Brenda Clubine

On May 2, 2010 I was given the honor of being the recipient of the “Ruby Award” this award was named after a woman named Ruby Miner. The award was given to me by the Newport Harbor Area, District II Soroptimist International. I never imagined as we arrived, at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, that I would be so awestruck and speechless. Yes, I said I was speechless. (ha,ha)

When we all entered through the door into the lobby, there were so many things happening from photo shoots being done to ensuring that people were being registered. A woman approached me, and soon a few others as well, with warm beautiful smiles and welcoming greetings. I was then told that I would be following a procession when my name was called, into the ballroom area. I was a nervous wreck and on the verge of tears without even being called yet. I was scared to death I would trip and fall walking into the room, or that I wouldn’t wave as they suggested I do upon entering.

When my name was called I found that I almost felt like I was floating on air. I entered into a room of “sparkle” and smiles. These smiles came from dear friends, family, and people I had never even had the pleasure of meeting yet. I was overwhelmed with the thought of trying to remember where I was supposed to sit and if after receiving breakfast and eating would I have food in my teeth.

After breakfast and the formalities were completed, all the recipients for the Ruby Award and the Violet Richardson Awards were called to be seated on the stage. As the first Ruby Award Recipient from District I stood and spoke, I felt as though I wondered why I had been chosen for this honor - that my fighting and speaking on behalf of domestic violence victims and survivors is something I have to do. It is as important and breathing, my hearts conviction.

As I approached the podium, I could feel my heart beat in my head and the woman I passed said “breathe”. I began my acceptance speech by saying, “I was just told to breathe, so here I go.” The room filled with chuckles and I felt at ease.

I felt so honored and proud to be up there and being given such a prestigious award by a world renowned organization. After speaking and once handed my award, I felt as though I could not even imagine really being there. I was thinking as I sat back down that “good grief Brenda,” I have spoken in front of hundreds of people and yet I never felt so overwhelmed with the entire situation. This was a memorable moment that I will never forget. I am truly “Living my dream.”