Our miracle baby graduates high school

A few days ago, on Sunday morning, I was cleaning the house.  Jennifer was scheduled to graduate High School at 1pm and we had her graduation party planned for 4pm.  I was still in my cleaning clothes, hadn't showered and had no make up on.  Jen comes downstairs and says, "come on mom, lets take a picture".  I look up and there she is, in her cap and gown.  My miracle baby.  The one we prayed for.  The one some doctors told me would never exist.  I was crying in this picture and continued to cry until after graduation.

She is funny, kind, intelligent, beautiful with a smile that lights up the room and striking blue eyes.  She's a gifted writer but most important to me is her compassionate heart of gold.   In her 4 years of high school, my favorite award ceremony was a few weeks ago when she received the Human Relations Award for "Demonstrating a strong belief about human rights and caring through exemplary service".  You had to be nominated by 2 or more teachers.

They had to write why they nominated you.  This is what 3 teachers said about Jennifer:

Brett Blair.    Jen has been an amazing leader on Speech Team, not only as a co-captain this year, but over her three years as well.  She often puts others before herself, and tirelessly works to bring the greatest success to her fellow teammates.  Jen will be greatly missed, yet her penchant for other people's successes will undoubtedly transcend beyond Willowbrook."

Chuck Sheridan:   Jen is such a wonderful person!  She's the student I could always count on to cheer me up on a bad day; that's just the way Jen is - even when she's having a difficult time, she goes out of her way to support others who need it.  More importantly, Jen is extremely compassionate and supportive of others; she is ready and willing to stand up for those who are being mistreated and is never shy about it.  The world needs more compassionate advocates like Jen, and knowing Jen, I'm confident that she will never lose that innate empathy, for which the world can be grateful.

Terri Woebel:  Jen worked incredibly hard for so many Willowbrook programs this year. Jen made me so proud during our spring play; not only did she make the audience roar with laughter as former Chief Inspector Wanda Dreyfus, but she also led warm-ups each night, helped other cast members with their parts, and assisted me whenever I needed anything.  She stepped up as a leader and was a role model for both the cast and crew.  The Pink Panther Strikes Again would not have been a success without her.  Largest ticket sales for a spring play in years.

She was voted "Best Actress" by her Theater Troupe, 

was voted "Funniest Person" and 

"Most Likely to Rule The World" 

by her Senior Class.  

Her room is filled with trophies and medals from her achievements in Speech Team, Theater and academics.  She's been accepted into one of the top 100 Universities in the U.S.A and was awarded their largest scholarship because of her achievements.

Jen walked across the stage and was given her diploma by the Superintendent .  Then, she was suppose to shake hands with her Principal.  Instead, she asked him for a high five and he said "sure Jen!"and high fived her!  That's my Jen!

She's going to major in Anthropology, the study of human behavior to help with human rights. She's going to minor in Creative Writing.  She's a gifted writer as well, witty with a great sense of humor.  We all think she could be the next Tina Faye from Saturday Night Live but she's decided,  after college, she plans on joining the Peace Corps.

Congratulations to "Our Miracle Baby"

 Jennifer.

(Jen with her Grandfather)

(My sister Dawn & Jen)

(Our niece Jacklyn & Jen)

(diploma in hand, after graduation, June 12, 2011)