Final thoughts from Rose Pageant mom

As some people may feel this was just a pageant, these articles (errors in Rose Festival judging) have caused quite a stir.

Some of your comments I found especially amusing.

“Don’t fight your child’s battles.” I don’t.

I do, however, teach her to stand up for what is right.

“Life isn’t fair.” Yes, I know that, too. I have spent 21 years advocating for my middle child, who was born with multiple disabilities. I do not sweat the small stuff in life. I am too busy to dispute everything that does not go my way or my children’s way. My children know all too well about what’s not fair in life. They have seen their sister struggle through many things that most people take for granted.

They have also seen, through their volunteering and through the many organizations we belong to for the disabled, the goodness in people just trying to help, who want fair treatment for all individuals. Those who know our family and me personally, also know that it takes something pretty unjust for me to react in such a way.

My daughter and I have lost all respect for the entire Rose Pageant. Having said that, she has decided to donate her entire scholarship to Seguin Services, which serves people with developmental disabilities in her sister’s name. This is how she feels she can make the best of a bad situation.

Even though an honest mistake was made, an honest solution was not reached. Hopefully a change in the committee will take place to regain the respect and validity for future pageant contestants.

I have no regrets and feel no shame for standing up for what I believe.

Mary Lou Miller

Roselle