And Now, For the Individual "Thank You's"

You've read my Official Farewell, but if I were to truly do justice in thanking all those responsible for making this a good experience, there would be PAGES, and the poor people in the audience listening would probably need another intermission! Still, I need to make sure I thank those people so incredible for making things incredible for me that I could not thank individually on paper.





Eric, you're my exception and I am thanking you one more time because I know there's not enough "thanks" in the world for all you have done, and especially did, this past year for me in this. No man is more patient than you. I love you.





Julie, no sentence, paragraph, book....I think you get the idea...can even scratch the surface for the gratefulness I have for you. My friend, my chosen sister, the one who inspired me to keep going and believe in myself, and the person who "exudes grace and beauty and a commanding presence when she enters a room that draws you in"...remember that article?...still to this day, that is YOU!




Dee, I'm not sure where I would be without you. Your listening ear, your kind heart, and your continuous generosity to me and to so many is such a touching example of what it means to be a real queen. Your spunkiness and "fire" are the roots that inspire armadillos...and those that need to be! ;) Thank you for "keeping on".



Kaili, you are an inspiration and strength that I look up to and adore. Thank you for your friendship and the amazing person you are. I am truly in awe of your courage and yes, again, your strength.



Maria, your gentleness and sweetness are matched by few as well as your beauty inside and out. You are such a darling to me and I thank you for the friend I have in you.


Michelle, I've always thought you had such a queenly character, and crown or not, you are an inspiration as you choose to care for and serve others like a titleholder would because it is the right thing to do. Thank you for all your support, the beautiful jewelry you supplied at nationals, and for being such a good friend.



Megan, a forever cheerleader, dear friend, and the first to ever congratulate me in this journey, and the one still waving her hands in the air and screaming for me. I am forever grateful God brought you into my life.

Rena, my American Queen sister, I am indebted to the hours of phone calls, encouragement and wardrobe help. You were so good to be with me in NY, and for the many years of friendship we share, I am SO, SO glad for. You my dear, are still my Miss USA! ;)



Loni, I am SO thankful that we were able to reconnect after so many years through this. You were such a great part of this year, and I am so thrilled for the future! You are bright, beautiful, talented, strong, driven, and I admire you.


Erika, Mrs. America was MADE PERFECT with you as my roomie. You were and are so terrific. Beautiful, supportive, and a force to be reckoned with. God bless you for all the kindness you've shown to me.

Jeana, I think we are going on 23-plus years of friendship, and still you are the encouragement and support in every aspect of my life. To see you become the person you are is better than anything I can say. Thank you, my prayer warrior!

Jason P., I don't think I CAN thank you enough. You have been more of a friend, support system, one-man-entourage, and saving grace, and I want you to know that all you've done this past year means the world to me.



Alma, for your YEARS of sewing and creating works of art out of things I've brought to you with visions I could not manifest. You are a seamstress beyond and I so appreciate your patience and willingness over the years to do all you've done for me. Thank you.



To my dear sweet friends made this year through Elena's school-Renee', Julie, Mary, Michelle, and Maria - you ladies have kept me grounded, sane and supported all at once. I think we boosted Einstein's profits by leaps and bounds! I love you girls!



Diane, I can not thank you enough for all you've done for me. I think the world of you. You are so beautiful, inside and out, and I cherish you!


Kathy and Dave, thank you for the prayers, insight and guidance, and friendship. I am indebted to you. Thank you for showing Christ in all you say and do.

Misty, your kindness and friendship this past year is a treasure to me. Never change that sweet loving spirit!

Nor, thank you for wardrobing me over the years. You have a talent and a gift, and I adore you! I would have not had nearly the look I've had without you. You have been a saving grace to me so many times, and EVERYONE should shop with you FIRST!

May God truly Bless all of you...you have been the biggest blessings to me! Love to every one of you!








2 Samuel 2:6


May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.





2 Corinthians 9:13-14


Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.





Numbers 6:24-26


The Lord bless you and keep you;


The Lord make His face shine upon you,


And be gracious to you;


The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,


And give you peace.