Be-YOU-tiful Fashion Show 2014

   Sometimes the best moments in life are not caught on a video but are still permanently engraved in our memories. One such moment occurred at the Be-YOU-tiful Spring Fashion Show held recently. All of our models were excited and waited their turn as patiently as possible. Our last model in the lineup, Jamie, was a soft-spoken, delightful young lady. From the minute she arrived she was smiling and ready to show everyone her beautiful dress, string of pearls and picture perfect updo. She quickly agreed when asked if she would model the full length mink coat that had been donated for the silent auction.

As the show progressed, Jamie kept a watchful eye on the models before her, laughing at their antics and occasional protests. Finally, after 20 models, it was Jamie’s turn. She calmly walked onto the runway, smiling and waving to the large audience as her story was voiced over the speakers. Upon her return, she slipped on the coat and returned to the runway.  But this time Jamie was beaming! She walked as if she had done this a hundred times before.  She moved partially down the runway, opened one side of the coat to let the audience appreciate its glamour, took a few more steps and opened the opposite side, then continued to the end- only to throw the coat wide and do a quick shoulder-shimmee – all with an ear to ear grin! Jamie’s eyes were twinkling and she was simply glowing! The audience erupted in applause, cheers and whistles. To top it off, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

The silent auction was kept open for a short time after the show for any last minute bids. The room was buzzing with laughter, stories and warm greetings. As the event started to wind down, I noticed Jamie was wearing the fur coat again. Her sister whispered to me in passing that the coat now belonged to Jamie. She went on to explain that the woman who won the coat with her bid was so touched by the radiance Jamie exuded that she wanted to give the coat to her as a gift. This action was a true gesture of love and appreciation for the beautiful person Jamie is and the joy she brings to others. I turned and watched as Jamie accepted everyone’s congratulations, compliments and hugs and knew that sometimes the unplanned, quiet moments are the ones caught permanently in our hearts.

Written by: Chris Newlon