Crowned!


My girl actually became Homecoming Queen, and I still can't believe it! I wanted it to be true, but was OK if it wasn't true, and sure enough, it is true! It has been a whirlwind ever since. Congratulations from so many people to me {and my husband}, and of course to Madelynn. The community here is so wonderful and so happy for their Queen. It was such a defining moment for her, for all of us. We were all in the front row: myself, my mom, my dad, my step-mom, my sister, Madelynn's Dad, my husband, and my niece and nephew. It was exciting, fun, shocking, and we were all shaking like fools! I had to stop myself from fainting. We all shot up out of our seats and screamed and yelled when we saw where the crown fell!

I think when you have a child in the mid 90's and you raise her all alone for many years, you get something very very special. It might not appear that way at first, because of all the stress and and icky-ness that can surround being a young, un-wed, single mom.

But as I look back and think about how I raised her, I think about a time where there were no computers, a home that didn't have many toys {we could count the number of toys we had}, and a mom, {me} who didn't have much to offer, as far as the things money can by. So I knew these truths, these facts. And sure, they were against us in a lot of ways. But I couldn't let those factors work against us. So I gave my daughter all I had. I put everything I could give her, into her.

I gave her my fierce love for people, I gave her my impeccable manners, I gave her a kindness to all spirit, I gave her self expression so she'd be comfortable being herself no matter what. I gave her respect for her peers and for adults alike. I gave her encouragement non-stop. I told her I loved her all day long. I gave her hugs and kisses! I gave her a voice, and let her speak her mind and share her thoughts well with me. I gave her discipline that she later appreciated. I gave her culture, and she learned to love and accept other ethnicity's. I gave her quiet time and let her learn things on her own so she could understand the start of independence. I gave her a creative platform and music everyday so she could create and be who she wanted. I gave her a silly, light, fun spirited home where she knew peace and grace. She knew a thing or two or more about forgiveness, and mercy. And later a lot about God, how much He has loved her since day one. And how He is the keeper of her heart, and that it is wise to follow His will for her life. 

Most of these things I have given her haven't cost a penny. I think this is what made her a Homecoming Queen, and she can wear that crown proudly knowing that it has been earned.

I have no idea what's in the future for my girl, but I continue to hope and pray that she stays on a good path, and even with hard times, she will move through life independently and graceful, never forgetting why she won the crown.

Photobucket

Comments

Sarah said…
Ahh! That is so wonderful. Such a proud moment!!! Congrats to her!

- Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com
Elisha said…
Awwwh that's soo sweet!! CONGRATS to you both! :)
- said…
Congratulations to the proud mother and to her little queen. That's super exciting.
Unknown said…
Congratulations! You must be so proud, having such an amazing daughter!
Nicole said…
Oh my.. congrats!!!! You must be so proud :)

Your parenting reminds me so much of an older cousin of mine. She is 43 with 2 daughters (12 and 16) and they both are AMAZING. She raised them so well.. They are both so generous, so kind, so free spirited, so positive.. Both are straight A students, head cheerleaders, just two beautiful little souls. And she too was a single parent for many years now she is happy with her high school sweetheart. Just like my cousin, you have so much to proud of!!!!!
Rissi said…
CONGRATS to your daughter. :-)
what a testimony--and what a well rounded daughter you have!
Anonymous said…
I teared up! Reminded me of my mom, my parents divorced when I was a year old, so I can relate. That day, i was so confident that your daughter would win, She deserved it!
Kelly said…
Gina the best things in life are free! Congratulations again. This post seriously choked me up. xxO
Natalie said…
Aww! So sweet! =D
Kate said…
Congratulations to your girl again! This is such an awesome accomplishment, and something she'll most definitely remember for a lifetime. Great post, you must all be so proud! :)
trishie said…
Wonderful news!!! Congratulations!
vintage grey said…
So excited for Madelynn!! She looks so beautiful!! Such an amazing mom you are!! xo Heather
BIKBIK AND RORO said…
O wow, congratulations!! She is just beautiful, like her mother. That picture looks like something straight out of a movie :)
Becky Andrews said…
What beautiful gifts you have given her. Congratulations!!
erika said…
I ADORE this! What a lovely picture, and what a beautiful upbringing. I can only hope to raise Millie as well as you have raised her. <3
trishie said…
Hey you can try emailing me at trishie@underlockandkeyblog.com
Krista said…
How exciting! What a wonderful moment that must have been!
Unknown said…
THIS IS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cried. OH YES I DID! I Felt like you were the narrator to a movie and I was hearing all the music and the beginning of her story! :) HOW WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Congratulations to all of you...such a well earned honor!
Alison said…
I like reading about what single mothers other than my own mom have to say about raising their children. It definitely seems like you set your priorities right in what you chose to give to her.
Christine said…
awww, congrats to your beautiful baby girl!! You must have done something right, mama :)
Aah congratulations! You must be so proud! And you are right, money can only bring you so much, not the part that counts.. really :)
Unknown said…
I have chills. Congratulations for your whole family. What a wonderful, beautiful moment of reflecting on what the "crown" really represents. So happy for her!

Happy seeing beautiful!
Michelle said…
YAY! Congrats! You did a fabulous job with her, Gina :)
Erica said…
Yay!!! CoNgRaTs!!! That is so exciting! I can just imagine the special bond you two share and how very proud you are. You must be over the moon... :)
Jenna Grace said…
So exciting- congrats lovely girl! What an amazing daughter you have raised!
his little lady said…
Aw, many congratulations to your lovely girl! That is so incredible, and I'm sure she is very deserving! And go you raising her all on your own. Beautiful!
xo TJ
Jean said…
The best thing you can ever give a child is love. Love them by showing them good manners, what really matters, and that it is not always the materialistic things that you may need. I grew up with not having many toys, but I sure am glad I grew up with the values my parents taught us... despite that my siblings and I may have rebelled here & there... but that's part of life anyway... We learn from our mistakes and only hope to make the best out of it.

I could not imagine the excitement and joy you guys were filled with that very day. I remember when my parents were unable to walk my sis down the aisle for homecoming, Brady and I did... ;) I honestly forgot if she was crowned. (bad sister me). She totally earned it. So happy for you guys!! :)
Ahhh! Congrats to your daughter! So fun, Gina! xo

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