She didn’t plan on raising a pageant girl.
This friend of mine. The one who was an all-star athlete. Who came from athletic stock. The one who from childhood through college could be found on a court. The one who, when she wasn’t on the court, was taking care of calves.
She didn’t plan on raising a pageant girl.
She pictured herself sitting in the bleachers on the weekends. Not in auditoriums filled with “Pageant Moms.” She didn’t know she’d be helping her daughter prep for interview questions instead of perfecting her free throw form. She didn’t know she’d be buying high heels instead of high tops.
She didn’t plan on raising a pageant girl.
But she has watched her daughter come into her own each time she walks across the stage. She’s seen the growth and confidence and pride that she has gained. She sees the light in her girl each time she shares her platform. And the excitement she has in each new challenge.
She didn’t plan on a pageant girl.
But she is so insanely proud to be a “pageant mom.” Because she sees how her daughter has a pride in her passion. She sees the way she’s growing into an impressive young woman. And a person who has found her own voice.
She sees now that there is so much more beyond “Toddlers and Tiaras.” She knows there aren’t swimsuits and false teeth. That it is so much more than mamas coaching from the chairs. She knows that these competitions they participate in really aren’t Beauty Pageant and that’s why there is so much beauty in the pageants.
She never planned on raising a pageant girl.
But she did hope and pray for a girl who would be strong. One who would believe in herself. And find the same passion for something as she had in sports.
While she didn’t plan on a pageant girl, she is so proud and thankful that this is the girl she got. Because pageants or sports or science or art or music or livestock and beyond, getting to see her daughter become who she is meant to be… that’s bigger than any hope she ever could have had.
I know for sure that this friend of mine is learning about a whole new world through her daughter’s experiences. And I see how she steps right in, cheers her on, and is her biggest fan. And I know it’s because when your child loves something often times, you too, fall right in love with it alongside them. Because you see them shine.
She didn’t plan on raising a pageant girl. But this girl she is raising is far greater than she could have imagined. And that is the very best feeling of all.
