Amanda's Army
Work has been challenging of late. Frustrating, overwhelming, personal.
The second I walk through my door, it doesn't matter. I hear 'MOMMY!' and see two smiling boys who do not care who said what, who thinks what, or what I do for my job. They are my why – they are my respite – they are my life. They remind me to take a breath and focus, and they fill my cup back up.
PERSPECTIVE. What if the frustrating, the overwhelming, the personal… never stopped? What if those challenges engulfed you 24/7… and kept on coming, one after the other?
My challenges are nothing. There are people around us who are true superheroes, overcoming unbelievable circumstances with poise, resolve, positive attitude and sheer goodness.
Cue Amanda Reinert.
Parents' Night at my sons' school last year.. I was sitting in Evan's classroom, waiting for the teacher to begin, and I noticed another mom in the room. 'Holy shit – that's Amanda Reinert!' I quickly scanned the class list to confirm – sure enough, Amanda's daughter Ava was in Evan's class.
The beauty of being in the 'pageant world' – you meet and learn about some INCREDIBLE women. Amanda was crowned Mrs. Nebraska 2014, and later, Mrs. USA Universal 2017. That's a BIG DEAL. I remember thinking to myself 'I wonder what she's like? And what is she doing now?'
The beauty, the smile, the confidence all hide a disturbing story in Amanda's past. When she was just 2 years old, her grandfather began sexually abusing her. No one knew for years, until at 6 years old, Amanda drew a detailed picture of genitals. Police were contacted, the case went to court, and a traumatized little girl was forced to sit with lawyers and a judge, across a table from her grandfather, asked to describe everything that was happening to her.
"In that moment, I refused to speak or testify," remembers Amanda. "Because of that, charges were dropped, and he was never punished for what he did to me."
Unimaginably, Amanda was targeted again a few years later at 11 years old.
"I was on a camping trip with my grandma, my cousin and a couple who were friends with my grandma," recalls Amanda. "We are all sleeping in a giant tent. I awoke to find the husband <the friend of my grandma> on top of me with his hands over my mouth."
"I didn't share my story of sexual abuse until after I was married," says Amanda. "I lived my life in shame and feeling extremely isolated and alone. I endured some extremely rough years through high school, and one day, I decided I wouldn't do it anymore."
Amanda signed up to compete for Mrs. Nebraska – and won – with the mission of spreading awareness of childhood sexual assault and forming a support network for survivors. She became a certified facilitator with Darkness to Light, a national organization committed to the education, awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse. She also became a spokesperson for the LFS RSafe® program, one of the largest child sexual abuse treatment programs in the Midwest.
Click here to watch more of Amanda's story, shared by KETV's Camila Orti.
"There are thousands of other survivors out there like me," says Amanda. "I want them to know they are not alone. I want parents of victims to know that there is hope. I want to educate parents on how to prevent this from happening to their children. I used that microphone <as Mrs. Nebraska> to reach as many people as I possibly could to spread the messages of support to survivors, hope for victims and education to families."
That mission became even more personal for Amanda when she became a parent herself.
Ava Michelle Reinert was born October 24, 2012. Amanda's jam-packed photo albums on Facebook are titled 'Just The Beginning!', 'I Love My Life!', 'This Will Be The Best Year Yet!'
Photo courtesy Megan Michael Photography
In 2016, Amanda was crowned Mrs. Nebraska USA Universal. Pictures taken that fall with Ava and husband, Brady, show a seemingly perfect family with the world at their fingertips. They had no idea how much everything would change in just a few short months.
Just weeks after performing in her Pre-School holiday program, Ava rolled her ankle while playing at the Omaha Children's Museum. It didn't heal.
"<Doctors> discovered compression fractures, which were odd, but they gave us a boot and sent us on our way," remembers Amanda. "About a week later, she started complaining of severe back pain, and within a few days, she couldn't stand, walk, or sit at all. She was bed-ridden within another week. Over the next 10 weeks, Ava endured hundreds of blood tests, x-rays, appointments, MRI's and bone scans. No one could tell us what was wrong. We even had a doctor tell us 'maybe she is faking it.' She was poked more times than we could even begin to count; she was bruised and bloody and used to scream 'Mommy, please make them stop, Daddy, please don't let them do this to me.'"
Amanda took this picture on March 23, 2017. Ava couldn't stand or walk; she was in constant pain, sick and exhausted. Amanda and Brady struggled whether or not to use their Disney on Ice tickets they had previously purchased for Ava.
"We decided she should be allowed to have a couple of hours of relief and enjoyment and we took her," remembers Amanda. "She was in so much pain and fighting through it to enjoy the magic of the show. I remember looking at her smile and wondering it we'd ever see it again."
Ava was misdiagnosed with Brittle Bone Disease; a 48-hour infusion at Children's Hospital & Medical Center made her even more sick. Doctors admitted Ava to the hospital to conduct more tests. She was diagnosed with Leukemia on March 27, 2017.
Ava immediately began chemotherapy and a brutal 800 days of treatment.
"There were MANY days where I believed she may not make it," remembers Amanda. "One of them was when she started chemotherapy and became immunocompromised. Out of nowhere she spiked a 105-degree fever and became unresponsive. Within moments, we had five or six nurses and two doctors in our room. The situation became critical very quickly; when a child is on chemotherapy the most 'insignificant' infection can be deadly, and we did not know what was wrong with her. She was like this for about 12 hours, the scariest 12 hours of my life. They never did figure out what caused it but within 72 hours she was back to normal."
Ava became known at home and at the hospital for her inspiring resilience, astounding for anyone facing grueling treatments, let alone a little girl.
"Ava was ALWAYS the strongest one in the room. She never complained – ever," says Amanda. "She had to take five liquid medications three times a day that were terrifyingly awful in taste (I tried them.) She rarely cried and was always so strong. The only time I ever saw her break was when we had to shave her head. Her hair hung on longer than we had expected and one morning, she woke up and we all knew it was time. That night, her begging screams and her scared face are something I will never forget. Even reliving that night to share this story brings tears to my eyes."
Slowly, Ava began to improve. She celebrated her 5th Birthday in true Princess fashion. She slid down the jumbo tube slide with her mom at Vala's Pumpkin Patch that fall. She opened presents on her Dad's lap on Christmas morning. And she inspired hundreds of family members, friends and loves ones with her smiles and fight despite all odds.
