My Biggest Dream Comes True

MY BIGGEST DREAM COMES TRUE

My biggest dream came true on June 22, 2016. That was the day, I graduated from high school.

    At the age of thirty-eight, I had finally did it. I had completed my high school through a community learning center.  I had quit school at the age of twenty-two. I was in grade twelve and was taking it by distant education. I had a lot of health issues, and was dealing with a lot of depression and anxiety, as well. Life wasn't good at that time. Many times, I thought of just ending it all. My mom, was my one support through this all. I counted on her for everything from making me laugh, to just being there.

     At the age of thirty-one, my mom died. It was the hardest thing I had ever had to deal with. She was more than a mother to me; she was my best friend. After I found out she had passed on and went to Heaven, I made a private promise to her. I had never told anyone about this promise, before today. I promised her that I would graduate from high school, and make her proud of me.

     Life went on, and I went through six years of trials. Everything from dealing with my Tourette's to liver and kidney damage that almost killed me. Through it all, I had only one goal in my life . . . to graduate. I worked hard on and off throughout those years on school work, and ended up finishing my English 12 with an "A." I was so proud of myself. I couldn't believe that I actually got an "A." I had gotten "A's" before, but none of them made me feel this proud. I worked hard on that English 12, working into the wee hours of the mornings, many times.

     At the age of thirty-seven, I met a guy, named Ryan. Ryan told me of his struggles in his life, and he inspired me. I decided to go back to school. I knew about the GED, but I wanted to complete my high school by doing the same subjects as everyone else, so I contacted a local school that helped adults complete their high school education. I found out that I only had two more subjects I had to complete to graduate as an adult. I was thrilled! So, that day, I registered for Math 11 and Social Studies 11. I was so nervous, that first day. I had never been to a school in about twenty-six years, and I didn't know exactly what to expect. But, when I got there, everyone was so nice and kind to me. The teachers were encouraging and what I found amazing was that they did not judge me for quitting school so many years before. They accepted me as I was, and I very much appreciated that.

       Eight months later, I walked up to the stage and accepted my diploma. It was the proudest moment of my life. I wore a butterfly brooch in memory of my mother, and in the speech I had written to be read out as I walked across the stage, I dedicated my diploma to my sweet mom. My dad cried, as I gave my principal a huge hug and held my diploma up for everyone to see. I have to admit, I was crying, as well. My biggest dream had finally come true.

      I know my mom was there, that day, watching me walk up to that stage. I know she is proud of me, and I know that she was smiling, and probably crying, as well. 😊😊