Legislative Day with Brain Injury Association

In Mississippi, March 22 was Legislative Day at the Capital of MS.  This was a great opportunity to show my support for a great organization that works closely with our State 4-H and works hard to keep our youth safe from brain injuries.  From the moment I arrived as Mrs. Mississippi International, I was greeted and warmly welcomed by staff and fellow supporters.  I was blessed to first meet several special ladies and men- brain injury patients.  They were there as stroke victims, or survivors of accidents that left them with a brain injury.  I love the fact that they have the common goal of supporting the Brain Injury Association and all that it does!  As Dana of the Brain Injury Association told me, "They are our support."

I enjoyed taking pictures with each of them and listening to them as they shared about themselves...some more than others.  It was a pleasure to meet Wesley, a young man with the legislation concerning sports concussions bearing his name.  He suffered from a severe injury while playing high school football.  It was amazing to hear him tell his story at the press conference, and then to meet his family and see how he bragged on his mom and dad supporting him through the near-death experience and coma.  The legislation is simply to protect youth eighteen and under so that they do not experience multiple concussions and have the severe complications that can go along with that.

Spending time talking to Wesley was one of the highlights of my trip.  We share a passion for not only prevention of brain injuries...but for Ariat boots as well!  As we stood around talking, he commented that his feet were tired.  I pointed to my heels and asked how he though my feet were feeling!  He said actually he loved his boots.  I commented on how I love my Ariat boots, and even threw them in my car this morning....just in case...you never know!  He smiled, and pulled up his pant leg to show a little of his boot.  "That is what mine are!" he exclaimed. We shared a "high five" and had fun laughing about our boots, and how one of us mispronounced it!   I sure hope our paths cross again soon in our fight to prevent injuries and keep youth safe.

Well, I have much more to tell later, but I am signing off for now. More pictures to follow later.  Please take care and remember to not take things for granted. 

Blessings to you and your family,
Traci