"Ava <also> underwent 12 months of physical therapy to relearn to stand, walk, run and climb stairs," remembers Amanda. "That was also very difficult. We discovered Leukemia was hollowing her bones; that is why we were misdiagnosed with Brittle Bone Disease. She had seven compression fractures in her vertebrae because of the weakness in her bones that ultimately prevented her from walking or standing."
As Ava's hair grew back and she prepared for Kindergarten, Amanda once again used her frustration and anger to fuel a mission… to battle the disease that nearly stole her daughter.
"Everyone knows cancer is terrible and that childhood cancer is unthinkable, "says Amanda. "What they don't know is that we literally had to poison and nearly kill our baby to save her. Treatments today are TERRIBLE and they have not improved in more than 20 years. I cannot accept that. Our family will fight and push until there is a better way; no child should have to fight in the way that Ava fought."
Amanda called upon Ava's hundreds of supporters to take action, forming Ava's Army.
T-Shirts. Hash tags across social media. Fundraisers. Ava's Army was seen across Omaha and Gretna, from gyms to schools, among family members and Amanda's pageant sisters. And in December of 2019, Amanda hosted her first Sugarplum Ball, a formal dinner, auction and gala. Little girls (and big girls!) dressed up like real-life princesses for a night of glitter, fun and love for one another.
"Ava's Army exists to raise money to fund the fight against pediatric Leukemia. 100% of what we raise goes to research," says Amanda, who quickly notes Ava's fight is far from over, even though, thankfully, she is now in remission. "People see Ava and they think 'she's good, she's done.' She's not. Because of the poisonous and awful things we did to her, she will have a lifetime of repercussions. Chemotherapy melted all of her 6-year molars and they were pulled out. She suffers from neuropathy from chemotherapy damage. She is five times more likely to have breast cancer later in life or other secondary cancers. She is likely infertile from treatment. Heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, learning disabilities, bone issues, sleeping issues – the list of things that children who 'survive' a cancer battle is unthinkable, and people have no idea. We will continue to raise money, raise awareness and fight for kids like Ava until there is a better way."
To date, Ava's Army has raised more than $55,000 with a goal to hit $100,000 by the end of 2021. More than 2,500 people follow them across social media (click here!) to see how they are constantly working to give back to places like Children's Hospital & Medical Center – and the young patients there.
And by the time sweet Ava – smart, wise beyond her years, kind and caring – joined my Evan's class at school, I followed her journey as the little girl who 'had' cancer, and I followed Amanda's story, thinking of her as the strong, brave mother-turned BEST room parent ever. (Seriously – creative, always on top of events for our teacher and our class, that Mom you see on Pinterest who ALWAYS has her act together.. I BOW DOWN, AMANDA!) The Reinert family had built a new home, Ava was starting first grade and they were expecting a new baby!
Bennett Joseph Reinert arrived September 12, 2019, and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome immediately after birth.
"Bennett is perfect!" says Amanda. "But I'm ashamed to admit it took me about six months to accept his perfection. We did not know he had Down Syndrome until he was born. It hit me like a semi-truck."
Months earlier, Ava had just recovered from another medical setback: a vicious dog attack that sent her back to the hospital. The family had just moved to a new home; Ava was starting at a new school. Amanda had been planning this massive fundraiser gala with thousands of dollars in donor support on the line, all while still advocating for sexual assault survivors by sharing her powerful, yet exhausting personal story. And once again, the Reinert family was shaken with unexpected news and an overwhelming, unknown future.
"I felt like we couldn't survive or endure anymore," says Amanda. "I did not have the energy to stand back up. When they told me he had Down Syndrome, all of the worst case scenarios came to me – children and adolescents with Down Syndrome are between 10 and 30 times more likely to develop leukemia. After Bennett was born, we went through dozens of doctors' appointments to check his ears, eyes, heart, digestive system, cognitive abilities, and more. It was like reliving Ava's diagnosis all over again. I couldn't function."
As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world.. the Reinerts isolated together at home, learned from each other, and grew closer as an extraordinary family of four. Just as his big sister Ava had been a light for her parents in what seemed the worst of times, so, too, was their new little man with the larger than life smile.
"Anyone that meets him will tell you he is a miracle," says Amanda. "He is 19 months old and has no health complications (thank God) besides mild hearing loss, which he wears hearing aids for. He is developing cognitively and physically ahead of where he should be and he is thriving in a big way. He is a miracle to our family and I know in my heart he will change the world."
Courtesy Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands
The Reinerts are now active members of the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands (Bennett was their cover model for the 2020 Annual Report!) They proactively and positively celebrate and share all of Bennetts ABILITIES rather than his disabilities – he's a ladies man – he's a cuddler who loves to laugh – HE NEVER. STOPS. SMILING.
That last part…. maybe we could all learn something from Bennett. From his sister, Ava. From their proud Daddy. And from their amazing momma, Amanda, who NEVER. EVER. QUITS.
"I have had to learn that you can't be negative or weighed down by things you can't control," says Amanda. "You can't control other people, their actions, the world, a pandemic. You can control YOU."
These days, Ava is a BUSY 2nd grader who excels in school, competes in cheerleading, and will represent Nebraska at the national Princess of America pageant in July. Bennett recently realized how much he LOVES climbing, and he adores being outside. Brady and Amanda recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Jamaica. And Amanda just started a new business – Pink & Plaid Sleepover Parties. (Click here to learn more!)
"We want to bring happiness into a world that can be stressful and overwhelming," says Amanda. "We want to see kids smiling and laughing and making magical memories, AND we want to help parents sit back and enjoy those moments as well."
Pink & Plaid provides snacks, decorations, activities, food, party favors, clean up, everything – with Amanda as key organizer, remembering the importance of every special moment a family can celebrate together.
"We are so thankful (and I mean genuinely, to our cores, thankful) that our babies are still alive and thriving," says Amanda. "We have family, we have our home, we have jobs, and we have our health – we celebrate that. We celebrate that as much as we can. We still have rough days, of course, but we are so thankful for one another and to have our babies. Nothing else really matters."
My challenge to anyone reading this: join AMANDA'S ARMY.
Be grateful. Celebrate life and happiness. Exude positivity. Stay hopeful.
"Don't let things you can't control take away your happiness. You can control the messages and vibes you send into the world."
INSPIRED BY AMANDA'S STORY? YOU CAN HELP!
The 2nd Annual Superplum Ball for Ava's Army will take place Saturday December 11 in Omaha! Tickets are available now for children, adults, businesses and sponsors! CLICK HERE for more information!
You can also follow Ava's Army on Facebook – click here!
