....And for the love of a child

When I read this article, which appears in original form on Conservatives4Palin and titled "Trig Palin - Why I got involved," I was reminded of my first opportunity to speak with then Governor Sarah Palin. I live in Wasilla, have been to events where she was in attendance, and even seen her at Wal-Mart and Target, but it was this past winter at the Iron Dog Snowmachine Race that I first had an opportunity to speak with her.

I love photography and was there on a cold day with my husband, taking pictures of the event. We got there early to insure parking and a good spot on the fence line. The contestants were all in their respective "camps," getting ready for the race. As they had them line up their machines near the starting line, I spotted Todd Palin and his race partner Scott Davis and made my way over to take some photos of them.

I saw a large SUV pull up in the parking area, and out stepped Sarah Palin. Immediately a small crowd gathered around her. She posed for a few pics and shook a few hands. I made my way over to the vehicle, but was hesitant to jump into the fray. I'd always wanted a photo with her, but out of respect, had missed some opportunities. Even when I would see her at Wal-Mart shopping, it would take her an hour to pick up 3 things because of all the attention. But she was, and is, always gracious. I just thought to myself, if I can get a picture with her great, but if not, that's ok too.

As I approached, I heard her say "I really need to go. I need to find Todd and take care of my baby." Trig was in his car seat, very close to mom who was standing next to the car, patiently waiting the few minutes it took her to say hello. After being instructed on where to park, she got back in the car and they drove to an area in the back behind the event tent. I had missed my opportunity, but again, it was okay.

A woman with the governor approached me and said, "Did you want a picture with the Governor?" I guess the two cameras I had in my hands were a giveaway. I said "Yes, but I know she's busy. It's ok." This woman then said "Come with me."

We went to the area behind the tent. By this time. Gov. Palin had gotten Trig out of the car and was ready to find her husband and say goodbye to him before he went on his 1000+ mile journey into the wilds of Alaska. I gave my camera to the woman and said hello to Governor Palin. The first words out of her mouth were, "Doesn't Trig look good in his snowsuit? We're excited to get him outside to enjoy this clean Alaskan air. What a beautiful day."

Now, does this sound like a woman who is ashamed of, or does not love her child? We spoke for a few minutes about kids, Alaska, and my own son with Autism (whom she has also met). She then said, "Well, I better get this little guy over there to say goodbye to his daddy" and she was off to be with Todd.

I have since seen Sarah Palin with Trig again, at our Valley Republican Women's Club meeting and at the picnics. This is a woman who loves her kids, especially Trig. I have no doubt in my mind that God did choose this family, as Glenn Beck said, for Trig. God knows what he's doing and this child is a blessing, and is loved very much. As for what Levi has implied, he will one day need to answer to God for what he has said. I still continue to pray for this kid. He is so confused and needs help. Like it or not, he is Tripp's father and will be forever linked to the Palins in some way.

Here are some of my own photos, as described above, and the original article. Please, I encourage you to follow the link to Conservatives4Palin, but please enjoy the video from the talented author Seth Adam Smith.


Todd Palin and Scott Davis before the Iron Dog Snowmachine Race 2009


Myself, Sarah and Trig Palin at the Iron Dog Snowmachine Race 2009


Trig Palin and sister Willow at the Fairbanks Picnic/Inauguration July 2009


Sarah, Todd, and Trig Palin at the Fairbanks Picnic/Inauguration 2009


Below is the original article from Conservatives4Palin:

TRIG PALIN - WHY I GOT INVOLVED - by Seth Adam Smith

Last night, I was disgusted to read Levi's latest lies about the Governor and the relationship she has with her son, Trig:

"Sarah Palin seemed to dote more on her new grandson, Tripp, than on her own infant, Trig. "Sarah has a weird sense of humor. ... Sarah would call Trig -- who was born with Down syndrome -- 'my little Down's baby.' ... and sometimes say, playing around, 'No, I don't want the retarded baby -- I want the other one,' and pick up Tripp. That was just her -- even her kids were used to it."

To say that I'm angry at Levi's lies would be a tragic understatement. For those of you that don't already know my story let me briefly share it with you.

I've been a political junkie for many years but although I had influence among voters, I was incredibly reluctant to become vocal during the 2008 Presidential Election. I run several websites, channels and blogs that have a more religious tenor and considering how politics and religion are a particularly volatile mix, I've tried to keep the two separate.

But when Governor Palin stepped onto the national scene and declared her support for families with special needs, it became difficult for me to remain silent. The oldest in my family, my sister Shannon, has mental and physical disabilities but has been one of the greatest of blessings in our lives. I remember sitting next to my mother during the RNC and seeing the tears stream down her face as Governor Palin spoke....because for MY family, she was speaking to us.

The slander, the lies and the venom that were leveled against Governor Palin and her family disgusted me to my core. THAT'S when I decided to take a stand.

I immediately made a video about Governor Palin and her son, Trig. To my great surprise, this video was featured on the JohnMcCain.com blog for several days. That was the beginning of all the Sarah Palin videos you've seen from me since.

In response to Levi's lies, I stayed up late last night and made a remake of that video. With all the tenderness of my heart I plead with you to send this video to everyone. Not just to people that will agree with it, but to those who have misconceptions about Sarah Palin. The love that the Governor has for her son (and family) is clear and knows no bounds. This video, while it only grants us a small glimpse into that part of her life, shows the Governor's sincerity and hopefully it will help others to see it.

So again (and as always), I am counting on you to help me viralize this video. I have done what I can do and I now trust you to do what you can to stand with the Governor.

Well said Seth.