Just the Way You Are

When McKenna was a little girl she was the biggest tomboy around. She wore a ponytail everyday of the year. She never wore pink. She never wore lace or ruffles. She didn't dance. She didn't twirl. She hated dresses. She cried for hours at my sister's wedding reception, until we took the ruffle dress off. And no, there wasn't anything poking her. She just hated the frills. When other moms talked of their daughters doing Junior Miss when they were all "growed up" I definitely didn't include McKenna in that. What would her talent be? Shooting 3 pointers? reverse lay ups? serving a volleyball? blocking a shot? hitting in RBIs? solving a tough math problem? No, Junior Miss wasn't for her.

But then January arrived and a sign up sheet appeared in the office. McKenna's name was top of the list. What? When had my little tomboy turn into a girl? I was surprised but excited for her. For months McKenna has attended practices. She has studied up on current events. She learned to walk in high heels. She learned a very difficult piano piece. She learned to look poised and distinguished while sweating. She learned to smile when facing fears. She learned to talk to strangers and appear confident. And she learned to build the confidence of others. And after all the time, practice, and hard work, the time to shine arrived.

The Distinguished Young Women of South Fremont program was on April 20, 2013. Fourteen beautiful, and brave, young women radiated in a night themed "Just The Way You Are". It was wonderful. I admit, I shed many tears because they were all amazing. Here are a few pictures - very few because it was dark and they were moving - of McKenna's performance. The top picture is of the four soon-to-be-senior basketball players and their coaches. Next is of her during the final announcement. Third is her playing her piano piece, "Root Beer Rag" by Billy Joel. Fourth is during the opening number. The last one is of all the winners - Miriam Hollist (Spirit of DYW), McKenna (1st Runner-up), Emily Chelson (2014 DYW), and MaTazie Hobbs (2nd Runner-up). I think they were all tired of smiling.

We are so proud of her. She was thrilled. She received several scholarships due to her final placement and her winning one of two scholarships in Scholastic and Interview. She has grown up and definitely left her tomboy childhood behind. It comes out every once in awhile but a lady she has become.

Life is Good - and watching your children grow is a treasure!