But Sam Houston State University is amazing, and especially amazing are some of the faculty and administration of the Department of Music. They brought graduation to Maura, complete with cap and gown and honor cord, processional and Pomp and Circumstance, faculty and admin in regalia, a commencement speaker, conferring the degree of Bachelor of Music, her framed diploma, and a choir song to close. It was the best graduation ceremony I have ever attended. And it was one of the happiest moments of my life to see the outpouring of love and support from so many. I didn't count, but it looked like about 30 people who crowded into Maura's hospital room and spilled over into the hallway, not to mention the hospital staff who came to witness the event. Maura was very happy and said so many times.
And then we got into trouble. A few minutes ago a hospital administrator walked into our room and read us the riot act about visitation policies. I need to learn how to curse.
Please pray for all of us as we go through some difficult days. God is gracious and kind. We plainly see how much Maura is loved by so many.
Hi Maura: Congratulations on your graduation from Sam Houston. What an awesome faculty to come to you for such an important event. Know that you and your family are in my prayers daily. Stay strong, Maura.
ReplyDeleteElaine Eilers
yeah...and you shoulda seen Maura's face when the people just kept coming in and coming in and coming in...
ReplyDeleteShe looked so beautiful. She wore her yellow dress and Danielle and Katie did her make up and she looked just like a sunflower...the bundle of joy that she is. I love all her friends. You guys made all this possible and it meant so much to her.
awww that's awesome that people went to see you! I so wish I would have heard about it! I would have been there too! Oh and who cares about the visitation rights! She was graduating! That should be an exception <3
ReplyDeleteI love you Maura!
~Hannah M.~
Congratulations, Maura!
ReplyDeletePeace, love, and light tonight.
(And screw scolding admins.)
congratulations, maura! i wish i could've been there to see it all...you're amazing, miss maura! x
ReplyDeleteThrilled that it went so well. What a blessing God conferred on all via a willing University. Memories to cherish always. ~ Diana
ReplyDeletewow. i definitely cried reading about this. Praise God for amazing people willing to do amazing things for someone so amazing! I love Maura and I'm praying for her every day!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Congrats on graduation Maura! You were such an inspiration to me and someone to look up to when I was a freshman at Spring High in choir! You're such a strong person and I'm still inpsired by your strength! Your family and you are always in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteMay The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Jessica Torrez
Very many congratulations on the graduation. Thoughts and prayers with you all. There are no mistakes in heaven. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most touching stories. Congrats to Maura and a big THANK YOU to Sam Houston for allowing Maura to have her day! Indeed a major accomplishment! Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your graduation, Maura!!!! Sending hugs...and praying.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Maura and Kudos to SHSU for being sensitive and doing this. :) You are in our prayers Maura and family.
ReplyDeletewow! God is amazing. what a special day for maura...so cool! congrats on graduating maura!
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing story. i'm so glad you were able to graduate maura. i think about you all the time and wish you and your family the best. keep on truckin' girl ;)
ReplyDeletelove,
nanette
Tears of joy for Maura's big moment!! Congratulations Maura we are so proud of you! - Love Auntie Erica and George Couch
ReplyDeleteNo, Erin, you don't need to learn how to curse. You already know how to love, and that overcomes all. There are lots of joyful tears today at NHC.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story! Thank you to Sam Univ for going above and beyond to make Maura feel so special. Danielle, I know that you helped make your sister absolutely beautiful! :)
ReplyDeletePleae know that you are in my prayers daily. Your faith is so amazing.
Love,
Teresa & Paul Principe
(Danielle's friends from Maersk)
Maura is so lucky to have a mom who is standing firm in God's great power and mercy! What a blessing to have a mother like you!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on graduation--I sure it was the best ceremony in the history of ceremonies!
ReplyDeleteYou keep smiling,gorgeous, and we'll keep praying!
Love, Megan Wallace
Erin, you and Maura are so amazing - the strongest and most valiant women I know. Many congratulations and welcome to the Academy, Maura! My love and best wishes on a happy day! Don’t you wish House was your doctor? He would have celebrated with you, too!!
ReplyDeleteLove. - Anne
Erin...I'll get my friend to curse for you...she helps me out sometime. Seriously though I know you are a proud mama and nothing will ever take this moment in time away from you. Prayers as always, Susan Peterman (Angi's mom)
ReplyDeleteWow! Absolutely amazing. This post made me cry knowing that these people wanted to do something so selfless and "out of the norm" for someone as special as Maura.
ReplyDeleteI hope pictures/video will be posted of this joyful event soon!
--Meg Alexander
Congratulations Maura on such a huge accomplishment! I know your family is unbelievably proud of you! It sounds like you had a much deserving, very special graduation evening. My continued thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I love you guys, Laura Hazelwood
ReplyDeleteI do not know Maura that well but the graduation video really touched me. The look on her face was so amazing. I am glad that her family and friends could share that special day with her. I will be keeping your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAbbie Jones
Hey Maura, It's Heather Wilson from choir! I love you very much and miss you! Megan B. told me about going and seeing you yesterday, I wish I could have gone. You are an amazing woman and always have been. I am so proud of you for graduating from college. You have such an amazing family and group of friends to do that for you. Love you and wish you well!! Love Heather
ReplyDeletemaura,
ReplyDeleteyou may hardly remember me from high school. i kept to myself quite a bit. but i remember you-your joy, your kindness, your contagious smile. you are one of the most sincere and beautiful people i have met. my heart goes out to you 110%. the lord has a plan...and though we don't always understand, it's amazing to look back and have 'ah-ha!' moments when we look back on past trials!
love love love.
Congratulations Maura. Many blessings upon you and yours. May your journey not end, but I hope with God's undying love, this chapter in your life will end on a good note and your next one will begin.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you and yours
Cheers
Congratulations to your graduation.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you.
Marc L. from New York
Maura
ReplyDeleteCongrats on graduating you and your family our in my prayers...stay strong
xoxo
Hello Erin and Maura,
ReplyDeleteThis is Monique King (Jeremey's Mom)I hope you remember me because I surely remember you both! I just recently learned of your condition and my heart and prayers go out to you both and your family. Maura I still remember our special time together and what a privilege it was to be apart of your Prom and your fabulous do! I still have you and Katie in my shop hair-do book!
Erin, what can I say about the beautiful light that shines from you! Congrats on that beautiful graduation and oh that Friday Song..gets me everytime!
Much Love and Prayers
Monique and The King Family
Cecilia and Silvio Mariz, from Brasil, aunt and uncle of Joao Medeiros, we send you our prayers asking GOD to support you.fetic
ReplyDelete