy to Peyton, Sophie, Noah(Ds) and Halle

DanielsMommy · Posted: September 09 2008, 7:44 PM Post subject:

Ok I'm dying over here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO????? HOW????? WHEN?????

_________________

Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

vonda · Posted: September 09 2008, 7:49 PM Post subject:

If it's the SP and the JM I'm thinking of, Denny said they will be in Fairfax, VA tomorrow, just an hour away from us and OH how I'd love to shove Noah's face in her's, ha ha ha ha ha ha. Razz

_________________
Vonda, mommy to Peyton, Sophie, Noah(Ds) and Halle

vonda · Posted: September 09 2008, 8:44 PM Post subject:

Is she STILL in the tub? She is going to be all pruney!!!! Razz

_________________
Vonda, mommy to Peyton, Sophie, Noah(Ds) and Halle

Amy · Posted: September 09 2008, 9:03 PM Post subject:

TELL US!!!!

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Keep the Faith, Amy
Mom to Kristin (25) Jessica (23) Rebecca (19) Rachel (14) Sarah (13) Hunter (10) & Austin (5) DS

CAmommy2KJ · Posted: September 09 2008, 9:05 PM Post subject:

HELLOOOOOOO We're dying of curiousity over here!!! SO mean! LOL

_________________
~Renee~
Mommy to the Special K's:
Kassidy (11.4.99), Kameron (11.3.01), Kennedy (5.16.04)(Ds and AML and AAI), and Keeghan (5.1.07)

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karlismom · Posted: September 09 2008, 9:13 PM Post subject:

Oh my goodness!!!!! How cool!!! I can't wait to hear the story. The pictures are awesome!

_________________
Shylo
Mom to Karli Leanne 4/29/05~AV Canal repaired 8/30/05

vonda · Posted: September 09 2008, 9:25 PM Post subject:

OMG I just SCREAMED and I think I woke up everyone in this house. Good LORD that is amazing. Now I have to get everyone back to sleep. Can't wait to read the story tomorrow, but the pictures just made me scream!!! Razz

_________________
Vonda, mommy to Peyton, Sophie, Noah(Ds) and Halle

Amy · Posted: September 09 2008, 9:29 PM Post subject:

I don't know whether to laugh or cry... HER FACE (Sarah's)when she's hugging Aleena. Oh Wow... Marlene. And to think.. you would never have had this opportunity to meet "perhaps" the future pres and vice pres of the US if not for Aleena and her extra special, super-duper chromosome!

_________________
Keep the Faith, Amy
Mom to Kristin (25) Jessica (23) Rebecca (19) Rachel (14) Sarah (13) Hunter (10) & Austin (5) DS

AMTJmom · Posted: September 09 2008, 9:54 PM Post subject:

Holy Cow!! I am so excited for you! I would so love to meet her!

_________________
Julie - wife to Allan (5-90),mom to Andrew (6-93), Madelyn (3-96), Tyler (11-98 ), Jackson (ds 10-27-06), and adopting Dashlyn! (ds 3-21-08 )

Amy · Posted: September 09 2008, 10:02 PM Post subject:

I'm so thrilled for you and Aleena and of course .. Grandma to Aleena. lol

*wails* I want to meet her too!!!

_________________
Keep the Faith, Amy
Mom to Kristin (25) Jessica (23) Rebecca (19) Rachel (14) Sarah (13) Hunter (10) & Austin (5) DS

ecki · Posted: September 09 2008, 10:14 PM Post subject:

That's so cool!

Patricia E Bauer is looking for pics from the campaign trail:

http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/09/08/campaign-trail/

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Ecki

MomMom of Kayla (Ds/Autism 4/5/04) and Laurie (PDD-NOS 7/12/01)

Our Blog - Opposite Kids
Kayla's Story http://www.ecki.com/kayla/

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jooniper · Posted: September 09 2008, 10:36 PM Post subject:

NEAT!!!

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wife to Sergei and mom to Elaina ( Cool

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Kenneth's Mom · Posted: September 09 2008, 10:53 PM Post subject:

Wow, that's so awesome!!! I can only imagine how exciting it was to meet Sarah. I bet the feeling was mutual. I'm sure it did Sarah's heart good to meet Aleena...more positive reinforcement that Trig will be fine! I just have to say too that I don't get into politics but I'm LOVING this woman! Very Happy

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Maureen, Ed, Brian, Kevin, Timothy, and Kenneth

marlene · Posted: September 09 2008, 11:18 PM Post subject:

southernbelle wrote:

I don't know whether to laugh or cry... HER FACE (Sarah's)when she's hugging Aleena. Oh Wow... Marlene. And to think.. you would never have had this opportunity to meet "perhaps" the future pres and vice pres of the US if not for Aleena and her extra special, super-duper chromosome!

I know, Amy! I kept telling Mom afterwards, "Aleena was our ticket!" Very Happy

southernbelle wrote:

*wails* I want to meet her too!!!

I'm sure she would LOVE to meet Austin and Noah and all the precious little boys on here! After all, she has a boy, not a girl! The other child with Ds she met on the campaign trail was a girl, too.

_________________
Marlene, mommy to my precious Aleena (1/30/04)

shea01 · Posted: September 10 2008, 12:34 AM Post subject:

This is sooooooo cool!!!!! I love it!

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www.1familytogether.blogspot.com

waith · Posted: September 10 2008, 5:09 AM Post subject:

Wonderful what a memory to tell when Aleena grows up. But please tell me in all that excitement you told her about Downsyn

_________________
Maxine UK. Mum to Elliott 16 and Dominic 6 DS.

Hannah's mom · Posted: September 10 2008, 5:34 AM Post subject:

Wow, That rocks!!!!!!!!

