Miss You Can Do It is a HBO Documentary Film about an annual Pageant of the same name. Abbey Curran, Miss Ohio 2008, started the pageant several years ago to help girls with special needs experience a magical weekend where they focus on their inner beauty and build confidence through traditional activities of a pageant. Abbey was the first person with a disability to be crowned a Beauty Queen. Her ambition and drive is really incredible. It was definitely not an easy path to the crown but she persevered and it paid off!
I basically cried through the entire film. It was amazing to see how happy the girls were! Even though they face daily struggles, they have the most amazing attitudes and positive outlooks on life! I was truly inspired by the children and their families! The parents of these children were so strong and brave! I was also really amazed by how loving and caring the siblings were. The film featured brothers and sisters of all ages and they were all so supportive and understanding. Having both, a brother and sister, I know it is not easy to be patient, kind, and supportive. I was so impressed that these children were not jealous or impatient, even though their sibling(s) with special needs often required so much attention and care.
Although the film was inspiring in many ways, it was also very heart-breaking. It was really difficult to listen to the parents talk about how their daughters were tormented by other children and even adults! Many told stories of name-calling and bullying, some even showed photos of vandalism to their homes and cars. Sometimes I forget how cruel people can be. These girls and their families already face so many challenges in life, it is hard to imagine that anyone would want to cause them additional harm.
I can’t begin to understand how other people think and I won’t try to guess why they act they way they do. I can only control my own actions. So, instead of pointing a finger or judging the people that torment these children and their families, I want to take this opportunity to think about my own words and actions. I may not be guilty of saying cruel or hateful things to people with special needs but I’m sure there are many instances where my words or actions have hurt other people.
Watching this film was a good reminder that what we say and do truly affects other people. Even if my intentions are not hurtful, I need to be more conscientious of the things I say. I also need to be careful not to joke at others’ expense or act in a mocking way. In addition, it is my responsibility to stand up for what is right! This means speaking up when someone else is saying or acting in a way that is hurtful to others.
This film really reminded me of the importance of compassion and kindness. It also reminded me that hatred and cruelty takes many forms. It does not just take violence to wound someone. Words can be just as damaging, if not more so.
Most importantly, this film highlighted the strength, courage, and beauty of the girls participating in the pageant , as well as the other members of their families! It also showed how good people can be. Abbey and the many volunteers that help make the pageant a success each year are perfect examples of truly caring and loving individuals. They inspire me to be look for ways that I can help others. They remind me that unselfish acts of kindness can change lives!
I hope you have a chance to watch this documentary film, Miss You Can Do It, as it is truly inspiring! I also encourage you to learn more about the non-profit pageant! I know I will be making a donation! Another great thing about this pageant (and a testament to Abbey’s kindness and desire to help others), is that 100% of donations go to the pageant!
Happy Make-A-Difference Monday! :)
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