(click link above to see Fox TV news report.)
Truth be told, she's always been amazing. Tonight though, at 14, she was particularly lovely and shined like no star you've ever seen before. I couldn't be more proud of this little girl. I am humbled by what an incredibly loving, forgiving, and tender little being she is. She is and will always be my little Maddie K. Tonight, however, I smiled (beamed actually), giggled, and wept at how she emerged with the wonderful beauty of a radiant young woman.
As the evening commenced, she rode in as "Jessie" from Toy Story, as each of the contestants were to dress up for the 'Famous Wear' competition. Her on-stage question was, "If you had one million dollars, what would you buy and why?" Her answer was purely, "I'd buy 'Frozen'." She loves Olaf and Elsa and anything "Frozen."
For her talent, she performed as the Little Mermaid, Ariel, singing "Part Of Your World." And rather than just lip syncing or singing along with the track, Maddie stood out by singing on her own, pitch perfectly, may I add!! (Yes, I am a puffed up proud little mama!)
For evening wear, Maddie donned a soft pink evening gown, white satin gauntlets, a pink organza shawl, pink sapphire and rhinestone earrings and necklace, and completed her ensemble with a pink flower in her light brown hair. She was elegant! My little girl was somehow growing into a young lady. When did this happen??
Yet my heart felt an interesting twinge of aching confusion, as I watched her little feet peek out from underneath her bell-bottomed skirt. She wore bright patent pink slip-ons and little white anklets with lacey trim--Not the heels of a woman, but little shoes of a little girl, still. It was a moment of of recognition about a truth for Maddie--while part of her was evidently growing into a young woman, part of her will remain always as a child. It was a bittersweet moment for me.
At intermission, Fox TV came to do a news story on the fourth annual "Mr. and Miss Amazing Pageant" created and produced by Mrs. Ford, Tooele High School's special education teacher, who happens to be amazing in her own right! It was so delightful to watch my animated Maddie smile and talk so easily with the reporter.
As they began to announce the winners, and each contestant received an award, I watched my Maddie happily clap and cheer on each one. She truly personifies kindness. My heart raced and thumped harder as finally one contestant was yet to be named--my very own Madeleine Kate Beacham. I screamed and squealed with exhilarating delight as Mrs. Ford announced her Miss Amazing 2014. But what was even more breathtaking about that moment is the fact that my wonderful little girl didn't even realize she had received the accolade. Her escort, Danny Anderson, had to lean down to her and tell her she won and to go let them crown her. It was pure. I felt joy. I felt so happy for my daughter--because of my daughter. This was her moment. And it was her victory!
Afterwards, Maddie was swarmed with friends and all sorts of adoring fans--each congratulating her. She just beamed! I stood in the background, watching her and just let it all soak in. I adored her and all the love that surrounded her. It was magical!
When it was time to finally leave, I helped her into our car. I asked her, "Well Queenie, what would you like to do to celebrate?" Simply, her answer was, "Can we go to McDonalds for a Happy Meal?" I laughed and said yes. As we drove, I could tell she was tired. I asked her if she wanted to get it to go. She said yes.
So, at home, Miss Amazing celebrated in her dress and jewels with a cheesebuger, french fries and a root beer. As she dipped fries in her fry sauce, my sleepy girl yawned. Bedtime was on the horizon. Oh, what a night! Oh what a simply amazing night!