Walk or Run one mile anywhere this Saturday, May 8, to honor Ava in the Sammy's Superheroes Walk To Remember! Your $10 donation raises money for childhood cancer research! CLICK HERE for more information!
Learn more about Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands – including the Building The Future Gala this month! CLICK HERE for more information!
Learn more about Lutheran Family Services and the RSafe program. CLICK HERE for more information!
This entry was posted on May 5, 2021, in Family, Health, Miss America, Omaha, Power of Positivity and tagged Amanda Reinert, Ava Reinert, Ava's Army, Cancer, childrens hospital, down syndrome, DSA Midlands, Leukemia, Lutheran Family Services, megan michael photography, Mrs. Nebraska, Mrs. USA Universal, Pediatric Cancer, Pink & Plaid, RSAfe, sammys superheroes, Sugarplum Ball.	5 Comments
Omaha Nursing Student and 'Smart Girl' Competing For Miss Nebraska
Alexandria Roth and Allie Swanson are adding to their already jam-packed schedules, both hoping to be crowned Miss Nebraska 2019 this week and compete in this year's Miss America competition live on NBC. Roth is nursing student and Nurse Tech at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy; Swanson is a graduate program student, state champion basketball coach, and Engagement Coordinator with Omaha based non-profit Smart Girl Society.
Roth, a 24-year old Wall Lake, Iowa native who now lives in Omaha, studies at the College of Saint Mary and will graduate with multiple honors in July. She has participated in events across Nebraska and Iowa advocating for people with diabetes and educating others on what diabetes is and what the symptoms are. Roth, diagnosed with diabetes as a child, is the first Miss Nebraska candidate in recent years to display her insulin pump throughout all stages of competition.
"My social impact initiative, Don't Sugarcoat It: Diabetes Awareness and Advocacy stems from my own diagnosis and struggle with diabetes. Although over 30 million Americans have diabetes, but I often run into individuals who do not know much about it," said Roth. "As Miss Nebraska I plan to work with the Nebraska Legislature to draft a bill that would put a limit on how much diabetics are charged for their prescriptions. Ultimately, being selected as Miss Nebraska isn't about me, it is about serving the state of Nebraska and being a good representative and role model. I hope that if chosen I can visit all parts of the state to educate everyone from children to adults and advocate for diabetics."
Swanson, a 24-year old graduate and two time All-American athlete and Scholar All-American from Evangel University, is now pursuing her Master's degree at Bellevue University. Swanson, who was selected to sing the national anthem at the 2018 College World Series, performs across the midwest through My City Church; she is an Assistant Girls Varsity Basketball Coach at her alma mater, Millard North High School; she is a certified barre-code instructor at The Barre Code-West Omaha; and she is the Society Engagement Coordinator at Smart Gen Society (formerly Smart Girl Society), a non-profit teaching students, parents, and educators how to safely use digital media. Swanson has been sharing that message across the state as both Miss Omaha and Miss Heartland, winning the Miss Nebraska Overall Interview Award and Community Service Award in 2018, and finishing as 3rd Runner Up. She is again nominated for the Miss Nebraska Community Service Award this year.
"I love setting big goals and pushing myself to accomplish them," said Swanson. "I have raised over $60,000 for SGS programming and education, while also acquiring partnerships from Microsoft, the FBI, and NCMEC. In a world where 3.2 Billion people use social media every day, my social impact initiative aims is a proven model across seven states that have drastically decreased digital based anxiety, depression, sexting, and cyberbullying. My message to everyone is that your online presence affects more than just you."
Preliminary competition at the 2019 Miss Nebraska event begins tonight, June 6 in North Platte, Nebraska, and will be streamed live online at www.MissNebraska.org. Candidates are eligible for more than $70,000 in prize packages and an estimated $1.4 million in in-kind college scholarships. Tickets are still available for the event.
This entry was posted on June 6, 2019, in Miss America, Omaha and tagged Alexandria Roth, Allie Swanson, miss heartland, miss nebraska, miss twin rivers.	Leave a comment
It's a vicious cycle.
I desperately want the candy. Just one taste turns into a handful, then some crackers, then FORGET MY DIET, I'LL START OVER TOMORROW. Then I see those photos.. of others looking fabulous, and of myself… not so much. Maybe it's karma. I was barely 110 my senior year of high school – couldn't even donate blood because I didn't weigh enough – and that was visiting McD's every day after school for a shake and fries. Calories had no effect on me.
The changes came gradually… crazy work schedules, shifts in metabolism, two babies, and career changes… and all of the sudden I weigh more than I did after my first maternity leave, and I can't say no to the candy.
I'm trying to focus on LIFESTYLE changes and not short-term diets. Healthier choices. Now when my sweet tooth takes hold and won't loosen its grip, I reach for the Halo Top instead of my kids' Drumsticks.
This is one of the things I love about the Miss Nebraska program. ('Woah, Petersen, that was a leap! Where you going with this?') No, really, hear me out – the young women who compete in our program are learning BALANCE. Yes, they have a set date and goal, fast approaching in less than 2 weeks, but so many of these girls are learning the science behind health and nutrition. They are NOT starving themselves to get skinny – they are fueling their bodies to become STRONG. The lessons they take from this year or several help shape how many of them balance their choices for years after.
Case in point: the current Miss Omaha, a former collegiate athlete who owns her own personal training business.
Yup. A beauty who could beat you up. (Not that she ever would.)
"I have been an athlete my whole life, and I am a competitor at heart," Allie Swanson told me recently. "I love pushing myself to the limit in all areas of my life."
In Allie's case, that balance I referred to all equates to being extremely well-rounded; she's also a Cum Laude graduate and All-American scholar, a talented vocalist chosen to sing at this year's College World Series, and a driven public servant with clear missions she hopes to achieve as the next Miss Nebraska.
"I decided to try the Miss Nebraska pageant because I new it could be a great vessel to enact the type of change I want to see in the state of Nebraska," said Allie. "I have seen so much growth in my personal life even just preparing for Miss Omaha and now preparing for Miss Nebraska. I am combining all of my favorite things – promoting digital literacy, service, music, public speaking, style, and confidence, among other things."
Oh, where to begin?
How about October, when Allie was crowned Miss Omaha 2018. In the audience, cheering on her every move was her big sister, Miss Nebraska 2014 Megan Swanson. Allie, too, was a constant supporter for her sister when she competed, but she draws her inspiration from powerful women like US Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Nebraska Governor Kay Orr, and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. Allie is a woman who knows her leaders, noting 13 of Nebraska's State Senators are women.
