*Unperfect Angel* Ms. Wheelchair America 2010

    On April 18, 2009, the moment that I have been waiting for became a reality..I was crowned Miss Wheelchair North Carolina 2009.  This moment has been that moment, that has made everything that I have endured so worthwhile.  It has proved, yet again, that everything happens for a reason. 

    The pageant weekend was absolutely amazing.  I was first and foremost blessed by the new relationships that I formed as a result of this competition.  I met three of the most amazing women in the world, and was blessed to be able to have shared one of the most defining moments of my life with them.  Teresa Higgins, Meritta Thomas, and Brandee Ponder have become three more people that I know will be friends for a lifetime.  I am looking forward to sharing this journey with them!

    I was also blessed to have met a group of cyclists from Toledo, Ohio, who after only knowing me for a couple of hours, decided to attend the pageant and cheer me on! I met them just by sharing my story and testimony with them.  They were awesome!! I look forward to keeping in touch with them. 

    I am hoping to be able to use my title to continue my advocacy for people with disabilities, and to share my story even more.  I would like to use this postition to get more non-profit organizations and resources in the state of North Carolina, to motivate and assist people with disabilities to reach for their goals and dreams.  I strongly believe that everyone deserves the same opportunities, no matter what limitations they may face.  This postition will give me even more opportunities to be able to share my story and inspire others to not give up and believe that anything is possible.  Life is definitely what you make it.

    I can not wait until the next blog entry, which will be coming soon.  My next big step, at this point, will be the Miss Wheelchair America competition in South Dakota, August 2009.  I am looking forward to the national competition and establishing even more friendships along the way!

   Keep me in your prayers as I embark on my new journey! Here is the link to an article and slideshow made of the crowning ceremony: http://tinyurl.com/dlrpcb