To the loves of my life!

This is the first post of a series of "thank you" blogs! My parents are truly my world. Actually, just a few nights ago, at around 11:30 p.m. I was hanging out with them in their bedroom. We were saying how much life is going to change in a few months when my sister goes off to an out-of-state university and  I said, "Well, I'm turning 22 in a few months and I'm still here! Hahahah." We laughed because it's so true! I'm not going anywhere unless my life changes on the Miss Florida stage, until then I'm all theirs and they're all mine!

In order to truly understand why I am so grateful for them, I have to share some of our background. I was 4 years old when my dad made the decision for us to move to Florida, from Venezuela. As immigrants, life was never easy but my parent's work ethic, faith in God and their immense and deep love for our family allowed us to live a comfortable and happy life here in the states. Today, we have been here for 18 years and couldn't be happier!

My mom is a dreamer. She loves imagining things and developing new, innovative ideas. She has been the driving force behind many of my accomplishments because she's believed in me so much. My daddy, has been an incredible example for me. He has such a warm, loving heart which is evident at home and in relationships with his employees and co-workers. Two of his greatest qualities are his ability to work long, hard days but remain positive under life's pressures and he rarely complains about anything! My parent's characters and souls are simply beautiful.

To my parents: Thank you for believing in me, loving me and supporting me my entire life! I would not be who I am today without the foundations you each have established in our household. I am so incredibly blessed and not only are you my parents but my best friends too. I love you both and I am so excited for our future in pageantry and in life because as a team, we can accomplish anything!

The night I was crowned!

Xoxo,

Nicole

Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child's life and it's like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities. 

-- Gary Smalley