The Shimmer Effect

The world is a little less sparkly today.

Dolly showed us that kindness and strength can live side by side. That you can be wildly yourself, laugh often, give generously, and leave things better than you found them.

Do a lot of good. Leave a little sparkle. Be a Dolly. 🩷✨

This! ✨🙌❤️

🫶🏼✨

💯💯💯

I mean…can we do it with kindness, but still get the old Pizza Hut back? 🙏👌✨🍕

¡MAÑANA ESTA SERÁ LA CANCIÓN MÁS ESCUCHADA! #modernfarmhouse #modern #hometrends #houstonhomes #texashomes #farmhouse #farmhousedecor #farmhouseroom #neutralhomedecor #neutralhome #pocketsofmyhome #caretoshare #dailyhomeshare #americanfarmhouse #southernhomemag #howihaven #howwelive #caretoshareyourfeed #katyhomes #houseenvy #designinspiration #neutralhomesfeature #joannagaines #christmasdecor #christmastree #christmaslivingroom #christmas #christmasgiftwrap #giftwrappingideas #giftwrapping

I’ve attempted to articulate this reel about 10 times, but every time, I end up deleting it, convinced that words can’t fully capture the emotions I experienced today. While I anticipated the events of today, being there, witnessing Jeff’s pride, stirred deep emotions in me. I want to share the personal struggle I had to contain my tears while holding the Bible on which Jeff placed his left hand during the swearing-in. (Jeff asked me to wear a ballgown to complement the earrings he bought for me for the occasion.) As I watched Jeff take his oath, a childhood memory flashed back. Jeff Rhinerson, who grew up with my brother Nick who also has a disability, was the first person with a disability I saw having a job. Seeing Jeff making popcorn at Rural King and handing it out to customers left a lasting impact on me. It planted a seed that, today, nearly brought me to my knees as I watched Jeff take a job he takes immense pride in—Assistant Court Security Deputy. This achievement is significant on many levels, but I want to emphasize why it’s particularly special for me and a victory for special needs families worldwide. It shows them what’s possible and restores hope, knowing their child can be seen, accepted, and valued by those they live alongside. The light shed today might allow them to dream a little more. Amidst the fight for advocacy and change, when a door swings open, we need to honor and celebrate it. Today is unforgettable—a pivotal moment for our community. I am proud to live in Owensboro. I am proud to call myself an advocate. I am proud to be a sibling to a brother with a disability. I am proud to have initiated Puzzle Pieces. I am proud of my colleagues. I am proud of community leaders. Today, above all, I am proud of Jeff Rhinerson. Help me in congratulating Jeff as the newest Deputy in town. 🎉This is an integrated competitive wage job that he is proud of and the sheriff’s office is excited to have him part of their family! Can’t wait to see him in action telling the courtroom “All RISE”!!! #downsyndrome #downsyndromeawareness #disabilityawareness #inclusionmatters #sheriffdeputy #specialneedsfamily #advocacy #acceptance #kentucky