A quick trip to Utah...

All last week, I debated back and forth whether or not to fly up to Utah for the Miss Utah Pageant. I wanted so badly to go, but I just felt a reluctancy to go. Finally, on Friday night, I decided that I wasn't going to settle for watching the video...I wanted to see it live. So, I booked a flight to Salt Lake and left the next morning. I watched final rehearsals all day and then saw the finals that night. It was a great pageant. My mom is the director and she did AMAZING. It was entertaining, fun, and very touching. In one part they played a slide show of different soldiers from Utah who have served in the Armed Forces. The contestants collected them from family and friends and sent them in. Johnny, my brother, who is the emcee and is AMAZING if I may say so, sang "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables. Oh my gosh!!! It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen or heard. As I sat there I tried to hold back the tears, but I just couldn't, and soon I found myself weeping. Not just a few tears, but actual sobs. At that moment, I realized what a sacrifice these people have made for my country, my family, and for me. I realized that they are true heroes, through and through. I wished that I could meet each one and thank them personally for their service.
After the crying stopped and the tissue I was holding had turned into a ball of lint, they announced the winner. I have to admit, I was a little surprised. But she is a darling girl from Manti and she will be great. The first runner-up was Whitney Merrifield from Pleasant Grove. I was so excited for her. My sisters and I helped her a little with her preparation, so we were especially tickled to see her do so well. I thought she might win, but it was a close call, I'm sure. So, all in all, I'm home and glad to be here, but so darn happy that I went. It was worth it!!!