January 27, 2008

Experience of a Lifetime!

Lauren Nelson sang a song the last night of preliminary competition that absolutely sent chills down my spine. It was just one of those moments that I’ll never forget....where I was standing, what I was feeling that I cannot even put into words. It was the first time since I had been in Las Vegas that I had to fight the tears back. I am so incredibly blessed far beyond what I deserve. The Miss TN organization has imprinted my life with experiences that I will never ever forget, and has left me with friendships and bonds that cannot be put into words. My Momma Jane calls us “Team Grace,” and that team has embraced me with love, support, and encouragement every step of the way. Mrs. Jane, Chris, Tim, Amy, Allison, Paige and “Da-Da”, Tommy and Patti Ruth, and of course Mr. Exum and Mr. Hensley: It is because of you all that I have absolutely no feelings but excitement and happiness about Miss America. It is because of you and all of the help that you gave me that I know I was my absolute best that I could be and can leave with no regrets. Now I’m just excited about finishing out my year as Miss TN to the very best of my ability as well. Paige, you provided me with my dream Miss America wardrobe and I wouldn’t have changed a single thing. And not just the competition wardrobe, but the walk-on gowns (especially the fabulous creation you designed for me), but also the cocktail dresses I had for each event, the shoes, the jewelry....you have gone above and beyond with time, energy, and resources to find the perfect things for me. I cannot thank you enough. Tommy and Patti Ruth, I love you both and you have showered me with hugs, kisses, gifts, cards, advice, encouragement....and Tommy, I think I have shed more tears of joy with you than anyone ever! Chris and Tim, you are always there when I need you....and Chris, you offered wonderful words of encouragement and advice after the unflattering and misleading editing on the reality show. Thank you so much. Allison, you taught me how to swing those hips (Jay, you helped too, but I think Allison has you beat on the modeling), not look like a robot when I sing, and to apply false eyelashes correctly. I never knew they were specified for the left and right eye! Glad we got that cleared up. Amy, you have done all of these things s well and have been the ever-present encouraging little angel on my shoulder with honesty, advice, encouragement, and motivation in every area. I modeled on that stage and walked in and out of my interview confidently and absolutely giddy with excitement because of you. Mamma Jane, there are just no words. I cannot imagine sharing the Miss America experience with anyone else. You have put your heart and soul into me and have adopted me into your family as one of your own. There were so many other contestants that were amazed when I told them how much help I had received from you and our team.....you are the best!

As Lauren sang Thursday, “I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and help them in return...I know I am who I am today because I knew you...Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

I remember so vividly the childhood dreams and wonder I had watching Miss America, and this experience was so much more than I had ever dreamed. I had the time of my life! I’m leaving with friends from all over the country that share an unexplainable bond. Being chosen as a Quality of Life finalist and especially as one of the Top 15 certainly leaves me with no complaints. Even after being “eliminated,” I was having an absolute blast onstage. And don’t you worry, I took a moment during a commercial break to go to front of the stage and pose in my evening gown and give a big pageanty wave to the TN fans in the stands! I will never forget the moment they called my name as a semi-finalist. I looked up at the TN crown and immediately saw Chris standing up and doing that dance where you swing your arms out in a circle in front of you...what is that called??? Tommy jumping up and down....Julie Sanders jumping up and down with her hands in the air....okay, now there is a big crocodile tear running down my cheek just thinking about how incredible you all are. The lady next to me on the plane just offered me a Kleenex! I am so blessed and thankful. Having my parents onstage with me, sharing my moment of modeling swimsuit on the Miss America stage was so special. I really do believe that they are the most incredible people I know. They have loved me when I was totally unlovable and have always told me that I am capable of any goal I set my mind to. This was one moment those words were brought to fruition, and millions of words and emotions were shared just by being able to look them in the eyes and share a smile during that surreal experience that they have encouraged me to work so hard for.

I know this is turning into a lengthy volume of War and Peace, but I’ve got to write publicly to thank my entire family. We are just one big crazy family on both sides and each and every one of you has believed in me and I have never ever felt so loved in all my life. I love ya’ll! My Tennessee family, Mississippi family, College of Charleston family, Ole Miss family, Nashville family....I am blown away at how many of you flew out to Vegas for this.

To everyone who dares to dream big....don’t let anyone tell you that a dream is unrealistic. Believe in yourself and devote every ounce of time and energy to prepare for that goal. Cherish the people you meet along that journey and take as many moments as you can along the way just to breathe in the experience. Then, if the destination doesn’t turn out quite as you had dreamed you can know without a doubt that it is because there is a better plan in store for your life and that you are a better person for the new friends you’ve made and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

Before I sign off, I have to tell you about my flight today. First of all, the planes were all delayed by several hours so I was very very ready to board when they called my section. Several people had recognized me walking onto the plane, nicely offering congratulations and claps. I took my seat in the back and had just gotten my things settled in when they called “Grace Gore, please come to the front of the plane with your belongings.” I was thinking they were going to do something really sweet like move me up....but no, they said, “We’re sorry, there has been an issue with your boarding pass.” Are you kidding me?! They kicked me off the plane! Now, since everyone knew I was Miss TN, the flight attendants caught great flack about kicking Miss TN out. It turns out, the lady at check-in had accidentally deleted my ticket instead of confirming it and they were putting me on the next plane out in a few more hours. Let’s just say that I can be quite assertive when I need to be, and especially when sleep deprived. I firmly, politely made it clear that it was okay, but I was expecting worthwhile compensation for their mistake. As she was printing out a generous voucher for free airfare, they came over the intercom saying they had one extra seat on the plane after all and that they were holding the plane for me! So I got the voucher and the seat! I was met by a round of applause from everyone onboard when I walked back onto the plane. So I sang, “There she is....Miss Tennessee” in my head and considered it my moment of crowning glory.