Today I had the distinct honor of serving as one of the judges for the Miss Primrose Place pageant. I thought perhaps I was chosen for my “mature” status since Primrose Place is the long-term nursing facility for CoxHealth but it turns out most of the judges were younger than my kids so looks like they chose me for my discerning opinions!
Six ladies competed for the top honor along with first and second runners-up and it was one tough contest to judge. Each came forward to be interviewed and then her bio was read. As judges we were required to rate them 1-10 on categories such as spryness for their age (ranged from 78 to 92 and the only one NOT in a wheelchair was 92!), personality, appearance, smile, activities in their earlier years and activities at Primrose. My top 3 choices were the winners and each of them cried as their names were read and they came forward to receive a bouquet of flowers – and of course the winner got a sash with “Miss Primrose Place” on it and a tiara!
Coming on the heels of Mother’s Day it was hard not to relate each of them to my own mother who would be 92 if she were still alive. These ladies are an inspiration to me that no matter what physical affirmaties I may encounter, a good attitude is what really counts – and as I type that I can hear my mother’s approval as she emulated a positive attitude throughout her entire life.
Thirty years from now I may be gussied up in my finest fielding questions about the best thing that ever happened in my life (that’s easy – having my 2 daughters) and what I like most about living at Primrose Place (probably will be that I don’t have to cook or clean). I’ll try to remember “the wave” as I’m wheeled around the room so maybe I’ll take home the flowers, sash and tiara!
Very cool! I’d rather judge a pageant like this than one based on beauty alone. Sounds like a group of very cool, classy women.
Grammie would have won hands down if she had been there – but the winner was a close second to her. I’m sure Nana would have won for personality if she had started reciting some of her more colorful sayings.
BTW – that “fluff” in the middle is really part of my fatty tumor that has grown and moved! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.