"My goal is to impact 20,000 lives this year, and I understand that this is no small feat," said Allie. "I have gotten to speak to students, sports teams, educators, parents and government officials about my platform, and that alone makes this job so worth it. Being a titleholder has gotten me in the door to places that normal 'Allie' wouldn't have, and because of this I have been able to spread my message of CyberSmartz to people of all ages and backgrounds."
That's how Allie Swanson hopes to make her mark, by helping as many people as possible protect themselves in a digital world. She visits school assemblies and other groups with some scary statistics:
97% of American children under the age of four use mobile devices, regardless of family income.
The average teenager spends 72 hours PER WEEK using media, but only 38.5 MINUTES per week participating in face-to-face, meaningful conversation with their parents.
The average US parent says they do not fully understand today's most popular 'apps' or the extent of content their children are using on digital media platforms.
"As Program Coordinator for Smart Girl Society, a non-profit based in Omaha, I have seen firsthand the need in Nebraska and across the country for this message," said Allie. "The biggest issue facing all generations, all states, and beyond is the technology crisis. People are addicted to technology, losing the ability to have face-to-face conversations with people, unaware of the effects of their digital footprints, and oversharing online. We can start by raising awareness and educating people on proper privacy and safety settings, as well as techniques to take back control."
As Allie noted, she may be attracting more and bigger audiences because of her 'Miss Omaha' status.. but her run at Miss Nebraska could also directly benefit her mission with CyberSmartz, through scholarships financing her higher education and career plans. At this year's Miss Nebraska competition, we are offering $70,000 in cash scholarships, gifts and services, and an additional $1.4 million, MILLION, in in-kind college scholarships. Miss Nebraska 2018 will receive at least $10,000 in cash to pay for her college education.
"This Miss America program will allow me to obtain a Masters of Media Communication and Psychology, in the hopes of one day studying at the Stanford University Persuasive Technology Lab," said Allie. "I plan to continue working at Smart Girl Society, but move up in position, and I hope to eventually take over as CEO to continue to spread the message of digital literacy and safety."
Here's a young woman who could do, and IS doing, EVERYTHING. Speaking, singing, and scoring points with fans everywhere she goes…
…literally and figuratively. I look to women like Allie, MANY years my junior, and am inspired by all they are, all they hope to be, and the BALANCE they have discovered and are honing at such young ages.
Start somewhere. Find your October. Tonight, I said no to the candy and reached for the Halo Top.
Allie Swanson is reaching, too… for the VERY top, and no less.
"I am thankful that my family encouraged me to pursue a variety of interests, extracurricular activities, and to get out of my comfort zone to learn about the world and myself," said Allie. "With core values of hard work, integrity, responsibility and truth, I aspire to be a woman of great influence, and my background gives me the support to be the change I want to see in this world. I was and still m the girl who wants to do it all."
To follow Miss Omaha Allie Swanson, click here.
PREVIOUS.. Miss Sandhills Regan Kolbo
NEXT.. Miss Old West Balloon Fest Makinzie Gregory
This entry was posted on May 29, 2018, in Food, Health, Miss America, Omaha and tagged all-american, Allie Swanson, college world series, Cum Laude, CyberSmartz, Digital Literacy, Evangel University, Halo Top, Jean Stothert, jenn cady photography, Kay Orr, megan swanson, Miss America, miss nebraska, miss omaha, Nikki Haley, omaha, Smart Girl Society.	2 Comments
I just shared a jaw-dropping stat across social media:
This year, we will award a record-breaking $70,000 in cash, gifts and services to Miss Nebraska contestants, PLUS we will offer more than $1.4 MILLION in college scholarships!!!
That's not a typo. $70,000. $1.4 million.
There are so many great things about participating in this program, that huge scholarship and prize haul being one of them! But more often than not, when new young women try a Miss Nebraska local pageant, we learn it's the intangibles that drew them to compete.
Hayden Richardson was inspired by a friend and sorority sister, leading by example.
"I had seen how Allie Tietjen had thrived in the system," Hayden told me. "She is my role model because she is the most positive and compassionate woman I have ever met. As a sister in Alpha Phi as well as a dear friend of mine, I have seen all sides of her and her bubbly personality is so authentic, whether she in in pajamas or in crown and sash, she is true to herself."
At 19 years old, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln student decided to give this pageant thing a go, too.. and won the title of Miss Twin Rivers on her first try. Her friend, Allison, aka Miss Nebraska 2017, was at her side to crown her.
"I could not think of a better way to improve as an individual than to partake in something that has made Allie the strong woman she is."
Allison won the Miss Nebraska Community Service Award in 2017. Hayden immediately followed suit, setting a goal to hit the ground running with a platform targeting a crisis spreading throughout Nebraska and beyond."My platform is based on child trafficking in the state of Nebraska," said Hayden. "I am focused on raising awareness of the issue, educating school faculty, and creating positive self image with our students. I have partnered with the Nebraska Coalition Against Human Trafficking, in which I have been able to speak to differing groups, from schools to girl scout troupes, advocating for each different aspect."
"Service is absolutely the most important part of the Miss America crown to me," said Hayden. "My goal as Miss Nebraska is to have 10,000 children and community members hear my message. In spreading awareness of human trafficking and helping to reduce the risk factors, my goal is to change the lives of children that may have fallen victim."
Hayden's goals are not exclusive to winning that Miss Nebraska crown. The self described 'political science geek' plans to someday become a lawyer.
"I want to pursue a life rooted in the advancement of human rights laws on the nonprofit side," said Hayden, who is currently working for Nebraska State Senator Kate Bolz. "Later down the road, I wish to run for the House of Representatives to advance my message and serve my state and country. The Miss Nebraska Organization is allowing me the opportunity to begin my work now as a freshman in college to advance the knowledge of human trafficking here in Nebraska, as well as giving me the life skills necessary to work in an adverse field."
And like so many other contestants this year and for years prior, this outlet is also an opportunity for Hayden to showcase her other talents and improve every aspect of herself creatively, mentally and physically. As a national-level competitive cheerleader and dancer, Hayden has found new stages to perform. As a 2012 Nebraska Gymnastics Championships competitor, she's found new reasons to continue a focus on physical health and wellness.
"Miss Nebraska is essential to the state because it provides the role models for young girls across Nebraska," said Hayden. "As a public servant, Miss Nebraska educates and inspires our youth to be the best they can be. It is so important to continue that."
Just as Miss Nebraska Allison Tietjen inspired Hayden, she now hopes to inspire others. Little girls in her hometown of Bennington are now watching not only Hayden, but newly crowned Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen Kelsie Therkildsen. And early next month, just one day before she leaves for her own state competition, Hayden will invite many those children to join her and directly make a difference in the lives of other Omaha kids.
