I began my journey on this day. I knew it would be bigger than myself. I knew it would change the lives of my Family and friends forever. They were my foundation and they made me who I am. Today, I didn’t know what to expect. This was going to happen once in my lifetime and I was not prepared for what was about to come. On this day, I became a Homecoming queen. This is my story.

The day had been what I imagined it to be. I could not believe this was happening to me.   I was dressed in all my finery from head to toe. My family always wanted me to look my best no matter the occasion.  They never overlooked one detail in preparation. They remembered the little things I wanted for this day. It was important to me how my hair was styled and the color of the dress I wanted to wear. It took their breath away when they saw what I looked like. I could imagine all those before me experiencing the same struggles and anxiety I did. I was sure they had the same questions, the same comments and the same feelings about the entire homecoming experience as I did which offered me some needed comfort.

The ceremony was short, clear, and meaningful for me as I wanted it to be.  My family and friends were in attendance. As the day went on, people talked about me and the impact I made in their lives. I knew familiar faces would begin to fill the sidewalks and streets quickly.  As on cue, they waited patiently for me along the procession route. Occasionally, there were muffled conversations met with respectful silence as I was Driven past them. Once I arrived at my destination, I was carried from my driven vehicle with all the pomp and circumstance befitting me.

I had died, but my spirit had not.