Morgan Kate

Last night we attended the Signature's Chef Auction for the March of Dimes. Not only did we attend, but we were one of the speakers. 

I'd like to say that I was nice and calm and relaxed. But, the truth is, I wasn't. I was a ball of nerves. The entire time I was getting ready I was going over my speech. I would read it, make changes, read it again and make some more changes. 

I wasn't nervous about the event. And I wasn't really that nervous about speaking in front of people. I honestly don't really mind public speaking. (I realize that probably makes me weird.) I was nervous because I thought I might get emotional. Even two years later I still get choked up when I think about Morgan Kate's birth or I see a picture of her in the NICU or when I share her story. It doesn't bother me that I get emotional - I accepted a long time ago that I was an emotional person. It bothers me because I want to do a good job. I want to speak clearly. I want people to be able to understand me. I want to share Morgan Kate's story in a way that would make her proud. 

As we were driving to the event Travis held my hand, told me to take a deep breath and told me that he knew I could do it. (Easy for him to say, right?) As we drove there my mind drifted back to some of those NICU days. I thought about how hard it was then and how far we have come now. 

The minute I walked onto the stage my nerves calmed. I had two missions in mind. One, I wanted to share our story and explain to the crowd why the March of Dimes is so vital. I wanted them to know how the March of Dimes funded research that ultimately saved our daughter's life. I wanted them to know that the March of Dimes helps all babies, not just premature babies. I wanted them to know that their contributions and their donations and their time really did make a difference. And two, I wanted to make my baby girl proud. One day I'm going to tell Morgan Kate all about her birth and her time in NICU and the impact she made on so many people, especially her mommy and daddy. And I'm going to share with her what took place tonight and what I said and the way that her story caused so many people to stand up and donate to the March of Dimes.

We had a fabulous evening! It was so much fun and we had the best time with my parents. My parents are our biggest supporters and encouragers and we just feel so blessed and so lucky to have them in our lives! They are awesome!


Oh, and as for my speech. I think I did okay. I was able to keep it together for the most part and only got a little emotional towards the end. Hey, I'm only human right?!?