MarnInspire: April 2015

There is a saying, "Everything happens for a reason."

I believe that Madeleine Kate Beacham happened in this world to remind us of the true meanings of kindness and love. And last night, I couldn't help myself, but to smile as I watched my beautiful daughter sing her heart out to her talent choice, "Welcome to New York" by Taylor Swift.

When we got home last night, she asked me, "Mom, am I still Miss Amazing?" I told her she is and will always be Miss Amazing. I cannot help but sob when I think of the ways that my Maddie has defied so many odds in her short little life--and yet she remains so happy and so authentically kind and full of love. It has been an exhausting 16 years to navigate Maddie's health concerns. But the flip side of having Maddie in my life is that I have the gift, the joy, the grace of continually being in the presence of a being who is pure and will always possess a purity that most of us merely try to emulate, but fall short of due to our humanity.

I am so grateful to be able to associate with people like Rebecca Ford, and her amazing entourage--volunteers, student escorts and so many more that make Tooele's Mr. & Miss Amazing Pageant happen every year now for five years!!

If you missed the pageant last night, you missed stories of unbelievable triumph over life threatening health issues; and you sure did miss multiple, truly heart melting moments and pee your pants laughter—There simply was not a dull moment because these contestants are FUNNY and REAL and they are each AMAZING—as are the mommas, dads and other caregivers who continue to care for and love them!!

At the end of the evening, joyful tears filled my eyes as I watched how my sweet Maddie genuinely wanted to hug every contestant she crowned and handed a staff to. She has so much love! She handed over her throne gracefully as she carefully crowned the new Miss Amazing 2015, Amber Bailey. Maddie's Mr. Amazing 2014, Joshua Curtis, whose incredible talent was playing the bass crowned Travis Graves as this years' Mr. Amazing. For their talents, Amber did a dance and Travis sang. Congratulations Amber and Travis!!!

This pageant is truly one of the beautiful, heart-melting, inspiring and amazing experiences in my life. I am grateful to witness the simplicity and unpretentiousness of such amazing souls who are in it. I wish to cheer on and thank the stewards of these beautiful souls--the mommas, dads, and caregivers who choose to protect, care for, advocate for, and see to the safe, healthy, happy passage these amazing souls deserve. It is not a job for the faint of heart. It is a job I feel inspired to write about.

Here are a few pics from last night. Enjoy….