The Beauty Queen

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When I walk into a room with her, heads turn. She is a classy lady, she has style and "pizzazz." She is one of those people who has been graced with all the right proportions. Long dark hair and beautiful high cheekbones. She carries herself straight and strong, a definite aura of confidence. She has one of those figures that can wear a "gunny sack", and still look terrific. Her wardrobe has been carefully selected (she only buys pieces on sale), and she has learned what to wear for the most impact. Other females shun her, intimidated by her beauty; males endeavor for her attention. The mait’rde will see only one lady at the table. She is the only person I know who can apply her lipstick and eyeliner without a mirror, do it discreetly and expertly and end up with it looking perfect. Yes, this girl definitely has class.

But aside from the clothes, hair, make-up and her outside appearance she is truly a remarkable person. You see, she wasn’t born into wealth, nor did she marry into a position of power or inherit a grand estate. As a wee baby, this little one was left to become a ward of the courts. Left to be tossed from home to home within the foster system. Growing up in the inner city of a large city, learning the ways of the street at an early age. Her neighbours belonged to bike gangs. Her clothes purchased once a year with the yearly government allowance-- the social worker expecting them to last an entire school year with no thoughts of repairs or growth spurts.

Growing up in a substitute family she would be forced to sit at hockey rinks and dance studios, allowed to watch but never to participate. Only the natural born children in this family were given that privilege. It was a well known fact she was a member of the clan for the monthly revenue.

Now most people would become bitter or resentful, angry about the fates and unhappy with the ‘cards’ they had been dealt. Not this girl--- she saw what was out there, saw the opportunities in the world, saw that there was a better life. She made her choices and worked very hard. She learned to become a survivor. Her confidence often needed a boost, but her determination and perseverance served her well. Valuable lessons were applied along this journey and there have been hardships and heartaches along the way. Early in life she made her choice; the choice to work hard and strive for her dreams--- she knew they were attainable. The hills and valleys of life have provided her with good and bad, and now she has come into her own. The fruits of her hard work have paid off--- she has a beautiful home, a family, a good job -- and most importantly the roots she has longed for.

Even though she and I come from different backgrounds, we have grown close. Phone calls and visit are few and far between but we know the other is only a short distance away. There was a period in which we lost touch, a time of silence -- not on purpose, just one of those times when circumstances take over and life carries a person away. Suddenly, she was back and we picked up exactly where we left off.

Her heart is pure gold and she would do anything in her power to help a friend. Loyalty is one of her strongest assets. Our friendship has strengthened over the years and we have become more like family. She is in my circle of friends, we are not sisters by blood, but sisters by choice.

So if you should run into my friend don’t be intimidated by the beauty, look her in the eye and give her a chance. It may take a little time before she warms up and opens herself (the survival instincts have taught her to be wary). Look past the clothes, make-up and hair because after all, she is well worth knowing.

When you see people that appear to be somewhat aloof or perhaps seem to be more attractive than everyone else in the room, don’t shun them--- give them a second chance, find out what is behind the face, look into their hearts and find their soul. Each person has a story worth telling. It is amazing what people endure and the stories they have to share; take time to learn what they have gone through, take time to listen to their tale. You may be pleasantly surprised by the possibility of connections, or the similarity to your own life.

Judge only by the inside--- the outside is simply the shell.