Although my year as Miss Muscatine 2013 has come to an end, I continue to be reminded of all the joy and love that Muscatine has brought into my life. I have been beyond blessed to serve this community. Thank you ALL for accepting me and allowing me to be apart of Muscatine... it has been an amazing year!
I would like to thank a few of my sponsors and supporters, for it would not have been possible without you. Thank you Francesca and Sam for feeding me after my training and rehearsals with Bruce. Your family (and food) is wonderful. Thank you to the Clarion for making my constant visits to Muscatine possible; it became my home away from home. To Mayor Hopkins: Thank you for taking me under your wing and allowing me to join you for Muscatine Day at the Capital. Your kindness and acceptance will never be forgotten. To Representative Lofgren and your beautiful wife: Thank you for your never ending support and opportunities. I was incredibly humbled to be introduced to the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House and the Majority leader. I was also humbled to be invited to Mckinley Elementary to see hundreds of children and sign their bags, binders, books and strangely, arms and faces. I apologize to the parents! You two have provided me with many opportunities to serve this community and I am beyond grateful. To Tony and Jamie at the radio station: Thank you for ALWAYS allowing me to share my journey to Miss Iowa, stories of my reign and most importantly my platform. Hearing my PSA on the radio bringing awareness of eating disorders is extremely humbling and something I will never be able to thank you enough for. Wendy: Thank you for introducing me to the community and being a bright light in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to your middle school Wiz cast and share the importance of loving and accepting yourself.
To my Miss Muscatine directors, Ashely and Kindra and the Muscatine board. What would I have done without you? Thank you for the constant pep talks and prepping me for Miss Iowa, one of the best weeks of my life. Your constant love and encouragement means the world to me. From prep work to wardrobe, you know my heart and closet inside and out. I love you ladies beyond words! To the Miss Iowa Directors, Leslie and Amy: Thank you for allowing me to experience such a beautiful and inspiring week with 12 other ladies. It was a week I will never forget. I am forever grateful for the Miss America Organization for not only the scholarship it provided me with, but also the opportunity it gave me to have a voice on what is so dear to my heart.
The Miss America organization has allowed me to reach many individuals across the state. I never knew a crown could be so powerful. There was only one downside I found while wearing my crown: Nearly every appearance I made from when I was crowned in January to around April, I would go to get in or out of my car and my crown would go flying across the parking lot. It took a little adjusting, but it was well worth it.
Little did I know, becoming Miss Muscatine was placed in my heart four years ago in March. As I laid in a hospital bed after being hospitalized for an eating disorder, I was left with little dignity, a humbled heart and a yearning desire to be healed not only on the outside, but within. I remember dropping to my knees in an isolated room, far from home and praying. Honestly praying. Praying for change. I was not sure how I would be able to dance and perform again, but I prayed to be able to do so. I prayed to be able to make a difference. To be an inspiration to little girls again. Becoming Miss Muscatine, however, was not how I envisioned it. But that is the beautiful thing about God’s plans for our lives. He made it better than I ever could have imagined. For the first time in 3 years, I danced on stage and won the title of Miss Muscatine. For an entire year I was able to spread awareness on eating disorders through my platform Indulging in Hope. Being able to advocate for all those affected by an eating disorder not only allowed me to help others, but it also was a source of continuous healing to me. That I was no longer bound by chains nor defined by this illness. Helping others free themselves from this life threatening illness was more than I could have ever asked for or prayed for. Being Miss Muscatine has taught me that I am stronger than I think I am and have more to share than I know.
Most importantly I would like to thank my family and friends for their love, support and encouragement. Kelly: Thank you for being one of the brightest lights in my life and for helping me on my journey to Miss Muscatine and on to Miss Iowa. You have not only been an amazing coach, but have become one of my best friends. I love you! Don: You have taught me the importance of being “open and outward” and have instilled in me a drive to become a better title holder, and more importantly a better woman, every day. Thank you! Bruce and Susie: I remember the first day we sat down before we started training and you told me there were going to be days I hated you... I said there is no way and that I have a high pain tolerance and not to worry. Little did I know you were completely right. I remember running up and down your stairs, training for endurance and screaming that you were right, but refusing to say those words. If anything, I loved you MORE for believing in me and making me fight for what I wanted. I will NEVER be able to repay you for everything you have done for me... for giving me the tools to prove to myself that I am capable of more than I could ever imagine. I love you both! oh and thank you for all the coffee! To my brothers, dad and Marsha: Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me before, during and after Miss Iowa. I will never forget running into my brother, Mike’s, arms after Miss Iowa. The comfort and love of family is irreplaceable. Mom: my best friend... my rock. I feel as though thank you is an understatement. You have been there every step of the way and encouraging me even when it seemed impossible. The day I said I was going to compete in a pageant, you asked me what WE needed to do and how to sign up. I knew right then that it would be more than possible with you by my side. Thank you for standing by me and reinforcing my faith, even when it seemed impossible. Above all else, I give thanks and praise to God. Thank you for answering my prayers and ALWAYS providing me with light to shine on to others. For carrying me when I am too weak and tired to walk alone. For always giving me another day... I am beyond blessed! I love you!!
To the new Miss Muscatine, Miss Pearl City and Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen: Be fearless. Allow yourself to be brave and share what makes you uniquely you. Do not hold back. Utilize every minute you have to make the changes you wish to see. Not everyday will be easy. This job is hard; But rewarding. Know that you are enough and you have a wonderful team behind you (including myself) that will guide you every step of the way. And when you find yourself standing in the storm and the wind not blowing your way... adjust your sails and remember where you came from and your destination.
There are always days where we wish we could have done more, or better or even less and rested. But we shouldn’t fear those days because we are assured they are in our favor. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future”.
God Bless!
Isabella
