Vote for Riley... Friday morning, we were blessed to be involved in a wonderful reception. Congressman Jim McCrery has established the Jim McCrery scholarship fund for Riley's daycare center, the Goldman School. As many of you know, Goldman is based on the inclusion model, where students with disabilities are taught along side their typical peers. This leads to enhanced learning, for all the children and furthers the idea that we are all more alike than different. Daycare for any family is a large expense, and due to government cutbacks, all families at Goldman school are required to pay. In years past families with children with special needs were helped with child care costs, but those days are long gone. Caring for a child with disabilities as with any child is expensive. Mr. McCrery believes strongly in the Goldman School and wanted to help offset cost for families. So he endowed the school with over $25,000 to set up the scholarship. Friday morning, there was a reception at the school to honor this. Gerard and I were excited to attend. Riley had been chosen to be in the "parade" for the event. After several speakers, while Mr. McCrery was talking, I saw the parade forming at the back of the room. There was our girl, in front helping to hold a Thank You banner. "Hi Mama, Hi Daddy" we could here her say. A few children(both typical and special needs) from the center paraded in. Of course Riley headed straight for us. I had to hold her in the pictures but then she turned on the charm. As the children were leaving to go back to class, Riley ran up and gave Mr. McCrery the biggest hug, which earned her a standing ovation. Then she waved and said "bye" to everyone, blowing kisses. She was so cute, they asked us to bring her back in for more photos with the Congressman. My little ham made such and impression one lady told me she should run for public office... VOTE FOR RILEY!