My "Eat, Pray, Love" Story

Like my wheelchair, my life has been set on the highest speed.   I have gone unstopped these past few weeks. Seriously. If I ran off on batteries, I probably would been in need of new batteries by now   (meaning me not my chair hehe).  I spent ten days in Europe.  I visited Paris, Rome, and Florence.  It was absolutely an amazing trip.  The fun didn’t stopped there though.  As you know, I hold the title of Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana and I got the opportunity to compete in the National Ms. Wheelchair USA.  So you can imagine how busy I have been with that.  After I came back from Europe, I had only seven days to pack and prepare for Miss Wheelchair USA.  I’m not going to lie.  My stress level was way over the top.  I was still trying to get back on US time. I still had things to do. My mom and I were about to kill each other.   My dog got very sick and had to stay at the vet overnight.  It was totally madness. Although, I would say it was all worth it.  What I experienced there was absolutely incredible. I’m so grateful that I was able to be a part of something so special. I ended up getting 4^th runner up and received 4 awards. I won the People’s Choice Award, meaning I accumulated the most online votes before and throughout the live taping of the show! I also received the Mayor’s Award for Achievement from the Mayor of Stow, The Miss Congeniality Award, and The Mona Johannson Spirit Award (an award in honor of a past contestant who passed away.) The Ms. Wheelchair USA Pageant has given me even more confidence that I can make a difference.   I could go on for hours telling you about how these wonderful experiences have changed my life but I would make it short and sweet.  Ever heard of “Eat, Pray, and Love?” Well, I consider this to be my own “Eat, Pray, Love” story.

Eat. 

So the first city we visited in Europe was Paris.  I have been to Paris before but never got to really spend time exploring around. We visited the Chateau de Versailles Palace, Eiffel Tower, few beautiful churches, and the Army Museum where Napoleon’s tomb is at.  We saw a cabaret show and cruised along the Seine River in a boat called Bateau Mouches while eating lunch.  Mom and I shopped one evening and got coffee at a sidewalk café. I would have to say that my favorite part of visiting Paris was getting to eat a fancy lunch while cruising on a boat seeing the beautiful monuments. The food they served us was so delicious! I don’t exactly remember what all we had but I do remember trying duck for the first time. It was so good. I really liked it. The pastries and deserts in Paris were definitely amazing. Our hotel was across from a pastry shop and a liquor shop. So you can imagine how happy and full I was. All I was thinking was hopefully I would still fit in my pageant dress. HeHe!

Pray.

Rome was the second city we visited. I not trying to be bias or anything but I absolutely enjoyed being in Rome. I can’t wait to go back! We visited the Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Novena, Fountain of the Four Rivers, & Church of St. Agnes in Agona, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, & Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, the St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. We even took a train to Florence and saw Michael-Angelo's stature of David. It was bigger and more beautiful than I expected. On our last day, we went visited The Spanish steps and the Twin Churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli & Santa Maria in Montesanto. We ended the trip with having an amazing dinner at the Grande and having drinks at the Ice Bar. I have to say visiting the Sistine Chapel was my most favorite part. I grew up having strong faith in God. I pray a lot.  Although, I have had moments where I questioned my own beliefs. It just sometimes I feel   stubborn towards God. I mean I like being in control and I don’t understand how God works sometimes. Anyways, the minute I rolled in that chapel, I forgot all my frustrations and doubts. It absolutely was breath-taking! To imagine somebody who hated to paint painting something so incredibly beautiful.  Michelangelo was primarily a sculptor, was reluctant to take on the work. He was occupied with a very large sculptural commission for the Pope's own tomb. The Pope was adamant, leaving Michelangelo no choice but to accept. I mean can you imagine Michelangelo not painting it? I mean of course he had no choice but God is who directed his path to doing something incredible.  So, in that moment, I closed my eyes and said I trust you and I always will.

Love.

You may be wondering if I fell in love with somebody. I’d tell you this is not about falling in love with somebody. This is about I learned to love the way I am and know that I am not alone. So the competition was in Cuyahoga Falls, OH on July 18th. However, the contestants had to be Ohio from July 13th to the night of competition. I had so much fun that week.  We were invited to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and received a special welcome and luncheon from the board. We were welcomed by the City of Stow Mayor’s Reception and Luncheon. We got to throw the first pitch at the Women’s Pro Softball Akron Racers game. We got to do a Harley Davison fashion Show at Rubber City Harley Center. We did many cool things. The best part of it though was getting to know the other contestants and making such special friendships with them. I have few friends who are in same situation with me but, I barely get to really see them because they live far away. It was really nice to connect with other females who know what I’m going through. I’m in my 20s. Of course, I think about relationships and stuff like that. Also, about living on my own and starting my career. So bonding and talking with the girls really lifted my spirits. They gave me the best advice.  I’d tell you I was feeling lost and frustrated, but now I feel ready to conquer whatever comes my way.