Philadelphia trip highlights

We went to Philadelphia for the Trisomy 21 Symposium at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).  Stay tuned, because I am going to post some of the things that I learned in each session. 

But for now, I'll just give the basic overview.  First of all, CHOP is an amazing facility.  The campus is inviting and friendly.  The main hospital building is modern and colorful.  It does not feel like being in a hospital, because let me tell you, I am one of those people who do not like being in a hospital.  They make me feel anxious, but I did not, even once, feel that way. 

He wasn't smiling, so I gave him a little bubble : )  It actually feels more like a school than a hospital.

Dr. Skotko did not speak about anything medical.  He strayed from the focus of the day to celebrate the life, abilities, triumphs, and the amazing lives of our "friends with Down syndrome", as he says.  He told uplifting stories of individuals from around the country who share this extra chromosome, and are changing the lives of people they come in contact with.  After each story, he asked us a question about our 47 chromosome loved one.  At the end, he said to fold it up and put it in the drawer next to our bed.  Then, on a day when we feel like the world is against us, when people don't understand us, get out that triumphant reminder and read it. 

We spent the rest of the morning in general sessions about orthopedics and allergies.  After lunch, we broke off into small groups, and I went to a workshop about feeding issues and care notebooks.  Lots of good stuff to come on those.

Later, Brad, Justus, Kamdyn, and I did a little sight seeing.  We boarded Brad's minivan services, and we took our own tour of the city.  Maybe next time we'll be able to get out and walk around some.  We drove past the famous stairs from Rocky.  You know, the ones that he runs up in the movie.

The statue is at the top of the stairs in one of the movies, but it is at the bottom of the steps now.

And Independence Hall, of course......

Looks like a little remodeling is under way.

Horses wear hats.............................................

You have to get the original Philly cheese steak if you go to Philly.  If you want the longest standing cheese steak establishments, it either Pat's or Geno's.  We decided to get pictures with Geno's.........

............................but eat at Pats.

You have not had a cheese steak until you have one of these.  They are that good, no lie.  They are dripping with grease and cheese whiz, and they are mouth watering delicious.  The meat is cooked perfect, tender, with a salty, onion taste hidden inside.  They offer very little condiments to add, because they are THAT good.

The street around us was taken over by a motorcycle gang.  They blocked the street, preventing any traffic from passing, while the whole gang lined up.  When they were lined up, neat and in order, they took off.  The first person in the pack stopped in the middle of any intersecting roads while the whole gang motored through, stopping traffic in all directions.  Not only that, but the drivers in Philly are in a class all their own.  The green flash of the traffic light is barely able to switch before the horns beep impatiently.  It was a world of difference from our little town, but Brad was right at home.  He happily joined the serenade of horns and honks. 

I love having these experiences available to us.  We had a great trip.