Dream Come True

LAST NIGHT---My dad, along with my twin sister and I attended the BYU Women's final basketball home game at the Marriott Center. It was such an incredible experience to watch two remarkable seniors leave all they had on the court while playing what ended up being the greatest experience of not only their lives, but mine too!!! If you have been following my blog for the last eight years or so, I have blogged about getting to meet a former division one basketball athlete whose YouTube Channel helped me feel happy as I endured through a time of processing what it means to understand that some mistakes just can't be erased. It was without a doubt in my mind, such a huge relief for me to have come across this young woman's social media pages and having my spirits lifted when I needed it most in my life. I genuinely cannot describe into words, how much of an escape it was for me to watch her channel and her simply reminding me to not worry about what others think or let alone not to take life too seriously. Once the fourth quarter was over, all I could think about while walking off the platform was to quickly run over and have these words come out of my mouth: ("I have wanted to meet you for so long and then quietly saying that I have seen her so many times only anticipating when the moment would come that I would finally get to meet her!!") Paisley quickly reacted with a genuine surprised look on her face, to which she did not think twice to not wrap her arms around me in a big hug after I am guessing someone she knew must have conveyed something or maybe it was because she notices all of my comments from her IG posts. Without even thinking about it first, my twin sister had to join the conversation I had so desperately wanted to have with her only to vent about the fact that I follow Paisley on social media. She kindly responded with: "Really?" I really wished we had gotten more time to talk with each other which I hope will happen someday in the distant future, because I had a lot more things that I wished I had been able to tell her. I was briefly able to tell her in a short hug that I look up to her so much and she sweetly replied with: "Awe" and looking at me in the eye with probably no idea that I was not making eye contact with her. #MaybeNextTime #FingersCrossed.

It was truly if not one of the sweetest moments of my life as we both got acquainted with each other & being able to hear from them how my comments towards them have been so sweet--touched my heart in more ways than one!! I am eternally grateful for their influence has taught me to always look for the positive in everything and not worry about others think of me, which I will admit put my faith to the test this past year--but knowing I could have my confidence boosted from this athlete kept me moving forward in life.


I may never be able to thank Paisley nearly enough for all that she has done to keep a smile on my face and remind me of what I am capable of doing which is not anything short of an understatement. I sincerely hope that both our paths will cross again sometime in the distant future and we can get to know each other a little bit better!! #PaisleyHardingSuperFanForever. 

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One Wish

LAST WEDNESDAY EVENING----My dad, twin sister and I attended the BYU Women's Basketball game against their ranked opponent Baylor. It was such a fun night with smiles, yummy treats and did I forget to mention we got a picture with Cosmo?? I loved cheering on the lady cougars and dancing in my seat non-stop without a care in this world. I may have not looked fairly awkward with enjoying myself as much as I did in the moment, but when there is a familiar song playing---I could not help but want to get my dance moves on. I have probably mentioned this before, but I did see a couple who played basketball at BYU walk into the Marriott Center and obviously wanted more than anything to say Hi to them through out the entire game. It was definitely an unforgettable moment to see them cheer on our team in the stands across the way from where my family was seated a few rows up from the court. I am not certain if this fan encounter will actually happen for me in the distant future, but it would be a lifelong dream come true!! If you must know after the basketball game ended---I was slightly hopeful to have gotten a chance to say Hi to them on our way out of the Marriott Center but that did not happen. I did feel slightly bummed about it not taking place, once I saw this athlete go onto the court to celebrate with her teammates, which I will say was not anything short of incredible to see!!! #WishIHadEnergyLikeThat.

There were  also several women's teams who came out onto the basketball court to watch a video in honor of women in sports day and getting to see that take place was incredible. I may not watch a lot of the women sports on a regular basis, but it was so cool to see their excitement from afar, which I will admit was nothing short of an understatement. I also loved watching them throw miniature basketballs out in the crowd which unfortunately I never ended up getting one, but oh well--What can you do?! It was electric to being in the Marriott Center that night and could not help but want to share the joy with everyone else. If I ever do get to another BYU Women's Basketball game that I will finally be able to meet this athlete and be able to thank them for their example in my life.  

(To Be Continued)

Highlights

LCPD Reception (Mini Synopsis) 

This annual event turned out much better for me than I had originally expected-- but it was great to spend time with friends and interact with legislators about disability related issues. I really liked getting to focus more on what I needed to be there for and seeing my friends step out of their comfort zone to speak with their lawmakers was incredible. I am grateful to not have spent all day at the state capitol and only being up there for two hours was such a blessing. I will legitimately admit the light refreshments up there were slightly better than they have been in previous years which if you ask me was not an understatement. I am grateful to have had an opportunity to explore the Capitol building for a good hour with my two friends & even getting a chance to walk through the senate chamber was a treat. 

BYU Women's Basketball Game (Tomorrow Night)

I could not be more excited to cheer on our lady cougars tomorrow night as they will compete against Baylor in the Marriott Center. I don't necessarily make it to a lot of the basketball games, but I sure do hope to reconnect with my new friend Kylie and get to know her a little bit more. She is truly amazing with all that she has been able to do and has inspired me to want to do better. I also hope we can have a chance to hang out with the coolest cat ever and get a photo taken if we are lucky to do that. I am not too familiar with the women in sports day at all, but I would not be too surprised if I end up seeing one of the many former BYU women's basketball players there in the audience. I may not ever get to tell them "Hi" or anything like that--but it would be a dream come true to see them in person. It would be even more memorable to just wave to them from across the way, would definitely put a great big smile on my face!!! #FingersCrossed

Worldwide Prom (Friday Night)

I have blogged about this special event one too many times over the years, but I am excited to spend a lot of quality time with my best friends. We are going to dance the night away and hopefully not end up being too crazy on the way up to our event as well as on the way home. I am definitely looking forward to celebrating thousands of individuals with disabilities all over the world, to know how special we are in this world & that we are as much a part of society as anybody else. It will certainly be an evening for all of us to remember in years to come and cannot wait to see how epic this prom night is going to be. 

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