Finding My Voice: The Big Day

The day we've all been waiting for arrives. And, with it arrive nerves. I wake up already counting down the hours. By 4:00pm this will all be over--at least that's what I keep telling myself. Of course, I told my care attendant last week as I was preparing for the weekend, "Just think, by next week this will all be over." She answered, "No it won't. It's only just beginning." How right she was. But, on this day, it helps me steady my nerves by counting down until 4:00. I can manage anything for a few hours, right?

The day begins with an optional church service and breakfast that helped to calm my soul. We then get to practice what the Crowning Ceremony will be like. That is so much help for AJ as he learns exactly where to go and what is expected of him. Come ceremony time, he behaves like a professional doing exactly what he is supposed to and allowing me to focus on my own "stuff" for the day. He was so well-behaved throughout the entire weekend. I am very proud of him. A big thank you to Tony for being an excellent escort. He suggested doing a run through so AJ would know exactly what to expect from him and did an amazing job of holding my speech and flowers and getting them to me at just the right moment. I didn't have to think about a thing. It was all taken care of. Thank you.

One of the best parts of this day is always getting pampered. What girl doesn't love to have their hair and make-up done? Not only was I pampered, but my wishes were respected and they tried their hardest to make me look how I imagined it. Thanks to Lana and Maria for making me look so beautiful. The Silent Auction is always a fun part of the event and I'm so glad I got to check it out before hand and tell Eric what to bid on. Things were a little bit on the crazy side afterward.

Waiting for the excitement to begin

Then the fun begins. Thank you for arranging things the way they are. Once we entered the room, the wait to do our speeches and questions was only a matter of minutes. Then, I could breathe again. My responsibility was over. I felt good about showing my authentic self and my authentic plan for the future. Now, it was up to the judges. Was my authentic self what they wanted to represent Ms Wheelchair Kansas in 2013? It was wait and see and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Waiting and enjoying the rest of the Ceremony
Notice the green jewelry. It is St. Patrick's Day
Where is your green?

Now the announcment comes. Then the pesky tears arrive. They just can't seem to stay hidden. Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2013 is Mrs. Angel Shaver. That is me! Now that the weekend is over, the real adventure begins. The nerves are gone, but excitement arrives. Sleep is interrupted because my mind is spinning with all the next year holds in store. My care attendant was right: It's only just begun. I can't wait to experience all the adventure and open doors this year. Join me on this journey.