I Have A Fierce Heart

Photo credit: ECIC

Yesterday, I went with the Great Start Parent Coalition to the Star Power Rally.  It’s in Lansing, and we took a bus.  As you know, we’ve gone to this for several years. My kids look forward to it, because they are enthusiastic about speaking with our lawmakers and advocating for early childhood programs.

HA!

They like it because they get to see their buddies, and there are donuts on the bus.

This year was a little different.  First, we formed a parade that marched from Lugnuts Stadium (waving Whitecaps banners.  Hee hee!) down to the steps of the State Capitol.  We met with our new State Representative, Brandon Dillon.  We talked to our new Senator, Dave Hildenbrand.  And also, I was chosen out of 9000 people to receive the “Fierce Heart award for Outstanding Advocacy”.

I got a call last week telling me I had won – which was slightly overwhelming because I didn’t even know I had been nominated.  Some of the reasons you guys would know about – like helping with the Family Fun Day or posting diaper deals to encourage folks to donate to the Diaper Drive.  Some of the reasons you won’t, and I am going to keep it that way. If I can use Big Binder to help advocate I won’t hesitate.  But I won’t use it as a way to showcase behind the scenes, get your hands dirty volunteer work I do for the youngest members of our community because I don’t want to exploit anything for personal gain.  I don’t like it when other people do it; and also, I think it irritates God.

I hesitated to even write this post but had enough encouragement that I decided to do it.  I am so thankful for anyone who has taken action because of something I have written about.  YOU share this with me.  I am proud that someone from Grand Rapids was chosen for this award.  It was my pleasure to represent all of us yesterday.

Humbled does not adequately describe it.  Grateful that my children and husband could be with me yesterday at the Capitol is an understatement.  Blown away that both my State Rep and Senator know me personally and were excited for me doesn’t begin to explain it.  Just this once; I am at a loss for words so I will let you read the press release:  Kent County parent wins statewide Fierce Heart award.

On the Capitol steps. The bright yellow t-shirt was mandatory.