We Marched. We Met. We Danced. We Fought.

Whew, y’all… what a week!

I’m home, finally. The laundry is piled up, my suitcase is still sitting in the floor, and I’m running on caffeine and memories. But my heart is so full.

We rolled into Washington, D.C. Sunday evening and started the week by meeting up with my sweet friend, Mackayla, that I first met at Runway of Dreams in New Jersey. I just love how this disability community keeps bringing amazing people into my life. We grabbed dinner, caught up on life, and spent the evening walking around the city before the busy week officially began.

Monday morning kicked off the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Conference with workshops and a luncheon. Every time I attend NCIL, I’m reminded that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Being surrounded by advocates from every corner of the country is energizing. We all have different stories, but we’re fighting for the same thing—freedom, dignity, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

Monday evening we headed over to Georgetown and explored for a while. It was nice to slow down for a few hours before the real craziness started.

Tuesday morning we somehow managed to squeeze in a quick trip to the National Zoo between workshops and the march. We only got through about half of it, but that’s okay. It just gives us an excuse to go back one day!

Then it was time to march. Walking through the streets of our nation’s capital alongside hundreds of disabled people, allies, families, and advocates was something I’ll never forget.

As we marched toward the U.S. Capitol chanting, “Our homes. Not nursing homes,” a wave of sadness hit me.

Why the hell are we still having to chant that… in 2026? Seriously. Think about those words.

Our homes. Not nursing homes.

Why, in God’s name, are disabled people still having to fight for the basic right to live in our own homes and communities with the supports we need? It honestly baffles me. This fight is just as important today as it was in the ’70s and ’80s because there are still people trying to undo the progress generations of disability advocates fought so hard to achieve. Rights that should never be questioned are being questioned.

We didn’t come this far just to go backward. WE REFUSE TO GO BACK.

Wednesday was Capitol Hill Day. We met with Senator Graham’s staff (which was… well… a little awkward), Senator Scott’s staff, Representative Fry’s staff, and I was also invited to meet with the Commissioner of the Administration for Community Living at the Department of Health and Human Services. That meeting was such an honor, and I’m incredibly grateful to my colleague, friend, and mentor Kimberly from Able SC for inviting me to be part of it.

But can I brag on my girls for just a minute? Y’all… They were AMAZING. Those girls sat through meeting after meeting like little professionals. They listened, they learned, and Madelyn even spoke up a few times during our conversations. Watching your child use her voice to advocate for others… there’s just nothing like it. As a mama, I couldn’t have been prouder.

After spending all day talking policy and disability rights, we wrapped up the evening exactly the way we needed—with the NCIL dance party! Listen… disability advocates know how to work hard, but we also know how to celebrate. We laughed. We danced. We made memories. Maggie made the adults do cartwheels, haha! The girls had an absolute blast, and somehow we didn’t crawl into bed until 1:00 in the morning. Totally worth it.

Thursday’s drive home was… less fun. An eight-hour drive somehow turned into almost eleven thanks to traffic, wrecks, and backups. By the time we pulled into the driveway, we were more than ready to sleep in our own beds.

But if you ask me what my favorite part of the trip was, it wasn’t Capitol Hill. It wasn’t the zoo. It wasn’t Georgetown. It was the people. Every single trip reminds me that this movement isn’t just about legislation. It’s about relationships. It’s about community. It’s about finding your people. And this week, I found another one. Misty… I’m so thankful our paths crossed. I have a feeling this won’t be the last adventure we share.

So today, I’m resting. I’m thanking God for safe travels. I’m thanking Him for every conversation, every meeting, every laugh, every opportunity, and every new friendship. And I’m thanking Him for allowing me to do work that matters. Because that’s exactly what this is. It matters.

Now… before I go… I’ve got some really exciting news coming over the next few weeks. I can’t spill the beans just yet, but starting in August, life is about to get wonderfully, beautifully, crazy busy for about the next two years. It’s a huge opportunity, and I am beyond grateful that God opened this door. I cannot wait to share it with y’all.

Until then… We’ll keep fighting. We’ll keep showing up. We’ll keep using our voices.

And we’ll keep reminding this country that disabled people deserve the same thing everyone else does:

Our homes. Not nursing homes.
Hands off 504.
The ADA is here to stay.
Disabled. Loud and proud!