One thing that most of us do is take our health for granted. Last summer while some friends and I were out goofing around, the unthinkable happened. I dove, head first into a pool of water where we had been jumping in all day. I hit an out cropping of rock that we had not seen all day and my life was forever changed. They say that it could be worse -- and I am sure that it could be -- though some days I fight that. I lost all movement in my arms and legs and they tell me that with a lot of work I may regain some movement, although no one can determine that so soon.
I was lucky that the spinal cord was not cut all the way through and that they were able to repair most of my injury. Though none of the surgeons knows what will happen in the future because no one has any experience with this particular form of tear and its life-long effects. So I was able to continue with school and finish my senior year which means I am able to graduate with all my friends. I have been working very hard and dreamed of being able to walk up to get my diploma. That is not going to happen though I am off the ventilator so that is a plus for me and the staff that will have to bring me.
They put my academic gown on me and we are ready to go and graduate. I am hoping that I will be able to stay awake during the speeches. They are so breath taking you know. I wondered for the longest time if this day would ever come and I would not give up and for that I am now one in a sea of graduation caps. I am wheeled into position; they gave me a place of honor up front. There are some perks to this chair though not many. The speeches go on and I am awake after them and now for the moment I have been waiting for.
My name is called and the staff wheels me up onto the stage and I am presented with my diploma. I reach up very slowly to grab my diploma. I feel sorry for the dean because he does not seem to know what to do. For once he is left speechless and without any answers to what is going on. I am able to grab my diploma and even though I do not have full control of my hand yet I am able to hold on till it lands in my lap.
This is my moment and a special one at that for the staff, my friends and my family. They really needed to witness this momentous occasion, and it is my way of thanking them for all that they have done for me. I look back to see the stack of diploma covers remaining to be awarded, and I make a graceful exit from the stage.
