Night of Hope is tomorrow night, sponsored by RESOLVE. I’ve got the dress. I’ve got the shoes. And more importantly, I’ve got the Award (well, at least on paper – no plaque yet).
Then why do I feel so woefully unprepared for tomorrow night? Why am I so nervous?
I’ve always been a pretty confident public speaker, extemporaneous or prepared. If I need to get up and do a dog and pony show for people, I’m your gal. I make it happen. Hell, I’ve got a beauty title and a perfomance at Carnegie Hall under my belt – all before the age of 18. In an alternate universe, Keiko Zoll is a world-reknowned opera star. Needless to say, I don’t really have a problem getting up in front of people.
For tomorrow night, I’ve got a minute and a half to say any remarks once I receive my award. I’ve known since July that I received this award. And yet… I still haven’t written an acceptance speech. Why is this so hard? Why am I so petrified about tomorrow night?
There is the chance for celebs to be there, true- Night of Hope is being emcee’d by Fox and Friends Weekend Anchor, Alisyn Camerota amd The View has been awarded The Hope Award for Achievement. Could I be hobnobbing with Barbara Walters? Maybe… I don’t know! But the possibility both thrills and terrifies me.
Me, who’s performed five times in “The Vagina Monologues,” talking about lady bits in front of complete strangers – is nervous about possibly bumping into the ladies of The View.
I’m excited, don’t get me wrong. A whirlwind 48 hours staying in a ritzy Manhattan hotel (hooray for Larry’s Marriott points!) and spending the day with my mom. Getting all dolled up. And oh, receiving the Hope Award for Best Viral Video. It’s been a slow day at work today and I’ve had a hard time concentrating because I am so excited. And I’m nervous too. It’s getting down to the wire and I really need to write my acceptance speech.
But before I say anything tomorrow night:
Thank you – each and every one of you who read my blog, who watched my video, who forwarded it to their friends and colleagues and sisters and daughters and friends, who posted it to Facebook, your blog, Twitter, and all those corners of the internet.
I could have never won a Viral Video Award if it didn’t go viral, and I have every single person who hit play to thank for that.
Thank you for watching, reading, advocating, sharing, and above all else:
Thanks for not giving up hope.
I’ll be tweeting and prolly twitpic-ing my way through the event tomorrow, so make sure to follow @miriamshope for a little live-tweeting throughout the night. And if I meet any celebs, you better believe there will be pics! You can also check out other live-tweeters by following #nightofhope.
It’s going to be a great night and even though I’m nervous, I can’t wait. Wish me luck folks.
I was at the Night of Hope tonight, and your video and speech were inspiring, amazing and left damp every eye in the room. I came home and watched the video in full; surely I'm not the first to tell you how perfectly accurately you capture the everyday moments in an infertile woman's life. Thank you for speaking out.
I am so proud of your accomplishment! Everyone who loves you, everyone who has struggled with ILA issues, everyone who has seen your video thanks YOU too for your courage, voice and activism. Way to go, Keiko!
I am so thrilled for you.
BTW, did you ever get the book?
I think it's more that we should thank you. You'll do awesome.
Never give up Hope sweetie. Hope is just one of the three aspects of our miracle's first name. I'm glad you began blogging here. I'm thrilled for you for this award. And I will be watching for updates. Congratulations Keiko! You ought to be very proud. And frankly, Barbara Walters ought to be nervous about the possibility of hobnobbing with YOU!