In the end, that's what so many women like Hayden, and Allison, and myself, recall most about being part of the Miss Nebraska Organization. The money is AWESOME to help pay for school. The opportunities to perform and shine are empowering. But the impact you can have on your community and world around you thanks to a little extra notoriety in a 'Miss So and So' title…. those memories are priceless.
"The best part of this has been interacting with my community," said Hayden. "I have made so many more connections than I would have ever been able to without the Miss Nebraska system. This It gives us a way to voice who we are as women, and further develops our sense of self."
To follow Miss Twin Rivers Hayden Richardson, click here.
PREVIOUS.. Miss Panhandle 2018 Emily Curtis
NEXT.. Miss Star City 2018 Allison Baird
This entry was posted on May 16, 2018, in Miss America, Omaha and tagged Allie Tietjen, allison tietjen, Child Trafficking, childrens miracle network, community service, Core Dance Company, Hayden Richardson, House of Representatives, jenn cady photography, Kate Bolz, Kelsie Therkildsen, Miss America, miss nebraska, miss nebraska's outstanding teen, miss twin rivers, Nebraska Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Premiere Gymnastics, university of nebraska-lincoln, UNL.	2 Comments
Dreaming Big
I still remember being a little girl with HUGE glasses, taking field trips to The Rose or to Papillion-La Vista High School to watch theater. I was IN AWE. I idolized the actors and singers and wanted, so badly, to be on that stage just like them.
When I got to high school, Drama classes were a must, and I tried out for PLHS's production of Oklahoma! I was one of the youngest students cast – I couldn't even drive home from rehearsals everyday! I was 'adopted' by one of the stars of the show, Alyssa Passey.
Alyssa was a senior (guys, A SENIOR!!) who, for whatever amazing reason, befriended me during those months I really didn't know anyone else. She drove me home everyday in her amazing pink Dodge Neon (which was AWESOME), and just made me feel COOL. I wanted to be JUST. LIKE. HER.
A 13-year old Millard North Middle School student has a very similar story.. except her Alyssa's literally sparkled before her eyes.
Her name is Marissa Messick. When this photo was taken, she was just 6 years old and IN HEAVEN.
"Everything started when I was a Little Sister for the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County Pageant in 2010," said Marissa. "My Big Sister, Mindy Schreiber, won Miss Douglas County that night and it was so great to be able to go through that experience with her."
And Marissa met more Queens over the next several years, as a World Champion baton twirler with The Stepperette's, a team that has included Miss Nebraska 2001 Tina Foehlinger, Miss Nebraska runners up Tami and Rachel Foehlinger, and Miss Nebraska 2016 Aleah Peters. Marissa learned more and more about the sash and crown she'd seen so many times as a little girl.
"Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen and Miss Nebraska are great programs," said Marissa. "They teach you how to find yourself and they help you become more confident. It helps with paying for school. More importantly, it defies a common fear of public speaking. Being able to speak in public is an amazing life skill and this program helps majorly with being more comfortable doing that."
So this year, Marissa decided to try this whole pageant thing for herself, and was crowned Miss Millard's Outstanding Teen.
"My favorite part of being a titleholder is being able to meet so many people and have younger kids look up to me," said Marissa. "It's amazing to be able to walk into a room and see their faces just light up with a huge smile and say 'Mom, look, a princess'. Then you can tell them about your platform and they listen with everything they have because they're talking to a princess. You can light up their day and impact their lives all in one."
Marissa has used that attention to promote kindness and respect for others, a mission she calls 'Believe In The Golden Rule.'
"Treat others how you like to be treated," said Marissa. "So many people judge and bully others on what they look like, what they do, how smart they are, and how much money their families make. I've talked to Alternate Curriculum Program students at my school about this; they shouldn't be treated any differently then we get treated. Also, I wrote a book on the Golden Rule in English class and read it to 2nd graders at Cather Elementary."
Those speaking opportunities are also benefitting Marissa. She'll begin classes at Millard North High School next fall, and hopes to someday become a lawyer.
"This is definitely helping me because I have to be able to form opinions on topics. I will have to be ok and comfortable with public speaking," said Marissa. "Also, I will have to know how to balance my time, and being an 8th grader while getting ready for high school, spending time with friends, doing appearances, twirling and preparing for State definitely teaches me how to healthily balance my time."
'State' is the Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen competition, the next step in Marissa's journey. The same moments she watched as a little girl with a smile on her face and starts in her eyes are now in her path.
"My goal isn't to win, which sounds strange, but my goal is to meet friends and have a good experience," said Marissa. "It doesn't matter if you win at state or if you had the best dress, but the changes you made. I think, not just with Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen but with everything you do in life, what you leave behind is most important."
To follow Miss Millard's Outstanding Teen Marissa Messick, click here.
PREVIOUS.. Miss Elkhorn's Outstading Teen Rachel Greufe
NEXT.. Special 3-Part Post! Miss Eastern Nebraska's Outstanding Teen Sofia Drelicharz, Miss Heartland's Outstanding Teen Aubrie Charter, and Miss North Platte's Outstanding Teen Aspen Golter
This entry was posted on April 25, 2018, in Miss America, Omaha and tagged Alyssa Passey, Catered Bowl, Cather Elementary, Golden Rule, jenn cady photography, Marissa Messick, millard north, Millard North Middle School, mindy schreiber, miss douglas county, Miss Millard's Outstanding Teen, miss nebraska, miss nebraska's outstanding teen, miss omaha, oklahoma, papillion-la vista, plhs, Sues Stepperettes, Tami Foehlinger, The Rose Theater, Tina Foehlinger.	2 Comments
The Greatest Love Of All
I woke up this weekend to a notification on my phone: 'It's Aleah's birthday!' Aleah, as in Miss Nebraska 2016 Aleah Peters. I knew immediately what I wanted to share to wish her the best and hopefully make her smile.
Photo courtesy Kim Therkildsen Photography
This photo was taken at Aleah's send-off party for Miss America in the summer of 2016. My boys were IN HEAVEN. This look on Easton's face is one of my all-time favorites.
A lot of people like kids. Some people were simply MEANT to work with children. You see the proof in photos like this, and how they continue to focus on kids long after their pageant days are done.
The same day Miss Nebraska 2015 Alyssa Howell turned 23, she announced that she will be teaching 3rd grade at Elkhorn's Manchester Elementary next year. Part of the legacy she wanted to leave as Miss Nebraska was that she had an impact on children; my feature article on her in 2014 was entitled 'The Kid Whisperer.'
