Night to Shine

Sequins.

Make-up.

Hair blown out.

My first real prom experience.

We pull into the parking lot.

A welcome party is there cheering me on.

I see my friend, Davis, who puts my nerves at ease.

Dressed so dapper, he looks ready to go.

A red carpet lined the entry way.

Signs reading, “You are loved.”

“This is your night to shine.”

Lights beaming.

Cheers go on.

I enter and meet my buddy for the night.

Brooks was shy.

Really such a gentleman.

“I am loving this!” - I think to myself.

So much happiness in one room.

I see smiles.

I hear my name.

“Julia, so happy you are here.”

“You look beautiful.”

My mom lets me go.

Smile on her face.

Love in her heart.

Really hard for her to say goodbye.

I see it in her eyes.

Off we go!

Limo ride?

Yes, please.

I feel wind on my face.

I know in that moment -

I am going to remember this moment always.

Dinner and off to shoot hoops.

Photo opps here and there.

I look down often.

My corsage slipped onto my wrist like a glove.

Someone pinch me.

This must be a dream.

Dancing it out was the best.

Lights glowing.

Confetti flies in the air.

It is like glitter in a jar.

I am captivated by its beauty.

Music is life.

I start to feel sad.

I know this can’t last forever.

The clock is about to strike midnight, Cinderella.

“Not yet,” I say in my heart.

My Autistic journey can be lonely at times.

Many see my awkward body movements.

They hear random noises and repetitive speech come from my mouth.

So much judgment lies within the looks and stares.

Their eyes still rule over their hearts.

Please – look with your heart.

Look with more understanding and compassion.

For a few hours, I felt seen for who I am.

I am loving.

I care deeply for others.

I have a brain-body disconnect but am also super smart.

I am human.

I am a child of God.

Love to give my utmost thanks to all who made this night possible.

To The Tim Tebow Foundation and hundreds of volunteers -

I am very grateful to have had a night to shine.

Thank you for reminding me that I am beautifully and wonderfully made in Him.

Two of my favorite scriptures are:

“Love one another as I have loved you.” - John 13:34-35

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” - Psalm 139:14

My wish is for more moments like these.

My wish really is for more to see —

To see we are all beautifully and wonderfully made.

My wish is one of love -

That we might all love one another as He loves us.