Are you there (Senator) Dodd? It's Me, Devra

Dear Senator Dodd,

I've been meaning to drop you a line ever since the Moms Rising House Party last fall. I was there! I tried waving at you, but there were some tall people in that room, and I am so short it was utterly impossible to get your attention. Do you realize it's been over twenty years a while since we'd last shared a sofa at the White House Conference on Aging? We were both in The D.C. at that time. Me, because my mother was a 1981 delegate to the conference and you, because as a Senator you cared enough to come and meet with the delegates from the state you represent. I bet you are surprised I remember, but it left a lasting impression on me. I remembered that MY Senator wanted to meet with me(well not just me, but you know what I mean) and took the time to do it. Personally. You didn't send an aide, didn't send a friend. YOU WERE THERE! And so was I. I really hope you remember, but if you don't, it won't hurt my feelings. I understand. We've both slept since then.

You might also be surprised to hear I am still registered to vote in Connecticut. (Ya know, I find lots of people are surprised about that). Hey, wanna know something else?

When we first met, neither of us were parents, but like you, I began advocating for children way before I had kids of my own. Look at us now, both of us still working to improve the lives of families AND we are now parents ourselves. You have two children and so do I. But the similarities don't end there...

I married a military man, you propose programs which will benefit military families. I am a consultant providing services to child advocate and parent education organizations, you support those types of organizations too. I believe care giving is undervalued and family policies need to be bumped up to the next level in our country and so do you. We both believe that children are our future and while I'm not going to ask that we do this, I am going to suggest we find a time to sit down and visit.

I know you've got a lot going on with work and family, as do I, but I subscribe to this Lucille Ball quote, "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do."

I'll make the time. Just throw me some dates that will work for you.

I'd invite you to come sit on our sofa, but we're having major renovations done on our house. How about if we get together somewhere in The D.C.? Maybe I could bring along some friends who want to meet you and talk political shop about parenting issues and more. When can we get together? Rumor has it you have some big things you want to get done in the coming year. I'd love to learn more!

Here is my email: Devra@Parentopia.com

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,

Devra (Gordon) Renner

Hamden High- Class of '85

Cross-posted on DC Metro Moms Blog