Another young lady in Elkhorn hopes to follow both Alyssa and Aleah's lead.
"As a child, any girl with a crown and a purpose just reminded me how much I wanted to make a difference when I got older," said Rachel Greufe, Miss Elkhorn's Outstanding Teen. Both of her sisters competed in pageants, and Rachel's family has long-promoted community service. They'll be by her side as she competes to become Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen.
They've been cheering her on for years now; Rachel is a state champion cheerleader at Elkhorn South, where she is also president of the Student Council, president of Junior Class Board, and part of the Storm's award-winning varsity show choir.
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So why add one more activity to the list?
"Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen teaches young women to be poised, cordial, and giving," said Rachel. In a local title, Rachel also found a high-profile opportunity raise awareness about a very personal fight against skin cancer.
"My platform is Loving The Skin You're In," said Rachel. "This platform was inspired by my parents and the struggles they have gone through. My mom had colon cancer and my dad had skin cancer. But, my family was fortunate enough to come out of it stronger than before. Although both experiences were scary at the time, my dad's cancer allowed me to see the sun in a new light (pun intended). I know now that there are many issues regarding its strength and how teenagers and people of all ages underestimate it. I encourage men and women to "love the skin they're in" instead of ruining it at a young age. My dad's experiences have shaped mine and have reminded me to always wear protection when going out in the sun, NEVER tan in a tanning bed, and truly love the skin I was given."
And while that mission has taken her to some wonderful places, including meeting Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Rachel is focused on the children and teenagers she connects with, especially the other young women she'll compete alongside for a state title later this week.
"My goal at the Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen pageant is to bond with the wonderful girls from all across Nebraska," said Rachel. "I can't wait to meet them and learn about all the good each girl has done. I can't wait!"
The common thread between so many Miss Nebraska's is children. As Alyssa Howell decorates her new classroom this fall, so too will teachers and former Miss Nebraska's Mariah Cook (2012) and Jill Pennington (2000). Miss Nebraska 2011 Kayla Batt-Jacox is currently planning a piano recital for all of the kids she teaches every day. Miss Nebraska 1999 Becky Smith inspires and mentors hundreds of little girls as the owner and teacher of The Dance Factory in North Platte and Ogallala.
Rachel wants to be an orthodontist, opening up her own practice in her home state to continue working with kids. She hopes she doesn't have to wait that long to simply inspire children.
"[Making a difference] is exactly what I am trying to do now," said Rachel. "Making a difference and inspiring younger girls is my purpose and favorite part of being a titleholder."
To follow Miss Elkhorn's Outstanding Teen Rachel Greufe, click here.
PREVIOUS.. Miss Metro's Outstanding Teen Kelsie Therkildsen
NEXT.. Miss Millard's Outstanding Teen Marissa Messick
This entry was posted on April 23, 2018, in Family, Miss America, Omaha and tagged Aleah Peters, alyssa howell, becky smith-wagner, Catered Bowl, dance factory, elkhorn, Elkhorn Public Schools, elkhorn south, Emily Lenser, Jean Stothert, jenn cady photography, Jill Pennington, kayla batt, kayla jacox, Kelsie Therkildsen, Manchester Elementary, Mariah Cook, Miss America, miss nebraska, miss nebraska's outstanding teen, Olivia Terwey, omaha, Phoenix Stanford, Rachel Greufe, skin cancer, Storm.	3 Comments
Spirit of Service
It's easy to pass judgment, especially when you encounter someone who seems so unlike yourself. The problem is, you really can't judge a book by its cover… one glance never provides a person's whole story, or the big picture in general.
For example.. being homeless.. what do you think of?
'They've done that to themself'
'They should just get a job'
The average age of a homeless person is 9 years old.
1 in 4 homeless children do not know where their next meal is coming from.
In Omaha, there are an average of 200 children eating and sleeping at the Open Door Mission every, single day.
Those are the facts Hillside Elementary teachers and students learned about last November just before Thanksgiving. Kindergarten teachers invited Open Door Mission President Candace Gregory to the school to help children best understand the very real problem of homelessness in our community. She told Hillside, "it only takes one person to make a difference."
Even at 5 and 6 years old, these kids got the message. They and their families, along with Hillside teachers, held a diaper drive and delivered a huge load of supplies to the Open Door Mission, just in time for Christmas.
That is exactly what an Elkhorn teenager hopes to see more of, something she's been promoting for five years and counting.
"I have made hundreds of blankets for the homeless population," said Emily Lenser, just 16-years old. "One of my favorite things to do is have blanket drives at schools. This year at one school we collected 106 blankets. I have also donated stuffed animals and books to shelters. It was very exciting taking them a local homeless shelter. I know it makes the residents so happy when they have a comfy blanket and stuffed animal and book for their children."
This is one busy girl, folks – in addition to her volunteer work, Emily is also a successful student at Elkhorn South, inspired by a family of educators including her grandparents and her mom.
"My goal has always been to be a doctor," said Emily. "I really enjoy working with children, and I would like to go into pediatrics."
She's also an accomplished dancer, competing with the Nebraska Dance Company and the competitive dance team at Elkhorn South, which just won a state title. A few years ago, Emily found a way to combine all of her passions into one outlet; she was crowned Miss Elkhorn's Outstanding Teen in 2017, she's currently Miss Kool-Aid Days Outstanding Teen 2018, and she will compete for the title of Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen this April.
"I love that Miss America stands for Scholarship, Service, Style and Success," said Emily. "Most people do not realize that people win scholarship money in this wonderful system. It comforts me knowing that as a junior in high school, I already have nearly $1000 towards college. This has also been a great opportunity to further my skills with public speaking and interviewing."
It's also been a vessel allowing Emily more opportunities to give to others. She's delivered Valentines to nursing home residents, promoted community events, and taken part in fundraiser for important causes across the state.
"I believe service is the most important," said Emily. "I really enjoy helping others. In my opinion, serving the community is something that every middle school and high school should require. I think it makes a person more compassionate and understanding."
UNDERSTANDING. At a time when it's so easy to judge, to criticize, to sit back and condemn rather than dive in and help, it is wonderful to see young people who are actively breaking those patterns. Their actions are not only helping improve the lives of others, but I would argue, enriching their young lives as well.
Jesse Jackson once said, 'Never look down at someone unless you are helping them up.' Today I challenge you (and myself): don't judge. Follow the lead of our youngest learners at Hillside, or Miss Kool-Aid Days Emily Lenser… and simply be nice.
