So much to say about what’s been going on, but I keep reflecting on our wonderful experience in California.
If you followed my social media pages, you may have noticed #lpaSD2014 making it’s way around with pictures, quotes, and events… all leading to the LPA National Conference in San Diego. It was amazing.
It is also something that we could not have participated in without the help and support of our parents and my aunt and uncle. Both my parents and Dave’s helped us get there (via flyer miles, rewards, food, and accommodations). I am also extremely grateful for my dearest, who works his tail off at work and then each weekend doing repairs to save up for the cost of eating away from home (yes, a BLT in San Diego is $10!). But it is more than the money. It’s the understanding. My mother-in-law was initially going to come with us (she will be attending workshops with us in Boston in 2017!), but decided that it was just too much for her… however, she still supported us going, which means the world to our family. San Diego is an awesome vacation spot, but the conference, the LPA organization and the knowledge and friendships we gain each year are invaluable to us.
Addie was blessed this year with a gift from a family who lost their child to a rare(r) form of dwarfism with a Lifetime Membership to Little People of America, and we could not be more thankful. Knowing that Addie will always have access to the best advocacy, community and medical advice, even after Dave and I are not here to guide her, eases my heart. There are so many lesser known facets to the LPA organization that I hope she explores- including scholarships and a deep-rooted community- that having this membership offers her access to all this and so much more- forever!
With that, the opportunity to go to as many regional (local) and national events as we can gives us all opportunity to learn, play, educate and be educated. Last year, I was a part of a panel that focused on social media and how we present ourselves as a community, and this year I spoke about why I keep pushing (advocating) for more education and awareness. Dave got to learn about different home adaptations and how he can make our house more comfortable for Addie without making it difficult for us. Even the grandparents got to go to some workshops and learn a bit more about what it’s like to grow up as someone with dwarfism, the things they can help Addie with, and just take part in the community.
All-in-all… this was an amazing experience. Made that much better by our trip a few hours north to see my Aunt Donna and Uncle Ted. While I am forever grateful to the LPA and being able to experience national events, being able to see my Uncle Ted meant more to me than I can express. My Mom did not find her brother until she was in her 20’s. Adopted at birth, she was able to reconnect years later with a lot of research… and I am so glad she did. My Uncle is amazing- traveling to see us a lot in my youth- and coming to stay with us for much longer than he anticipated, when my Dad passed. We often joke in my family that I was a wild child, but that didn’t really happen until my Dad died. My Uncle saw firsthand how out of control I became and how quickly I down-spiraled. But still, he stayed. Day after day he supported my Mom and did everything he could to help with the daily running of the house, and the big things that my Dad had been too sick to do in his last months of life. Going out to see him, hug him, talk to him and see the spark in his eye was more than I could ask for.
He’s sick. I hate that. I hate seeing a man who has rocked the world, serving our country, playing a major role in aerospace development, advancing the programs that offer guide and service dogs to those who need, and most of all being an amazing family man- he’s diminishing in body… but never spirit. I was afraid he would be fragile and was instead surprised to see him, stout as ever, never batting an eye when he needed oxygen or apologizing for needing a break. Quite simply, as Ted has always been, he just is. Maybe that’s where I get my no apologies life-view from… I am who I am, be damned if it upsets you or makes you uncomfortable. And my Aunt Donna, his rock, she’s kind of amazing, too. Her love, support and drive are inspiring. A teacher for years, she set Addie up with all the fun stuff while accepting oxygen deliveries, getting towels for Addie and I to swim, her beaming smile never fading.
There are some days that are really hard. For everyone. I have a family who has taught me, and continues to do so, that there are way more rainbows than rain if we look for them. I am thankful that we got to Cali this summer… for the sun, sand, friendships, education, family.
Have you done a big summer vacation this year? What was your favorite part?
Happy Marvelous Monday, Reader! I hope you have a beautiful week!
Glad you guys had such a great time! San Diego is such a fun city (I used to live there), but food is expensive! Love the pictures too! 🙂 xoxo
Jessica Morrison recently posted…5 Make Ahead Meals for New Moms
I am SO jealous you used to live there!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
I have been following you like a stalker! Seriously. I love this post, what a great recap and wonderful images of your beautiful family. I’ve actually never been to CA in the summer on a vacation. We took the boys to Disney this year (and girl, but she slept a lot of the time!). It was something we really needed. To escape from the normalcy of life and just be together.
Love you girl and all that you are and all that you do. You’re a true inspiration.
Audrey McClelland recently posted…Mission: runDisney #ESPNatDisney
I LOVED your trip- everyone had a good time and I even have a favorite pic: the family in ponchos in the rain… talk about stalking <3
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
So happy that you were all able to go to the conference!! Such a great learning (and social) experience for everyone! Your Aunt and Uncle look like the sweetest people!! The just have such kind faces and wonderful smiles!
Sarah recently posted…Anne Geddes Is Coming to Blogger Bash NYC!
It was such a good time and we learned so much. It’s cool to be able to connect with so many people who are walking the same steps you are in one place!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Looks like you had a great time! Love all the pics 🙂
Elizabeth @ Being MVP recently posted…Take the PEPCID® COMPLETE® Challenge #PEPCIDTastemakers #sponsored
We really did! Thanks!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Looks like you had an amazing time.
Nolie recently posted…How To Organize A Small Bathroom
Indeed, we did!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
You are an amazing mom and such an advocate for Addie. She is really lucky to have you for a mom!
Thank you, Robin !
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
I love that you were able to make it to the LPA conference! It’s great to let her see she’s not alone, even if it does make her unique.
Janel recently posted…Sparkling Summer Accessories
Yes! That’s so true!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
It is so great you were able to make it to the LPA conference. It sounds like you had a fantastic trip!
