It's A Miracle!

Well, it's been awhile. . . Since September 2009 I have been seriously involved in finishing the final five courses for my bachelor's degree from BYU. In fact, January through March 2010 was the final push, April 2nd being the absolute final deadline for all coursework to be submitted for April graduation. And since my eight years for completing the program was up, this was my final, final deadline. At the beginning of January I mapped out an outline for completion which included monthly, weekly, and daily goals; and with the help of my husband and children (those living at home and those who encouraged me from afar), I miraculously finished on time. Never having completed more than one independent study course per year before, in this three month period I completed FOUR courses for a total of 11 credit hours! I read many books, did hours and hours of research and writing, wrote beaucoup d'essays, and four major research papers (including a senior thesis). During this time I would often dream about how wonderful it would feel when I had completed everything and was eligible for graduation. Sometimes, however, I would imagine how horrible I would feel if I failed to complete everything on time, and the disappointment I would bring to Val and Christina in particular. BUT, hurray! I DID finish, and without Val's help and prayers and the direct intervention of the Lord on numerous occasions, it never would have happened.

I watched the commencement exercise on BYU-TV on April 22nd (I even videotaped it for posterity!) It was wonderful! Eight years of hard work and sacrifice, balancing family, church and school, all culminating in this hour and a half, and it was so worth it! Of course, it will be even more exciting in August when I participate in the graduation ceremonies with Christina with cap and gown and all the hoop-la. But in the meantime, I received the actual college diploma in the mail last Saturday, and it is indeed beautiful to behold. See for yourself:

Notice the tiny letters under "Bachelor of General Studies": Cum Laude---icing on the cake to finish in the top 10% of all the April graduates.