Cristie Kibler

The day after I was crowned Miss Arlington, I performed with God's Country Kids at the Cedar Hill Nursing Home. After singing "How Great Thou Art" I was approached by nursing home staff and asked to speak with a resident who was touched by the song. It turns out that this particular resident was about to turn 100 years old on January 7th, 2010 (at this point, this was a few weeks away). The resident, Mr. Benny Johnson, asked me to return on January 7th to sing at his birthday party. Of course, I agreed, but had NO idea how much this man and his birthday celebration would change my life. 

When I arrived at the Nursing Home on January 7th, I was led to the same room where GCK had performed weeks earlier, only as we walked into the room I could barely make it two inches into the room! It was jammed packed with people. As the birthday celebration began, I was amazed to see many elected officials from the City of Cedar Hill, Council Members and State Representatives in attendance to celebrate the Mr. Johnson's birthday. I, again, sang "How Great Thou Art" which quickly turned into a group sing along rather than a solo... I was holding back tears by the end of the song. 

Mr. Johnson was asked to say a few words about what he had learned and how he had survived 100 years on earth. He stood from his chair and and a booming voice stated, "Live by the Golden Rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. That's all you need to be happy." I was amazed that one man's simple words could hit so close to home. It is so true! If you treat others they way you would want to be treated, life would be much easier, I have tried to put his words into action in all aspects of my life and in all of my roles: Miss Arlington, student, Social Worker (to be), friend, daughter and teacher. 

(Everyone enjoying the party)

Finally, as the formal part of the party began to wind down, and it was time for cake to served to all of the guests and residents, the staff member who originally asked me to entertain asked me to get some practice in for my future profession (we had discussed my future career in social work at our first meeting). Her exact words were "My future social worker, ready to practice?" And with that, I was serving residents cake and ice cream! I was blessed to wear my two hats in one day: Social worker and Miss Arlington. Looking back, I realize that thanks to Mr. Johnson, I was also wearing the hat of student. 

(Mr. Johnson is the one in red in the back)