Sunday, January 27, 2008

I just wanted to sing =)

Thanks Georgia for all of your support!! I am tired and a little emotional.... kinda how you feel after Christmas. SO much time and effort went into making this dream a reality for me. While I didn’t walk away with the crown, I walked away with new friends, fond memories, and $9,000 in scholarship. I would have LOVED to been given the chance to sing, but that’s ok.... my day will come. Congrats to Miss Michigan. She is a true class act and will do a great job this year as our Miss America. I challenge Georgia to support and encourage her this year, as she represents all of us who compete, volunteer, and/or admire this program. I am honored to have had the opportunity to compete along side such amazing women. I’m going to be very honest- That was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. I didn’t care for the focus being on who got “eliminated”..... that might just be because I was one of them...he he he. The audience didn’t like it either so maybe it is a valid comment. When I was told I would not be moving to the next phase of competition I was sad and my first thought was of you Georgia. I wondered how people would feel, what they would say, would you be mad, would you pick me apart?? I sat there on the stage and could hardly hold back tears.... It was a tough spot to be in, I have to be honest. While I’m sure there is someone on a message board right now letting me have it, I choose to remember that there are many, MANY people waiting on me back home with open hearts and arms that have always seen me as Miss America. These are the people who fostered this crazy dream of mine since I was a little girl. These are the people I am so thankful for- my friends, my family! I am tired, sore, and emotionallly drained, but I am ready to come home and get back to work. I made a promise to Georgia the day I was crowned that I would do everything in my power to serve the people of this great state. I intend to keep that promise. God’s plan for me is to be Miss Georgia for this entire year...and so Miss Georgia I will be!!! I want to share one story before I jump on a plane and head home- the second I walked off the stage last night, a little girl gently pulled on my gown. I looked down and saw a beautiful blond girl who said to me, “One day I want to be Miss Georgia.” Those are the moments, the memories that will keep me pressing forward. We, as titleholders, represent the dreams of thousands. My dream does not end hear in Las Vegas- I have no regrets, no concerns, and no fears because my self-worth was not changed by the outcome of this event. I will always keep the memories of this journey close to my heart. My sisters of 2008 will go on, as will I, and we will be so successful. I intend to dream big for the rest of my life!!! After all, a door may be closing but I already see another opening!!! Thanks Georgia.... I’m coming home.

Leah,

We couldn’t be more proud to welcome you home - whether you won the crown or not.  To us, your character, personality, smile and caring spirit have always been your hallmarks - and hopefully always will be. 

So many folks (including my aged parents, 89, 90) said today, that your ‘bump’ right before talent was as no-class and inhumane as we’ve ever witnessed around a pageant.  By allowing such, the organizers cheapened and disregarded the countless hours you and many of your fellow contestants worked, to prepare for last evening.  It’s appalling, to say the least, and our hearts broke for you when it happened.  I’ve no doubt that Miss Michigan will do well during her reign, but I KNOW that Miss Georgia had a song bursting in her heart and an articulate answer, that you deserved to offer.

On a higher note, our State Methodist newspaper has contacted me about getting them a story on Leah; so, if you want me to rifle through you blog for some recent views and some file pictures, I can do.  But, should you want to address any issues and views, or share something specific, please let me know, soon.

Love & Blessings, All the Robinsons

Dear Leah--Although I have moved from Fitzgerald, the people there are still in my heart.  I have watched you grow, from a toddler, to the beautiful young woman you have become today; both inside and out.  I sat on the edge of my couch as I watched you in Miss Georgia and was so happy that you won the crown.  As I watched you in Miss America, I again sat on the edge of my couch, nervous, hoping, and praying.  Although you did not win the actual crown, you represent everything I believe Miss America should be.  To me you are a winner for actually being able to accomplish so many dreams.  Georgia welcomes you home with love and open arms.  I am honored to be able to say… yea, I know Miss Georgia… isn’t she wonderful… Love, Miss Wendi

I always love watching Miss America and cheering on Miss Georgia. You did such an awesome job! I really wish we could have heard you sing as well! I agree with many people who have said that was so rude! You were right there! At least you got the chance and didn’t have to sit in the “grand stand” with the others the entire show! Your opening line and introduction was a winner as well! Good luck as you finish your reign!

