Joy Unspeakable

While the contestants waited for their second interviews with the judges we became restless. Looking around at the bored, anxious faces, I gladly took it upon myself to be the entertainment during this time.

There were vases with roses at each table. I grabbed a flower and used it like a microphone. I started going from table-to-table interviewing people, even the Pageant Coordinator. I said, "Hello! This is Merrym Bruce reporting from the Ms. Wheelchair Utah Pageant. I'd like to know your impressions on the event so far?!" All the others glanced at each other and then looked at me like I was off my rocker (little did they know?...LOL). I then put the rose/mic to their mouths for an answer. The first couple answers were mumbled softly and shyly. BUT me being me I quickly yanked the blossom back and remarked,"Please speak a little louder into the rose!" Suddenly the tension in the room dissipated and a peel of vociferous laughter rang out. Unsolicited comments flew; "Your so funny!", "Your a nut!", and "Your a kick in the pants!" until I was called for my interview. Reluctantly I left my adoring public, but I was energized by them.

I entered the interview room once again and I had to dial myself down a few notches, but there was an electric feeling bouncing from judge to judge. This gave one of them the courage to say, "I know this is not a textbook pageant question, but...Where's your green hair?" I giggled, as the other judges chimed in, "Green hair?!" I then told them about my hair colors and how they change with my whims. Feeling more at ease with my strange persona the questions flowed forth: "How would your children describe you?"-Spunky, Courageous and Non-judgemental. "What do you like about being in a wheelchair?"-I'm at eye-level with children and this opens doors of communication about being proud of who you are, no matter the differences you have. "Why do your wear your hair like that?"-I've always been different and love to stand out. Mostly, people in general try to ignore disabled people and people with Mohawks, but put them together and no one can ignore me! It gives them and me an opening into conversation. By the time I left that room there was a unexplainable joy.

As I gathered my things to go home everyone came and thanked me for 'Being Me' and putting them at ease...

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
1 Peter 1:8


I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce