After a long day walking through airports and walking the National Mall, we sit here preparing for tomorrow. I don't want to skip on everything we did today. Today was the first flight Tess has taken since her stroke. She said something today I have never heard her say. She said that she was nervous. I thought she meant about being in D.C. but it was for a completely different reason. She didn't want the flight to mess with her and cause another stroke. It took my breathe away as she sat there holding my hand across the aisle. After the flight from Sioux City to Chicago, she calmed down a bit. After that we just had to focus on walking the airports and figuring out Uber. It always amazes me who we meet along our journey. Our Uber driver's husband had a stroke 16 years ago. She was very happy to hear what we are doing and what we are trying to do. If she were a congress person, she would vote to help us. HA!
So after we were settled in the hotel and ate a delicious lunch, we set out to see what Washington D.C. was all about. It did not disappoint. We walked a large part of the mall and like I said before about who we meet along the way, we came across a man who recently suffered a stroke and his wife. We got to talking and they too are happy to hear that people on their side fighting to make things right. It is moments like these that boost up our spirits and remind us why we are doing this.
After a couple hours of walking, we decided to have someone help. We took a Pedal Taxi! It was a blast. The guy knew a lot about the history of D.C. and he made the tour fun! When we got to the Lincoln Memorial Tess wanted to walk up the stairs. It was a huge moment for her and one we will not forget.
We are now back at the hotel resting for tomorrow. We will spend the entire day in training sessions and listening to speakers. It should be a great day of learning and networking with all the other people who are filling up the hotel. Watch out D.C. we are here to change things.