They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I’ll excuse the time lapse since my last post by saying abbreviated word counts are often in readers’ best interests…and therefore I’ve been waiting on a picture to help tell my story. Hopefully this photo makes the words I have typed here worth reading.
Yes, folks, I did it. I finished my Bachelor of Arts in English. Although I mentioned taking online courses in a couple of earlier posts, I purposely deferred mentioning the actual degree until my last post because I wanted to complete all the requirements before going public with my long-term goal. Even passing a couple of classes would have been a major accomplishment given the past 2 1/2 years, but I was hesitant to broadcast my attempt until I was certain I would graduate. This diploma represents more than just another bachelor’s degree, however. It’s the first significant goal I’ve achieved since my accident. It is also a very specific demonstration of God’s protection three years ago. My verbal IQ is one of the few cognitive functions to remain unaltered after the traumatic brain injury. Said unimpaired verbal IQ is also pretty much the only explanation for how I earned that diploma, with “summa cum laude” stamped neatly on the lower right hand corner, while the rest of my brain went haywire.
I’m not sure why God is doing what He’s doing, but I am grateful that He allowed me to come this far in a subject I love. I’m also curious to explore why He protected the words in my brain and to discover what His ultimate purpose for all those words will be!
For those of you who are still interested in a thousand words, feel free to check out my senior project: If I Should Die. CBU typically requires English majors to write a research paper as their final degree requirement, but I was allowed to write a creative nonfiction piece instead. I was given this choice for a couple of reasons…one of which is that I hope to begin a book about our accident in the next few years. My senior project narrates the first day of the accident and is a practice run for what the beginning of that book might look like. Feel free to check it out! But I do owe you one disclaimer: it is way over a thousand words.
Walking With Grace 
Congratulations, Grace! A great accomplishment for sure! Praying lots for you and Ivan.
Blessings on you,
Linda
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Grace, what an inspiration you are to the rest of us. I would be interested in reading that senior project that you mentioned. I pray that He continues to bless you and yours.
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Thanks so much! If you click “If I Should Die,” the project should open in a new tab. 🙂
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INSPIRATIONAL TO SAY THE LEAST. TO GOD BE THE GLORY GRACE FOR YOUR WALK IN THIS JOURNEY. I CONTINUE TO PRAY DAILY FOR YOU. RP
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Congratulations Grace. You are such an inspiration.
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Congratulations Grace! What an accomplishment!! You certainly have a gift of writing and that shows that even with your brain injury your writing is superb. Keep it up. What an inspiration you are to those who follow you.
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Congratulations, Grace! A powerful and riveting read… Hope to see the rest as a book one day!
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Thanks so much for reading!
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I am always excited and intrigued by your posts. What an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations!
Pam Wass
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I folllow all of your posts Grace, and this one about your new degree made my heart leap for joy for you! Congratulations Grace! What an a amazing accomplishment!
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Oh Grace! This is so exciting! I am so happy for you! I can’t wait to read your paper and later…your BOOK! God has so much in store for you and all of us blessed by the work he will continue to do in and through you! Much love,
Melissa Murphey
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Thanks so much, Melissa! Miss you and hope you’re doing well!
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Grace, What a triumph! The picture says it all! I have hoped for a long time that you would consider writing a book, and I am thankful that God has put that on your heart. I can’t wait to read the portion you have already sent. Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment in God’s strength!
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Thanks so much, Samantha! Thanks for being such a faithful reader 🙂
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Grace we met you after your accident and you have been an inspiration ever since we met you your dad and mom have been a wonderful blessing to our church and you continue to bless us through your posts thank you for the inspiration you have been in our lives and may God continue to use your family and so many lives thank you so much God bless you
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Grace,
My heart is filled with joy that you have climbed Mt. Everest and your heart must be enjoying the stunning view! Truly , an incredible accomplishment. How often I have thought about you and prayed that the Lord would continue to give you strength. A degree in English, amazing. Write the book, but maybe consider writing it with Ivan. A chapter from you a chapter from him. ( His part has already been so beautifully written as he shared his journal each week. Just an idea. Congratulations!!
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Amazing to see God work in your life! You are such a great inspiration to all of us.
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A picture is worth a thousand words and this one captures your incredible spirit so well! Grace, thank you for shari g this exciting update and Congratulations, indeed!
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Congratulations Grace! The smile on your face says more than any words could hope to. Thank you for the lessons in what is true, not what is lost over these past years. I know God has used your story already and will continue to do so.
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congratulations! That’s amazing.
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