Zebony & Faith

If Zebony Davis is any indication of the about-to-graduate generation, this world is in good shape.

The crown that was supposed to go to her instead went to her friend Faith Hobbs. Faith has Down syndrome. Faith walked the football field at Turner County High School in South Georgia this year, as a senior, escorted by Zebony and Zebony’s escort Quevan Lawson. They were on the field for the annual Homecoming event, something we Southerners take just about as seriously as our football.

When Tim Hunt announced the queen, Zebony and her family were naturally very excited. When it came time to receive the crown…

– Excuse me. Allergy attack. Lemme clear my eyes. –

… Zebony said “Give it to her.” The crown went to Faith. Zebony accepted the roses, banner and the cape for being elected Homecoming Queen.

Faith got the crown.

– Will someone PLEASE stop cutting up onions in here. Thank you.–

Plenty of tears rolling down faces in Alan Hobby Stadium on Friday night after that happened.

Pictures were taken. Zebony, Quevan and Faith together.

They started off the field. Faith complained her shoes were hurting her.

Dressed in a homecoming gown …

–Y’all, I ain’t cried this much writing a column since I wrote the story of my son Jesse being born. Jesse also has Down syndrome. He and Faith were classmates for years. He called her “My Doodblebug.”–

… in that most elegant gown, Zebony knelt down in front of stadium of people and helped take Faith’s shoes off. They walked off the field hand in hand, Zebony carrying the shoes.

Waterworks again.

The photo by Deborah Priest, Faith's teacher, is well on its way to being a viral sensation, as it should be.

We’re all in this together. People like Miss Zebony Davis live it.

Zebony Davis, words are not adequate to express the thanks from so many families. It is what we have.

May we all learn from your example. You are an inspiration. You are a true leader. You are what the people of this world should be.

May your future be as bright as you shined on Friday night.

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.