Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, Smile Because It Happened

Looking back on my four year journey in the Miss American Organization, this quote couldn’t seem more fitting. It has been an amazing, joyous journey with so many memories and true growth. I couldn’t have imagined, prior to beginning it, how I could have become the woman I am today without my involvement with this organization.

When I started to compete, I never thought I would gain so much. I started only to be able to perform on stage again after completing high school and not being in dance recitals and musicals anymore. Like so many things, the reasons I stuck around were very different then the reason I started. I continued to be involved because of so many different things and do not regret a minute of it.

So I am asking you all to indulge me for a moment. As I never had a farewell speech for giving up a title, this is my chance to thank all those who have helped me all these years.

First and foremost, I have to thank my Mom. While you were never there physically to see me compete, I knew you were always watching. You are my guiding force and everything I do is in honor and tribute to you. To my Daddy, who hates the spotlight more than anyone I know. Thank you for always reminding me that no matter what, I was your princess. No matter the outcome to any pageant, I knew you wouldn’t care either way and always be happy that “Lacey” came home again. Thank you for always letting me be the little one and always supporting me no matter what.

My little foot, aka Roz, how could I ever thank you for everything you do for me. You are always my loudest cheerleader and the person I can rely on. Your strength is beyond inspiring; thank you for everything you do for me. I know that no matter what my next journey in life is, I can count you being in my corner.

To my pageant sisters, god truly couldn’t have blessed me with better people with whom to go through this journey. I have learned so much from each and every one of you, and am honored to count you as my friends. It would take me over the limit of a blog entry to thank you all individually, but I hope you know how truly special and amazing each of you are. However I cannot go without saying a couple of words to Amy and Corri. Thank you seems to not fully say how much I appreciate you both. Thank you for believing in me even at times I questioned myself, your support as been so amazing and important. Also to my adopted sisters Kieran, Stacey, and Chelsea, I am so proud of you this year and look forward to being your cheerleader.

This amazing organization would not be possible without the volunteers that make each pageant work. It is because of them that we all get the chance to dream and compete. Calista, your advice and opinions have meant the world to me. Your dedication and passion for the organization can always be seen. Miss Greater Rochester was my first ever Miss America local, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to end this journey that back with your pageant once again.

Sue, Gary, and Shelby, meeting you at breakfast after Miss Finger Lakes that year was truly amazing and I am so grateful for the day I met you all. I can’t imagine or look forward to a better part of my summer then going up to Clayton for Thousand Islands. While I was never from there, you always made me feel like I was coming home. You truly put your hearts into this organization and I can’t thank you enough for all the love you have shown me. I also have you to thank for bringing Barb Yerdon into my life!!! I couldn’t imagine my life without you all in it.

Chris, Pilar and Jane, I can still remember when I decided very last minute to compete in Finger Lakes! My trip to Corning is yet another yearly highlight that I enjoy so much. You all put your hearts into your pageant, and I am so grateful to be part of the Finger Lakes family. I also must thank Karen Watson: from sewing me into an interview dress, to helping me with my crazy idea to put a slit in my dress, thank you for all your support and love.

To my Mary Kay family: Shelley, Jaclyn and the rest of not only our amazing Pink Sirens but extended Mary Kay family: thank you for all your love and support. I know that I am always in your prayers, but I know you always say some extra ones during pageant season. No matter what the outcome, you always make me feel like a queen and an important part of this amazing company. I truly see the heart and support of Mary Kay in each and every one of you.

To my Diocese of Buffalo family and my Young Christians at Work: Thank you for helping me find my passion for service and giving me the chance to share it with others. My involvement with the program and the youth and young adult ministry has truly shaped my life and made me feel that even without a crown I have made a difference in others’ lives. To my Young Christians, you are my inspiration and inspire my belief that this world will get better because you are all in it.

To Father Gary: I know you watch down on all the lives you touch and I hope you find joy in mine. You saved my life at the age of 16, and I thank God every day because he blessed me with you in my life for two years. It is because of you that my heart is truly open, and without that none of the wonderful things I have experienced would have ever happened. You not only inspired my platform but you are the inspiration every day when I get up to help make a difference in this world.

Blessed is the heart that finds joy in the journey. I have been blessed by my journey in this organization and cannot thank God enough for putting this in my journey of life.