A Miss Georgia Fan,

InGa

I have to say that you were truely a class act throughout the pageant, that really came across strong! Georgia is so lucky to have you and I hope they realize this by making the most of your reign because you have so, so much to offer that crown!

I am proud of you!

I would love to have a snapshot in time of you and the little girl backstage to place alongside your fourth grade photo with Miss Georgia. You’ve done well. Enjoy being the inspiration!

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Miss Debbie

Leah, Maybe you didn’t win in Las Vegas, but you will always be “our” Miss America. Child… you did great.. and we too wanted to hear you sing. The courage you have to gone as far as you have is unreal...You looked beautiful on TV.  I just believe that this will only open doors for you for the future.  Hold that head up girlie… you did GOOD.  Love you, Chris and Lydia
p.s. i still say i changed Ms. Georgia’s diapers when she was a little girl. 

Leah, how very proud we all are of you.  We watched you crowned Miss Georgia and watched you compete in Miss America.  You are such a special person with so much talent and I’m sorry they didn’t allow you to sing, I agree with Beth Robinson. I can’t believe you are the same little girl I use to babysit for!! You have blossomed into a beautiful woman who has so much to give the world, I know you will make your reign the best you can and for that I am proud to say you are our Miss Georgia!!  We love you and are very proud of all your accomplishments. 

Good luck in all your endeavors!

Leah,
I am so proud of you. As Lexi and I watched you on that stage, you were such a role model to her and to all the young girls watching. You are truly what Miss America has always represented to me and what I want it to be for my daughter. I of course disagreed with the judges, but I truly disagreed with the format and the New Miss America they are trying to create. You my dear, are our Miss America. The Miss America with family values, morals, brains, and oh Leah..... yes those legs....
We love you so much. You represented us well.
Dene’and family.

Leah- We want to congratulate you for the wonderful showing you made in Miss America.  We wish the judges had chosen you, but they just don’t know true beauty, poise, talent the way we South Georgia natives do. I grew up in Ocilla and graduated from ICHS in 1970.  My parents were Raymond and Margery Clements Griffin.  They are now both deceased.  Your parents might remember them.  I believe your Mom grew up in Ocilla, and you have cousins who live down there.  God bless you always.  You are truly a fine Christian young lady.Dennis and Sandi Griffin

Leah,
You were fabulous at Miss America & did what only a hand full of past Miss Georgias have ever done, made TOP 10!!! Congrats to you!!!

Please keep the website posted with your appearances because I know people want to get out and see you as Miss Georgia!!

leah

you are what i think this system is all about -i met you in metter-im sure you dont remember but anyway you impressed me at Miss GA and talking to you personally has only made me know you are everything that Miss GA should be. You have made all of GA very proud. Good luck to you in all your endeavors-you will be a success in anything you chose to do.

leah,
i have recently just won the pageant i was in and i thought of you when i won. i know it wasn’t as big as miss georgia or being in the top 10 in miss america but it still felt good. you came to my school and i really wanted to see you and hear you speak to us, but we were under a tornado warning so we failed to see you. i was very upset because i have always dreamed of seeing miss. georgia but i have never had the chance to. then was my chance, but with my luck, we came under a tornado warning. i hope everything goes your way this year being miss georgia and you are going to always be someone i look up to. i think of you often and hope this year is the best you have ever had!!

Leah, It could’ve been worse.  You made the top ten! I know of an entrant on the national level who won BOTH non-finalist interview AND non-finalist talent.  What that must’ve been like, to know you did so well and barely missed the cut.
Miss Wisconsin’s mother shaking her head behind you when you were eliminated demonstrates the kind of support you had in Vegas.  Best, AK