The Big Reveal....It's all about Sarah

On Tuesday (December 1) I had the opportunity to have the Sarah Palin book "Going Rogue" autographed. I've never did anything like this before and I thought why not. She is interesting to me and the fact that she has a baby with Down Syndrome, I guess I feel like we have something in common. Anyways I went with Dan's mom and I took Mattie with me. We got in line at 9 AM and she was to appear at 11:00 AM at the Costco in Tempe. She arrived at 10:30 and soon the line started to move and then stop and then it would move again. We were about 100 feet from the entrance door and it was announced that right know she has signed 750 books which is 250 more than originally planned. They are waiting to see if she wants to sign more. We were told 50 maybe a 100 more. About 20 minutes later the Costco worker came out and was told to keep the line moving. The next thing I'm walking in the door and handed a card with the number 816 on it. I was # 816...WOW! The first thing I hear is the Lee Greenwood song "God Bless America", I though cool they are playing music. Before you get to the signing table you put your purse on 1 table and then they take the book from you and your walk to the table were she is at. You are not to have anything on you, no purse, bags, jackets etc.. and your hands must be out and shown. I'm standing in line looking at her and the next song on is Toby Keith "Courtesy of the Red,White and Blue" and Mattie starts waving her hands in the air and then a few photographers start taking her picture. The next thing you know I'm standing in front of Sarah Palin and she shakes my hand and says thank you for coming and then says "Oh who is this". I said this is my daughter Mattie. She stands up and asked "Can I hold your baby, will she let me hold her". I tell her yes and hand Mattie to her. She asked about her glasses and if she keeps them on and I told her no, she is always taking them off and losing them. In fact this is our second pair this year. She laughs and told me her son is the same way that it is a constant battle. She asked about her leg braces and what they do. I explain the braces to her and she asked does it help and I tell her yes that she will take little steps if we help her. She then said "my son Trig is here and I want you to meet him". In fact my mom and dad are here and I want you to meet them as well. She hands Mattie back to me and tells me thank you. She then tells her security guard that I'm to meet her family. He gets a Costco worker and then I'm being escorted off to the side. This man comes up to me and says "Hi, I'm Sarah's dad" We talk for a minute and then her mom comes up and he introduces Mattie and I to her. Then Sarah's mom and the Costco worker takes us through the store and upstairs to a room were Trig is with some friends of Sarah who live in the valley and are watching him during the event. We hang out for about 30-40 minutes and Mattie and Trig at first just stared at each other. He blew a raspberry and Mattie did it back. They do this a few times and then he finally crawls off and Mattie follows him. They started playing together with some of his toys. I talk to one of her friends for a while and then Sarah's mom comes in and said that Sarah wants Trig and that it was time for them to go. I pick up Mattie and thank everyone and say our good byes.

So here is the story of Mattie and I having to the chance to meet Sarah Palin and Mattie being able to play with Trig. Oh and if you don't believe this story below are some pictures to prove it. I have to say I was so impressed with her kindness and honestly the love she had towards Mattie. To ask to hold Mattie was huge to me. I could not believe it happened and did not expect it at all. When people were coming out of the store everyone said it was fast and she was answer a question or two but it was very short and the line keeps moving. It was truly an amazing day.