Jenn (Sweet T Makes Three) recently posted…Dining at Pensacola Beach
We really did!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Oh I am so excited to hear that Addie was blessed with a lifetime membership to Little People of America! That will be such a blessing for her and your family! I’m so glad to know the conference was a great experience for you all.
Amber Edwards recently posted…Save on Back to School supplies with Dollar General $25 Giveaway
It really was the most beautiful gift. She’s a lucky lady!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Oh my goodness, what a great experience you had… I am so happy you shared it with us. Our summer has been filled with camps and swim team. Everything comes to an end soon and I am traveling to see my baby sister who is having a baby on Thursday! EEK! So excited…
Oh man! Quite the summer!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
What an amazing gift to receive. I’m glad she will even be able to use the membership beyond childhood. The photos of all the families together were adorable. Sounds like such a wonderful time.
MommaDJane recently posted…Sea Life Aquarium – Grapevine, Texas
She will get a lifetime of support, and that’s all, as parents we can ask for!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
I read and re-read every word of this post. Your never-faltering love and quest for knowledge empowers everyone around you. You are a light, a beacon, a swirl of love, a rainbow of a zillion hues. I lived in a suburb of San Diego as a child (6- almost 9 years old) when my Dad was in the Navy. My Mom still talks about the light there, the light… like it was always light. Thank you for your advocacy and love… xo
Sharon – MomGenerations.com recently posted…6 Simple Garden Ideas to get kids to “stop and smell the flowers”!
You’re amazing. Your love keeps me so inspired. I hope to be a mom and grandmother like you <3
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Looks like a blast! Family really is the best thing on this earth!
Meagan recently posted…Sparkling Summer Accessories
So true!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
It sounds like you had an amazing time. I love seeing all your pictures.
Kathy recently posted…Walgreens ~ Get a Shot. Give a Shot and Help a Child in Need
We did!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
So glad you guys made it and had such great experience! sounds like you have a wonderful and supportive family!
Shelley recently posted…Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Lincolnshire
We are so blessed to have the family that we do!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
I absolutely love visiting San Diego. The LPA Conference looks awesome. I’m glad you guys had such a great time.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets recently posted…Biscotti Bites…a sweet lover’s weakness!
I hope we get to go to SD again! The conference was amazing- it’s such a wonderful group and event to be a apart of!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
What a true inspiration you are. I am so glad you got a lifetime pass to change all your lives. Being an advocate and a mother can wear a Mother out and every time I read you I feel more inspiration in one post then you can possibly imagine. You got this girl and I am proud to follow you. Glad you had such a great trip and got to see your uncle.
Laura (Another Cent Saved) recently posted…Refreshing Summer Iced Drink with Keurig Brew over Ice
Thank you so much, Laura. Your words are really touching.
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
My daughter has been wanting me to go to an Ehlers Danlos convention with her. After reading about how helpful the LPA convention was to your family, I’m thinking I need to. It’s great that you learned so much about how to help her!
It really is an invaluable experience for the whole family.
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
What great photos, looks like you had a great time. i have never been to California but I would love too!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Teach My Learning Sets (Animals, Telling Time, Planets & Continents) Giveaway
It’s amazing. I love San Diego so much!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
It sounds like your family is very supportive. That’s such a blessing!
Dede recently posted…Christmas Book giveaway! Win $10 Amazon code – INT
It really is a huge blessing for us.
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Looks like a fun time was had by all. Love San Diego!
It definitely was!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Nothing big this year. Just a small fabulous staycation at the W Hotel.
April recently posted…Escape to Bliss® Spa – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Have fun!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
There is so much joy in your post. I loved reading it. Wonderful things have been and are continuing to happen to your family!
Liz Mays recently posted…South-of-the-Border Stuffed Pepper Bake
So true! Since that little lady came into our lives, we’ve been nothing but blessed <3
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
What great photos!! Looks like everyone had a blast! I love the sun in California we don’t get much in Washington
tammileetips recently posted…Jelly Belly Factory Tours Fairfield California
We had a lot of fun! San Diego, it seems, is always sunny!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Thank you for sharing such a great group of photos and insight into your life. I can tell that you are surrounded by a loving group of people.
Carlee C recently posted…FREE Popcorn App and a Movie Playdate with Pop Secret! #PerfectPop
That we are!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
This looks like it was an amazing trip full pf priceless memories! So glad you were able to go!
Aimee Smith recently posted…Sparkling Summer Accessories
Me too! I know that we won’t go next year, so I’m glad we got to this year- and enjoy San Diego!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Finding a supportive like-minded community is a huge asset when it comes to advocacy.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All recently posted…CA Special Needs Law Group Giveaway – Win A $50 Amazon GC!
SO true, Val!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
We went on a road trip from MA to VA this summer which was trying at times! Overall, it was a pretty fun trip!
Amy D recently posted…How to Make Baked Potato Salad with Bacon and Cheese!
Road trips always have that fun-but-trying feel for me!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
I was just thinking the other day that we need to take a big drive to Cali one summer. it’s a relatively short drive and I know I’d love it. Now to make it happen!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Westerner Days 2014
That sounds like it would be a blast! I wish I lived in driving distance to CAli!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
What a great trip for your family. Your little is just too cute!! She looks like she had a ball!
kristin recently posted…Back 2 School With Dollar General – Giveaway
Yes! We all had so much fun!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
Thank you for sharing the details of your special trip! Memories for a lifetime. Such a beautiful piece to read.
Thank you, Racquel!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves
We’ve done small day trips and they’ve been great so far!! 🙂 She looks so cute on that chair btw!
That chair IS awesome! Usually we just do summer day -trips… I was thrilled to fly somewhere this summer!
martinkadelux recently posted…All day, overnight and in between… 10 Must-haves