“Picture it”, as
Sophia would say, Prokup kitchen, August 6, 2009. The counter is
littered with junk food, brought by my Adams cousins from St. Louis
and Fort Collins. They know the only thing we will eat for the next
three days is juicy, mouth-watering, famous homecoming hamburgers.
At the table Connie’s painting Dominica’s toenails; Pat is
sorting makeup; Katherine is giving suggestions on the interview,
while feeding Gracie. Dominica is going to be in the queen contest
and Gracie will be in the baby show.
My sister, Dominica,
has always loved all sports. She never wears dresses or makeup; she’d
rather be outside playing basketball. So when she decided to be in
the contest I knew it was due to the fact that Pat, our cousin, was
coming. She wanted Pat to be a part of the sure chaos the contest
would inevitably bring. And chaos is a mild expression for what
occurred.
Early on the day of
the event while putting on makeup, and curling hair, everyone was
excited and anxiously waiting for Dominica’s interview. As the
time arrives, last minute advice is given and more hairspray is
applied. As she leaves, the heavy mist of hairspray, fingernail
polish, and perfume linger in the room and three loyal cousins are
collapsed in chairs. The Adams salon can take a much needed break.
Break’s over and
Dominica returns with confidence about the interview. Now it’s
time for Gracie to get dressed. A darling blue and green dress is
chosen and with her cousin, Jeanne’s, theatrical knowledge, a
flowered headband is added. Gracie is a beautiful sunflower smiling
and enjoying her first time on the stage at the homecoming. Now
Connie and Dominica leave for the long hours of preparation and
waiting for ten-thirty.
My mom, who’s in
charge of the Thursday night program, like her mother before her,
paces back and forth in nervous anticipation. She walks to the
Baptist Church building where the contestants’ dresses look like a
rainbow lining the walls, hanging wrinkle-free. As she brushes by,
her hands feel the different satiny materials, and this unconsciously
causes her to smile. She talks briefly to Dominica, who, along with
Connie, assures her everything is under control.
As I sit and wait, I
listen to the sounds of the carnival rides. I’ve never liked that
constant roaring in my ears. It makes me want to run uncontrollably
as fast as I can into peaceful silence; the kind of silence sky
divers experience when their parachute opens. But these sounds
belong here, so I accept them as I wait for my sister’s appearance.
Life is full of sacrifices and I embrace this one lovingly.
I will never forget
how elegant Dominica looked that night in her gown of red. She
walked with grace and a certain endearing loveliness. I was so
proud to be her brother. As she accepted the Roberta Hunter Mc
Vicker award, Miss Congeniality and ultimately first princes, my
heart was jumping out of my chest. This was my big sister; the same
girl who played, swam, and read with me through the years. She
deserved this honor and all the happiness that goes along with it.
Her bright smile showed me she was truly enamored by this special
moment.
I looked at the
smiling faces around me and realized Dominica was a respected young
lady. I saw my families’ faces showing not only pride, but love.
She managed to turn a long, tiresome, and chaotic day into a glorious
evening. I relished in the thought that this remarkable person
allowed all of us to share in her excitement, especially our cousin
Pat. Dominica had given us an unforgettable homecoming; she’d
brought the Adams cousins together to create many precious memorable
moments.
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