"I wouldn't want to represent anything but Nebraska," said Emily. "My goal is just to enjoy this wonderful experience."
To follow Miss Kool-Aid Days Outstanding Teen Emily Lenser on Facebook, click here.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EMILY?
CLICK HERE * 2017 * Stethoscopes & Tiaras
PREVIOUS.. Miss Old West Balloon Fest's Outstanding Teen Hope McCoy
NEXT.. Miss Harvest Moon Festival Alexandria Warneke
This entry was posted on March 23, 2018, in Miss America, Omaha, westside and tagged alzheimers association, Candace Gregory, elkhorn, elkhorn south, Emily Lenser, Governor Pete Ricketts, Hillside, Homeless, Jesse Jackson, Miss America, Miss Elkhorn's Outstanding Teen, Miss Kool-Aid Days Outstanding Teen, miss nebraska's outstanding teen, Nebraska Dance Company, nikki catrina anderson, Open Door MIssion, westside.	3 Comments
Often times when I encourage a young woman to try the Miss Nebraska Organization, I get the same questions. "Do I need a coach?" "Do I have to spend a bunch of money for a new dress and clothes?" "But what if I've never done a pageant before?"
Maybe I should just attach this photo to my 'auto-reply'.
October 2000. I received a flyer in the mail with information about the Miss Omaha Pageant. I had grown up IN AWE of the Miss America Pageant on TV; I even staged my own pageant with my friends for my 13th birthday party. I loved to sing on stage and welcomed the opportunity to do that one more time since my high school performance days were done.
That was the end of my pageant knowledge or background. I went to Mall of the Bluffs with my friend Shawna a few days before to buy my talent outfit off a clearance rack, and my friend Suzanne came to my dorm room at UNL to slap together some choreography for a song. I wore the swimsuit I actually swam in. My evening gown was the prom dress I had worn two years earlier in high school. I did my own hair and makeup… with the little makeup and hairspray I had. THANK GOODNESS my Little Sister and now dear friend Kelsey was ADORABLE and clearly stole the show!
God, it turns out, has a plan for everything.. and for whatever reason told those six judges at Westside High School that I would be a good representative of Douglas County; I won a local title and a ticket to compete at the 2001 Miss Nebraska Pageant. I had NO CLUE what I was doing.
Thankfully, this program past and present is made up of incredible former titleholders who are happy to help guide the 'newbies' and share their insight into this wonderful, and at times, overwhelming world. Within a few weeks, I was introduced to Miss Nebraska 1999 Becky Smith.
Becky was an Omaha-area girl like me, crowned Miss Nebraska at just 20 years old. By the time I became Miss Douglas County in 2001, Becky had returned to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to pursue Fine Arts degree in Dance. Word must have spread that the newest member of the Miss Omaha family was a HOT MESS..
.. because within a few weeks, I had an invitation to meet with Becky at Chi Omega, right next door to my dorm on UNL's campus. She welcomed me to her sorority house with a warm smile and engaging personality, giggling with and not at me as she showed me how to walk in heels and not clomp around on stage like a hippo meandering through the savannah. (Really, guys, it was BAD.) She was just SO COOL, and made ME feel cool because I got to be around her.
Becky was a natural teacher, just one year later opening The Dance Factory in Miss Nebraska's home base of North Platte. Her studio became a staple in town, so popular over the years, that Becky later opened a second location in Ogallala. I would argue one of the biggest reasons to enroll a child here, would be so they can work with Becky herself.
Yes, Becky looks EXACTLY THE SAME as she did 18 years ago. Same sparkle in her smile, same passion for dance, same energy for life and everyone around her. People turn to Becky because they want to BE like Becky.
Her daughter, Gabriella, is no different.. and she's ready to follow in her mom's footsteps.
"I have been watching pageants for years and always wanted to try," Gabriella told me recently. "My goal is to feel successful after everything is over. I want to feel that I did a great job and made an impact."
Gabriella, a 15-year old student at North Platte High School, was crowned Miss Fur Trade Days Outstanding Teen last fall.
She, too, is a gifted dancer, practicing her craft at home and at The Dance Factory from a very early age. As her mom continued to volunteer with the Miss Nebraska Organization over the years, Gabriella saw an opportunity to both perform and to serve.
"Community service [is my favorite part]. I love visiting kids and helping others," said Gabriella. "It makes me so happy to meet all of them and teach them about my platform, 'Someone Is Your Type'. It's all about blood donation so no matter your race, your blood type or your gender, you can donate blood that will save someone's life. To promote my platform, I visit kids and educate them about blood donation and the importance of giving."
Gabriella, who wants to someday be an anesthesiologist, notes her gratitude to be able to share a message she is passionate about. She's also grateful for and aware of the connections she's making, whether it be through dance, school, or with other teens from across the state who will compete to become Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen.
"My favorite moment has been meeting all of the girls in the competition," said Gabriella. "It's so great to meet people who are just as motivated as you and who make you feel encouraged to persevere."
Ultimately, those are the qualities that drive Gabriella Wagner. Even at 15, she is a young woman who values success and pushes for it in every aspect of her life. When asked about her female role models, she references Taylor Swift and Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen 2015 Morgan Holen, noting how they've inspired her by taking advantages of opportunities as young women with innovation, creativity and passion.
"You can do so many things, but if you don't feel successful after completing them, you didn't do it right," said Gabriella. "Success to me means that you met your personal goals and you feel good about doing so."
This photo shows Gabriella with her mom, Miss Nebraska 1999 Becky Smith Wagner, and Morgan Holen with her mom, Miss Nebraska 1988 Jodi Miller Holen. Becky, Morgan and Jodi are all INCREDIBLY inspiring women to me. They are hard working. They are caring and kind. They are dynamic. They endlessly give of themselves. They are friends to everyone they meet.
Gabriella hopes to be just like them.. for reasons that extend far beyond a crown.
"I come from a pageant involved family and I really enjoy being a part of it," said Gabriella. "However, I chose this path because I love it and I want to make a difference in the world."
To follow Miss Fur Trade Days Outstanding Teen Gabriella Wagner on Facebook, click here.
