Well, my evening gowns are being altered, my competition shoes and swimsuit have arrived in the mail, and my rehearsal outfits are almost done being planned. Preparations for Miss America are moving along! As we are about 2 months out from Jan 12th, the fact that I?ll be competing on that Miss America stage is getting more real every day.
The past few weeks have been busy; just the way I like it. I?ve attended the Shrine Oyster Bowl at Old Dominion University, spoken at the Feeding America Donor Luncheon about the value of providing healthy meals, walked a 5k at the CMNH Torch Relay, and talked to the Optimist Club International, Rotary International, and Women?s Club International regional conferences about taking on the cause of childhood obesity in their own communities.
The Arc of Williamsburg provides support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially through Health & Wellness, and I got to be part of their fitness night! ?It is very important to me for people from all walks of life to discover the importance of exercise in their lives, and this group is an inspiration to us all. Though they have many obstacles to overcome to get to healthy, they strive after it as a team to do what they can. While there, I met a sweet little girl who was also volunteering. Before the participants got there, she warned me that they were going to be ugly. I took the opportunity to explain to her that yes, they looked different, but that didn?t make them ugly. They were still humans just as we are and actually very beautiful because of the love they have for one another and passion they have for life. It is the light that shines from within them that makes them beautiful, and we have the chance through serving them, to act beautiful back to them! She promised me she would. It warmed my heart the rest of the night to see the little girl go out of her way to help and show kindness to the ARC members.
I was also welcomed back to Williamsburg Landing Retirement Community, where I used to train an 85-year-old resident while at school at William and Mary. I performed several songs at ?The Landing Connection? musical show and was reunited with my client after a year. Several of the audience members, like Mrs. Elle, talked to me after about my platform and promoting physical activity. Elle told me that she is living proof of my message too. She could barely get around 3 years ago when she first moved there and the doctors told her that her only hope of extending her life was to start exercising. Though a struggle at first, now she walks everyday with out her walker or wheelchair and gets other residents to turn off the TV and walk with her.
In honor of our military before Veteran?s Day, I was able to visit Virginia Military Institute and sing the National Anthem at their football game. My grandfather and his brother played football at VMI, and my uncle attended there as well. It was very special to meet our future military heroes, along with many alumni who returned for the game, and I was proud to be part of the family there. I spent my Veteran?s Day at the VA Hospital with a catfish roast and a bluegrass band. I had the privilege to sit and chat with these amazing individuals, who have sacrificed so much to give us the freedoms that we enjoy today. I get chills just writing this, thinking about how I was sitting in a room full of former military personnel who went through the most difficult of battles to pave the way for a safe and vibrant America. I met Ms. Eva who was one of the first African American women to serve in World War two. Unfortunately, there were no parades to welcome her unit home after the war, but I was blessed to thank and celebrate her today. During lunch, the band asked me if I had any bluegrass spunk in me. I said maybe a little and I?d be happy to sing a few patriotic songs a cappella. The vets asked for more and more songs, so I started getting creative with old country hymns. Next thing I knew, the band spontaneously backed me up with the guitar and harmonica, and we got the crowd clapping and singing along. So much fun! Many of the patients at the VA hospital couldn?t remember much, but they told me they felt the joy of the old familiar tunes. I told each and every one that I met that their service would not be forgotten and from the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Enjoy this month of Thanksgiving, and make it your goal to be thankful in all circumstances. We are blessed to be alive and to be Virginians! Have a great holiday with friends and family!
Source: http://www.missva.com/?p=3014
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