Hi Everyone!
I am finally getting the chance to sit down, catch my breath, and share my Mrs. America experience with you.
It has truly been the most eventful, exciting, exhausting and exhilarating year of my life - and it's not done yet! My trip to Tucson, AZ felt like that entire year packed into 9 days. It was wonderful and crazy, and I can't tell you how many times I had that "pinch me, is this real?!" feeling during my stay.
From the time I won the state title at the Mrs. Ohio pageant (which already was a huge surprise to me!) the whirlwind began. I had about 9 weeks to get new pictures, new wardrobe, new sponsors… you name it! Oh, and then finding out I'm pregnant with my third child!! I definitely did not see that one coming! I was definitely "freaking out" at first… but more on that later. Suffice it to say, it added a new layer of intensity to my prep!
The day I left was surreal. I stepped into the airport with my Mrs. Ohio sash on and my MOUNTAIN of luggage in tow. From that moment on, I left "normal life" and embarked on a journey that no matter how much I prepared for, you can't really be prepared for. People stopped me in the airport and asked for autographs and pictures, yelled "O-H!" across the terminals (I loved that:) and gave me the chance to share about our program and goals. When I arrived in Tuscon, I found some of my pageant sisters in baggage claim. Thanks to social media, we all had a chance to get to know each other and bond before we even got there, so it was like hugging the best friends you've never met before. Seeing the airport workers, taxi drivers and resort staff try to manage all of our baggage was a sight to behold!
It was great getting there a day early and having a chance to settle in, meet so many of the ladies and take a deep breath before the week began. We had a great dinner to celebrate Mrs. Virginia's birthday, met the directors and staff and best of all my roommate, Mrs. Colorado. We became fast and close friends and I couldn't have asked for a better "partner in crime" for the week!
The next morning all of the other ladies arrived. We had photo shoots, video projects, orientation - you name it! It was "go time", and it never slowed down from there. The week was full of rehearsals, formal dinners and "meet and greet" opportunities, gift giving and… did I mention rehearsals? Yeah, lots of those:) Putting on two live shows in one week, corralling 52 chatty ladies, all amidst a super busy schedule - my hat is off to our choreographers, Frit and Frat, for that!
I knew that Mrs. America would be an amazing, once in a lifetime experience, but it was so much more special than I even expected. The relationships I developed will definitely stand the test of time - a sisterhood was formed there that I thank God for. So many women of passion and purpose in one place, all able to support one another in our missions, share our dreams and goals, and cheer each other on. The stigma of "Pageant Patty" and selfish, rude women was definitely laid to rest by the compassionate, supportive and driven women of Mrs. America! I could not be more proud to be part of that honorable group of women.
I feel like there is just too much to fit into one blog post, so I'll post a day by day rundown as soon as I get our beautiful pictures back from our national photographer. He has been capturing Mrs. America, Miss USA and Miss Universe for the past 32 years, and is phenomenal at what he does. I can't wait to give you a glimpse of our week through his lens!
Thanks to ALL of you who supported me as I accomplished those goals and made those memories. The words of encouragement from each of you carried me farther than you know! I can't wait to share the rest of this experience with you, as well as the wonderful things the rest of this year holds.
Love,
Shaylyn Ford
Mrs. Ohio America 2014
