One Wish...

November 22, 2008
Words cannot explain how happy I was the night I was crowned as Miss Ohio USA. Where should I start? I've never met such wonderful, beautiful people as the girls I spent my pageant weekend with. The night I was crowned was a moment I will never forget.

The most important thing in my life is my family, and they were my inspiration for trying a second time. For the past few years, my grandfather has been very ill dealing with lung cancer, strokes, and seizures. Watching someone you love suffer is the hardest thing that anyone can go through. I think for all of us, family is where we draw our strength. My grandfather is one of the strongest human beings I know, and my WISH was for him to see me fulfill my dreams. When I realized that I had won on stage, I was overwhelmed with emotions, and tears began to fall from my eyes. I couldn't believe that I was going to bring the crown home to my Papa John :). After the weekend was over, I was on my way back home to good old Champion, Ohio to tell my papa the exciting news. Win or not, my grandpa would have been proud of me no matter what.

My father was unable to come to the pageant because he had to stay home to be with my grandpa, but when he found out that I had won, he was beyond happy. He goes around the house now saying, "Tash, I'm your coach now, get ready for Vegas!" I think he's just really excited for the Texas Hold 'em poker tables! haha...A special thanks to my buddy Briller! :)

The best part about my weekend was truly meeting the most amazing group of girls! We experienced everything together from being in heels for 6 hours a day rehearsing to dreaming of huge pasta dinners--I'm still dreaming! We were like a big family! :) Their love and support has meant the world to me.

One of the strongest women I know is my grandma (my Nanny). She is an amazing person who would do anything for anyone. Without her, life wouldn't be the same. :)

To my mother-I couldn't have done this without her. She has always pushed me to believe in myself and has given me the strength and confidence to perservere. She has always said, "Nothing good comes easy and it all comes from within..." My younger sister Anastasia has been sooo supportive of me, and I can honestly say that I have learned so much from her. She is a competitve equestrian and jumps huge 3 foot fences and has the attitude, No guts, no glory. She's one tough chick! :)

So where's my first stop? Well, I'm very excited because Wednesday is my first appearance representing my state! The Trumbull County Commissioners are presenting me with a resolution honoring my achievement of representing Trumbull County. I will keep you posted! I miss everyone already, and I am so excited to share my year as Miss Ohio USA with you! I look forward to all of the opportunities to come!

Love,
Natasha xoxo