It is not often that one meets another who will change their life in an instant. It's not familiar for humans today to meet someone who grabs their heart within a minute and never lets go, especially when that someone is a child. However, Tori did just that.
While standing back stage on the final night of the 2011 Miss Georgia pageant, my eyes were drawn to the stage. A stage that had immaculate stage sets, a wonderful singer, glitter and beads hanging from the scrim, many little girls living their dream as Miss Georgia Princesses, and an extra special little girl. Although all of these details were eye-catching, I couldn't help but stare at the center of the stage. There stood a little girl, so pale and weak, who was beaming with joy. The patches of no hair and short hair did not stop her from enjoying the moment. She had a smile like none other, and her presence was that of an angel. I knew within that very moment that God had orchestrated our paths to cross for a significant reason that was yet to be discovered. The production number was quickly over, and there I stood with tears in my eyes. I watched as this little girl was taken offstage to her mom and carried off into the dark. I had to quickly gain my composure as the evening gown competition was approaching.I finished the evening gown portion and was now done. Everything else was left for the judges to decide. As I sat backstage in my small dressing room with five other contestants, waiting to go back on to see who made the top five, I still had such a strong feeling about this little girl. The answer was still a mystery that would not be solved until about a month or so later.
After searching and searching, I finally found Penny, the little girl's mom, on Facebook. I learned "the litte girl" was Tori. Penny told me all about Tori...diagnosed at 7 years old with Medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor. She had emergency surgery to remove the tumor, 6 weeks of radiation (which she was going through when I saw her at Miss Georgia), and was still receiving chemo treatments. We talked a few times, and then I surprisingly met Tori at Miss Columbus. As soon as I heard she was there I made sure she came to my dressing room! She watched me and "Miss Cassie" put on our makeup and get ready, and then she went back out into the audience with her mom. A few days later I got to meet them at the hospital, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I definitely over stayed my time (didn't want to leave)...but had so much fun! We talked and then made a hat with some supplies I had brought.
From that visit on, I knew we would grow to become extremely close. Penny was one of the most welcoming and genuine people I had ever met, and Tori was just an angel in herself. I remember wanting to see them everyday after that! Our relationship has only strengthened. I think of her as my little sister now, and I love her more than words can describe.
It was by NO coincidence that I had that "strong feeling" about her after just seeing her on stage, and it was by a miracle I found Penny on Facebook. God works in miraculous ways if we are open to follow His lead.
Even more of a blessing from God is the instant connection I felt with Tori.
My motto for her: "I carry your heart, I carry it in mine."
-Love in Christ,
Leighton
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