I know I have not written to you in a long time. So many things have been happening to me over the last few months and life has changed dramatically!! For the good!! I met with my long-term mentor, Papa John, and he got on me about writing! Gee, he never stops. That’s a great thing to have.
So, now I am sitting here writing my first blog in a long time. A lot has happened to me over the last few months and I can’t even begin to tell you how life has been so exciting.
In March, I was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. For those of you who know me, remember that this has been my dream for about five years. I first learned about the program when I was in undergraduate school when a title holder came to my class and spoke. She told me I had to do it. At the time, I was not really excited about the whole idea of pageants. That word was scary to me. But after several years of growing up, I decided to participate. The first two years, I did not receive the title and that was really hard for me because I thought “I had it in the bag”. But God had a different plan. At the time, I did not know what that was and I became very angry.
After taking a year off, and praying, God told me to try again. This time, I had a whole new perspective on the weekend of the gala. I viewed it as a mission to love on the other contestants and the staff. The weekend was amazing and I gave it my all. I believe that it is one of the reasons why God gave me this title. At the right time, He knew that I could give it my all and really pour into girls’ lives. So, that is what I am doing.
I realize this blog is a little late and I can’t really go into all the events that I have done because you would be reading for days. Plus, I don’t think I could cover all the joy that I have felt over the last few months.
One story that stands out to me happened about a week ago. I was a special guest with the Challengers’ baseball team. We were able to go to a Tides game and actually go onto the field while they were singing the National Anthem. When David and I first got to the stadium, the PR person told us we would be going to the outfield to enter the stadium because that was the only wheelchair accessible way onto the field. When he opened the gate, I had a “wow” experience. The field looked so different at that angle. I think I sat there for a few moments star struck. After getting over the initial moment, the kids and I danced while we were waiting for the ceremony to start. They were so fun!
When it was time for me to watch the game, I had to return to the accessible seating area. I was a little sad because I would not be with the whole team. Little did I know, God had an appointment for me. I got to sit with a little girl, Savannah. She was entirely too adorable and had a little spunky attitude. She kept thinking that she was going to catch a ball. And every time the ball was hit, we would get ready. I laughed so much with her and she kept calling me “Ms. Wheelchair”. At the end of the night, I knew that she is the reason why I love this title so much. I have the opportunity to see the sparkle in little girls’ eyes and tell them that they can do anything when they believe. HOMERUN!!
I am excited about so many more opportunities to meet amazing people and share their remarkable stories.
Serving with a crown!