_________________
Mom to Hannah(11)DS and Logan (7)

ajbest · Posted: September 10 2008, 5:55 AM Post subject:

WAY COOL

definitely the work of God to make all that happen and keep Aleena through a long, tiring day along the way. love all the pictures too! i heard that they do not plan to come to NC Crying or Very sad

we'd love to meet them too. so happy for you, your mom, Aleena, and Mrs. Palin - she got to meet a super special girl!!! aj

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vonda · Posted: September 10 2008, 6:36 AM Post subject:

Read every word, loved it. I am bound and determined that that woman will be holding MY SON in a picture that I will post on THIS BOARD someday, SOME DAY SOON I hope!!!!! Razz

_________________
Vonda, mommy to Peyton, Sophie, Noah(Ds) and Halle

MommyAngela · Posted: September 10 2008, 7:37 AM Post subject:

WOWZA!!!!!!! I have chill bumps AND pangs of jealousy! LOL

_________________

Angela
Wife to Matthew
Mom to three wonderful sons:
Andrew James--3/24/06
Benjamin Matthew--4/24/08 DS--VSD & ASD repaired 10/3/08, intestinal obstruction repaired 1/13/09, hypospadias & ventral hernia repaired 8/21/09
Thomas Alexander--3/25/10

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emlynsmom · Posted: September 10 2008, 7:44 AM Post subject:

wow!!! that was just awesome. i've met aleena in person, and i'm positive SP and JM were just as taken with her as i was!!! GREAT pics!

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Adens mummy · Posted: September 10 2008, 7:51 AM Post subject:

WOW that sure is a GOD story. I have tears pouring down my cheeks
thanks for sharing, those photo‘s are amazing .

_________________
Aden's montage

OUMom · Posted: September 10 2008, 8:54 AM Post subject:

Awesome pictures!!!! How very cool!!!!

_________________
Traci
Mom to Kolt (12/14/89)
& Dakota (1/19/00)
& Kaci (10/5/02)
& Cassady (DS 2/14/07)

af_wife2005 · Posted: September 10 2008, 9:44 AM Post subject:

That is very cool...pics are great

rhonda · Posted: September 10 2008, 10:02 AM Post subject:

Wow, that is sooo cool!! And those pictures are so precious.

_________________
Rhonda

Taylor 17, Jordan 16, Dylan 7

karlismom · Posted: September 10 2008, 10:06 AM Post subject:

SO cool!!! The pictures are great, but the story makes them even better!

_________________
Shylo
Mom to Karli Leanne 4/29/05~AV Canal repaired 8/30/05

Rylie's mom · Posted: September 10 2008, 11:44 AM Post subject:

WOW!!!!! Great story and pictures!

_________________

Val~ mom to: Rylie 7
Karlie 11, Cesalie 3

Come visit us at www.karyces.blogspot.com

Stephanie · Posted: September 10 2008, 12:26 PM Post subject:

You have me in tears, what a special moment for your family.
thanks for sharing your day, truly God's divine intervention.

_________________

Joey 3/8/97
Megan, DS 11/8/03
Olivia 7/6/05

Annieo · Posted: September 10 2008, 1:24 PM Post subject:

I showed this to my husband last night and said, "I know those people! I know those people!!!" How cool are you?!!!! One morning while they were in town for the convention I woke up and the first thought into my head was, "I have to go to St. Paul and find her and give her a copy of Gifts." Then I came to my senses and realized I had 4 million things to do that day (and I'm sure she already has multiple copies!).

_________________

"There's a release in knowing the truth no matter how anguishing it is. You come finally to the irreducible thing, and there's nothing left to do but pick it up and hold it. Then, at least, you can enter the severe mercy of acceptance." Sue Monk Kidd

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can make a difference, in fact it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Meade

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lilpayton · Posted: September 10 2008, 2:59 PM Post subject:

Maureen, that is awesome! Vonda, they are in Fairfax? Today?! When?! ROFL Let's meet and go!

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lilpayton · Posted: September 10 2008, 3:02 PM Post subject:

Boo, it is over Vonda. Sad

Quote:

Thousands of people cheered the Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain, and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, at a rally this morning in Fairfax City.

McCain campaign officials said the gathering appeared to be their largest crowd since the Republican convention last week.

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kathleen · Posted: September 10 2008, 5:08 PM Post subject:

What a great story! No matter what your political affiliation, it is still a cool story! When DH rode in the BEst Buddies Challenge two year ago, we got to meet Maria Shriver. She made a b-line for Avery and took pictures with her and Dh she even asked another person to take our camera for a family shot. She stuck her face in Avery's and smiled. Well, I was just hoping that Avery would not smack her in the face...she just stuck her finger up Maria's nose Shocked

Maria handled it with dignity and grace Laughing

Anyway, our kids have opened some great doors for us that is for sure!

_________________
__________________
Kathleen - Avery's Mommy
Chico, CA

marlene · Posted: September 10 2008, 5:29 PM Post subject:

Kathleen, I remember your pics with Maria Shriver! They were great!!!!

_________________
Marlene, mommy to my precious Aleena (1/30/04)

Carson's Mom · Posted: September 10 2008, 5:54 PM Post subject:

Oh my goodness. What a great story and wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing them with us so we could be excited too.

Kayla

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,

Callan 7, Kenna 5, Carson 2
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EliasMom · Posted: September 10 2008, 6:54 PM Post subject:

nice! and the last pic is priceless

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Yailet · Posted: September 10 2008, 7:10 PM Post subject:

Awesome story, tear of joy here.
Now I have to find out when they are coming to florida, I just have to take Daniel Wink

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"God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED - To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be."

Nicola · Posted: September 10 2008, 8:36 PM Post subject:

Wow!! SHe must have been so excited to meet you and Aleena. How priviledged SP was!

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