PREVIOUS.. Miss Scotts Bluff County's Outstanding Teen Morgan Baird
NEXT.. Miss Lincoln Jessica Shultis
This entry was posted on March 5, 2018, in Miss America, Omaha and tagged becky smith-wagner, Catered Bowl, chi omega, Gabriella Wagner, jenn cady photography, jodi miller-holen, Kamie Stephen Photography, Kelsey Hazard, Mall of the Bluffs, miss america pageant, miss congeniality, miss douglas county, Miss Fur Trade Days Outstanding Teen, miss nebraska, Miss Nebraska Becky Smith, miss nebraska's outstanding teen, miss omaha, morgan holen, north platte high school, Rachel Young, Sandra Bullock, Shawna Roe, Suzanne Clabaugh, taylor swift, The Dance Factory, UNL.	2 Comments
I'm having a hard time looking at social media today.
In the days, weeks, months and years after, we all used the phrase Never Forget. So today, 10 years removed from that overcast, frigid day in Omaha, of course countless media outlets and people are recounting where they were, what witnesses remember, and how we all feel about it now.
I guess I feel bad retweeting, sharing, posting because I was merely a storyteller that day, and not part of what happened. It's like I don't have the right to remind people of the anniversary. I remember the day after, Rob sitting in our story meeting and sharing what a first responder had told him… that in the hours after the massacre, standing inside of Von Maur, he could hear someone's cell phone ringing, ringing, ringing, over and over… and he knew a victim's loved one was on the other end. What I experienced that day was nothing.
The shooter had been in and out of juvenile courtrooms since he was a toddler. Court files several inches thick shed light on a troubled child, talking about death and violence from an early age, threatening the very people who loved him. From all indications (noted in this article from ABC News), his father did everything he could to help him, turning to the state for more than a quarter of a million dollars in therapy and services.
We went to their home that day. I worked with legendary photojournalist Pete Soby, and together, we knocked on the shooter's father's door. He opened the door, he listened, he said no comment. We returned to the car, and watched one reporter after another do the same thing we had just done. I remember then seeing that father and someone else come outside to shovel snow. Every photographer got out and got video of them.. just shoveling silently.
Later that day or early the next, we returned to that house. So many questions.. what happened to this young man? WHY did he do this? There had to be reasons.. why would he unleash this terror on complete strangers?? WHY??? We went back to that house for answers. Once again, we pulled up along the curb and parked.. and I broke down. I could not force myself to get out of that car. That man had also lost a loved one in the shootings, his son, coupled with the unimaginable weight of what his child had done. I could not knock on his door again.
Soby was a journalist with a rare gift: throughout his career he found the perfect balance of aggression and compassion. He knew what our responsibility was as journalists and how to get a story, but he never forgot people are human beings first, not faceless subjects in our work. He got out of the car and knocked on that door. When Pete came back, he told me after the father told him no comment, Pete suggested he tape a sign to his door with those words.. that people would stop knocking. A simple act of kindness I hope provided maybe an ounce of respite during such a horrific nightmare.
Every time my children and I see a firefighter or police officer, I try to make a point to encourage my boys to go up and tell them thank you, and to teach them these are people who go to work everyday to keep us safe. It deeply saddens me to say today's current climate regarding mass shootings is more 'common' than it was ten years ago. Today, a mass shooting is a quick mention on CNN or nightly news, forgotten after a few days. In 2007, our city had never experienced anything like this before. When those calls started flooding 911, it was deputies, officers, and paramedics who moved in, risking their own lives and well being to help strangers. They saw the aftermath. They saw the nightmare. Once the adrenaline fades, once the threat is neutralized, how do you ever shake those images out of your memory?
I am grateful for every one of the heroes who moved in that day, not knowing what was in front of them. I am also grateful for every hero working right now in their cruiser, station or firehouse… because I know they'd move in to help me, too. And unfortunately, we all now know IT COULD HAPPEN.. to any of us.
To this day, I'm still surprised that Micky agreed to a TV interview about what happened to her inside of Von Maur that day, but honored she trusted us to share it. Now 'retired' photojournalist Justin Riviera and I arrived at her apartment, beautifully decorated with figurines and family pictures. It had only been a few months since the shootings.
Micky had almost died that day.. shot point blank inside Von Maur. I asked Micky if she made eye contact with the shooter; I guess I expected her to say no, it was all a blur. Chills went down my spine as she told us that he looked her straight in the eyes, then shot her in the abdomen.
Micky later wrote a book with author June Blair.
"The only thought that came to me in that surreal moment was to lie as still as I could. He was still shooting at every living, moving target. Suddenly, there was silence and then the helpless sounds of voices pleading for help. I mustered up every drop of strength left in my body as I, too, let out a garbled 'help'."
Micky's book is entitled 35 Minutes and Counting (click here for details). She was on the floor for 35 minutes as first responders ensured the shooter was dead, evacuated the store, and found Micky lying on the floor of Von Maur, alive. For the rest of her life, Micky was in physical pain from her injuries, and emotional pain from what she had been through. She wrote Justin and I a letter after Fourth of July, noting how badly the fireworks affected her. She was such a kind, strong woman who had been through incredible challenges throughout her life.. she didn't deserve this.
Micky passed away in 2016.
Photo courtesy Dailykos.com
We stood there huddled together outside Von Maur. First there was one.. then a few.. then hundreds of bouquets of flowers blanketing the steps leading up to the doors. I don't remember why we had gathered there, but I know there were family members throughout the crowd. I remember someone speaking (or trying to speak) and softly, it began. Silent Night.
Within moments, the entire crowd… reporters, photographers, city officials and police officers, loved ones of those lost, strangers… we were all singing Silent Night together.
It was so beautiful, one of the clearest memories I have from those days. The unity of the human spirit, joined together to support one another and to hold our broken spirits together.
I'd see the snowflakes later… thousands of them, handmade and plastered all over the walls separating Von Maur from the mall itself. This would become a symbol of support for the victims' families.. showing them they weren't alone in this tragedy.
I debated writing this because I don't want to seem like I'm exploiting this anniversary, or this terrible day. But by not writing or posting anything, I fear worse.. that those most touched by this day will think I, and others, have forgotten. We will NEVER FORGET.
I will never forget the courage and bravery of our first responders.
I will never forget the strength of survivors like Micky Oldham and Fred Wilson.
Throughout my career in journalism, I never forgot about the compassion and balance I learned from my colleagues the day after and in the days that followed.
I will never forget the love that exists in all of us, even in the darkest of times.
For all of you touched by that day, especially those still suffering and hurting, my thoughts and prayers are with you today.
This entry was posted on December 5, 2017, in KETV, News, Omaha and tagged 35 Minutes And Counting, Fred Wilson, June Blair, justin riviera, Micky Oldham, Never Forget, Pete Soby, ROB MCCARTNEY, Silent Night, Von Maur, Westroads Mall Shooting.	5 Comments