| “Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for the crowning of the new Miss Pittsburgh. Second runner up, Beth Anne Harris! Now,, the role of the first runner up is very important because if the new Miss Pittsburgh is unable to complete her reign for any reason, which includes being crowned Miss Pennsylvania the first runner up will take over her duties as Miss Pittsburgh. This important role goes to Karen Jean Davis, that means Kasandra Lauren Harrison you are the new Miss Pittsburgh 2002 Congratulations! You will represent our city in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant in June.” I couldn’t believe it, me Miss Pittsburgh and a chance at the state pageant? My parents were in the front row; after I was crowned and had taken my first walk down the runway they met me. “Well done Sandi, we’re so proud of you,” my mother said as she embraced me. My stepfather stroked my hair and replaced the tiara, which had slipped down. My first official duty as Miss Pittsburgh was a photo shoot. “Hello Kasandra, sit down,” the photographer said with a smile. “Now look here, smile, perfect. Now stand and turn sideways, look here, beautiful. Now take your crown off and hold it out in front of you, yes smile, good one.” So my reign begun. I did my community service hours at Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital. One day I was on the Neurosurgery unit working with Child Life Specialist Tara Shaw when I heard someone call my name. I turned to see my neurosurgeon Dr. Leland Albright come right for me. I forgot everything I had been taught about professionalism and broke into a run. Dr. Albright held out his arms to me and I ran right into his warm embrace. “How are you doing Princess?” he asked. I smiled but he saw right through me. “You’re hurting, aren’t you?” he asked gently, seating me and taking my left leg in his hands. I nodded and he performed the battery of spasticity tests that he usually put me through once a year including range of motion. “Come, it looks as if we were off a little on your refill date so I’ll do it myself now." He tracked down Tara. “I’m taking Kasandra up to my office, she needs a pump check. Tara, who had been with me during the Baclofen pump implant nodded and gave consent. Dr. Albright took me up to the third floor of the hospital into his office. He led me into an empty exam room. “I’ll be right back Sandi,” he promised. A few minutes later his nurse Samantha came in and prepped me for injection. A minute later Dr. Albright came back in with the needle and computer he would need to inject the medication and adjust the dose. “OK Sandi we’re ready, let me find the hole; all right sweetheart hold still I’m injecting now, all done.” He removed the needle and walked over to the computer and adjusted the dose. After that was done he came over and gently lifted me down from the table. “How does that feel?” he asked. I smiled. “Much better, thank you.” He smiled again. “Hey now you take care, go win states and make me proud little star.” I smiled and he moved closer holding out his hands to me. I moved closer and I felt his lips on my forehead. “A kiss for luck,” he said softly. He held me close for a minute and then released me. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” he said. “I probably need to get back to work Dr. Albright,” I said. He smiled. “Don’t worry, Tara knows that you’re with me.” I smiled and nodded. He led me to his private office where a woman was sitting reading; she looked up when we entered. “Hey Leland, who’s this pretty little thing you have with you?” She smiled at me. I studied her carefully. Her dark hair was up in a bun but little wisps of it played about her face. She had soft brown eyes that were always laughing and her skin and teeth were perfect. I thought she was beautiful. Dr. Albright led me over to her. “Julianna, this is Kasandra Harrison the patient I’m always talking about; the one that’s responded better to ITB therapy then any other I’ve treated. “Sandi, this is my wife Julianna Albright.” I smiled and extended my hand to her. She took it gently in hers. “I’m so pleased to meet you Kasandra, Leland has told me all about you. He’s so pleased with your progress.” I smiled a little shyly. “Thank you Mrs. Albright,” I answered. She smiled and laughed. “No need to be so formal my dear, call me Julie.” I smiled. “All right Julie, you can call me Sandi,” I said. She nodded. Dr. A had left the room. I knew it was time to confess my now revived adolescent crush. Julie smiled. “Sandi child I know, I’ve seen the bond that you and Leland share; you are like the daughter he never had.” She took my hand again. “I can see now why he loves you. You’re so innocent, sweet and childlike, not to mention a beautiful young woman.” “But I feel so foolish,” I said. Julie laughed. “Why, for falling in love? It’s natural my dear.” I nodded. “But, with a married man?” Julie winked at me. “It happens to all of us at one time or another. What makes you love him?” “His gentle touch, it’s like he’s not even there,” I said. Julie nodded understanding my point. Dr. Albright returned to take me back to the unit. Julie watched as he gently took my hand and led me from the office. When we arrived on the unit he squeezed my hand. “See you soon angel,” he whispered. I smiled and turned away from him. “Sandi, remember,” he called. “I’ll do my best,” I called back. He smiled and was gone." |
| Miss Pittsburgh |