Tag Archives: school

My Girl is My Hero #LiveYourDream #Travel

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Ever since my daughter was a young child- maybe five- she started talking about studying marine animals to save their environment. We smiled, bought her books on sea creatures, and thought it was sweet how much she cared about the ocean.

Brandy and her older cousin, Janna

The years passed. Filled with dreams, she took swimming lessons right up to lifeguard status, got exemplary school grades, and prepared for her future. Then fate stepped in and gave her a beautiful baby boy.

He became her focus, and again she worked hard, doing everything she could to give him a happy, healthy life. But the dream wouldn’t die. She applied to several universities while working two jobs and was admitted to the University of Victoria where she took on two majors: science and biology with an end goal on marine biology.

Once again fate stepped in and gave her another challenge to overcome- her beautiful, healthy, happy son developed Type 1 Diabetes.

She had the added stress of learning how to give needles ( the Omnipod and Libre came later), take blood readings, and count carbs- he was seven.

I still don’t know how she managed, but her schooling didn’t suffer. She earned a Bachelor of Science with distinction

And was accepted to the Memorial University of Newfoundland for her Major in Marine Biology.

Health issues continued to plague both of them, and it hurt to see how discouraged she became, but she never gave up.

And now:

She’s been accepted into a fully funded PHD program in… New Zealand!

Is it any wonder this girl is the joy of my life, my inspiration, and my hero?

She’s overcome tremendous odds to follow her dream, and though she’s nervous of moving to the other side of the world and all that might mean for their health, she’s also determined to succeed. It just goes to show, if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.

Her dad and I are so incredibly proud of her and wish her the very best! Just think, we’ll soon have a professor in our midst 🙂

Empty Nesters for the second, or is it third time? #Familyfirst #Chasingthedream #mgtab

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This post is bittersweet. One week from today, DH and I will say goodbye to our daughter and grandson as she leaves to begin her graduate studies in marine biology– across the country!

But, this isn’t the first time.

When she graduated from high school she said goodbye to our hometown, the town five generations of family on the maternal side called home, and moved eight hours and one province away. There, she worked, made friends, and raised her son for five years before deciding to go after her dream of becoming a marine biologist. She applied to university and was accepted!

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We were so proud of her! But now, she was even further away, twelve hours and a ferry ride. We made the decision to move closer so that we could support her and see our grandson grow up.

Then, two years later the unthinkable happened– he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Those who know me, know how difficult and life-changing this has been for all of his family. There has to be constant care for T1D kids, and yet my daughter managed to not only learn everything from the dangers of the disease but how to manage it and allow him to enjoy a normal life.

From the JDRF website

Needs Constant Attention

Living with T1D is a constant challenge. People with the disease must carefully balance insulin doses (either by injections multiple times a day or continuous infusion through a pump) with eating and daily activities throughout the day and night. They must also test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. Despite this constant attention, people with T1D still run the risk of dangerous high or low blood sugar levels, both of which can be life-threatening. People with T1D overcome these challenges on a daily basis.

And through all of that, she worked hard at school and came out with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors this summer!

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But, her dream beckoned and she applied to universities to continue her graduate program working toward a PHD.

And once again, she was accepted! This time on the opposite coast in Newfoundland!

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I’m excited and worried. Will the healthcare system be as good there as it is here? Will they find a nice place to live? How cold are the winters? We’re from Alberta, so we’re used to -30, but I’ve heard some crazy stuff about northeasters that makes me pray she has a reliable vehicle. Will he like the school there? Will they know how to help him if he needs it?

They’re driving across Canada to get there, so I’m going to be sick the entire time. Yet, imagine the things they’ll see, the memories they’ll make.

It’s going to be a long two or three years, but God, I love them and wish them the very best.