120 Blessings

Last Spring semester of 2012 Women's Choir sang at graduation. I wasn't super thrilled to find out how I was going to spend that Friday night after finals and jury's. Being in the I-Center was much different than I had anticipated, though. I was so inspired by seeing all of the students accomplish this humongous goal that I wanted more than anything to be in their place, even though I was completely burnt out from the last 3 semesters and was contemplating taking a long break. I decided then that I would be there in those seats in one year. The last year was so hard. It wasn't even just school, it was everything. Even after a successful day, I would still feel upset that there wasn't enough time for me to do everything I wanted or needed to. We were looking for houses, were juggling several callings each, Dustin started up his company, and after so much heartache, we were contemplating on putting in our papers to adopt a baby with LDS social services. Then throw in full-time school.

But it wasn't until today that I realized I received more than I expected from all of those long, tearful prayers. I finished school with honors, our children are healthy and smart, we have a beautiful home with a beautiful yard, Dustin's company is doing exceptionally well (and he even got a fancy company truck last month!), and I'm 6 months pregnant with our new baby. Sometimes it takes a leap of faith. Sometimes you take minute and just look around and realize that you must have done something right to have received so much.

I got a tad emotional when my name was read and the Dean of Arts, Brother Brower (one of my favorite teachers) shook my hand and said, "I'm really proud of you, Erika. You've worked so hard."

I'm really going to miss this building! Especially the Snow Café.

 

 

I was so thankful for my family who came to support me and for those who encouraged me all along the way. I appreciated and loved reading through the nice messages that were written in the cards. While being a student was very difficult, it would have been impossible without help from my close family and friends who I love.

 

Now on to the next chapter...