Senior Year Without My Hero

During my senior year of High school my hero was deployed overseas.  The first day of school was one of my hardest.  Walking in the big blue doors of GHS, knowing he would not be there that entire year, including my high school graduation, made it very difficult for me emotionally.  Although that year took an emotional toll on me, it also made me grow tremendously.  I have learned to take leadership, at home and in the community.  I have learned that support is key, no matter who it's from, every little bit helps.  And I have also learned that there are so many resources available to reach out to. Operation Military Kids provided me with a daddy doll that I carried EVERYWHERE.  That daddy doll was my security blanket, it/he got me through my senior year.

My senior Game for cheerleading.

The amount of support I had in the GHS gym that night was incredible.  With it being one of my daddy dolls debut there was also a tremendous amount of emotion as well.  My mom and my sister stayed strong for me that night, they were truly amazing. Dad was still "there" though! 

My Senior Softball Game.

Because my mom was a single parent last year she could not make every event.  So once again, my daddy doll came with me! My sister, once again, was my rock. 

Senior Prom

My dad could not make my senior prom due to serving our country, so my amazing uncle took his place.  Although dad could not make it, he could... in doll form. Thank you so much Uncle Steve for standing in at every event that my dad could not make.

Bacheloreatte

My mother was extremely dedicated to trying to make both my sister's and I's events.  She drove from Durham, NH (Ella's basketball game) back to Gorham, NH (2+ hours) to watch me sing two songs and listen to a few class speeches.  Once again dad made it, front and center!

Class Day

Thanks mom for you're support throughout the entire year.

Dad was Skyped on Class Day and he also marched with me.

"Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, all you've got to do is call, and I'll come runnin', you've got a friend."

As I thanked my mom for all she had done for me with a bouquet of flowers, "dad" was being squeezed in between us.

High School Graduation

Because my dad was not at my high school graduation we Skyped him.  He could see me but I could not see him.  I not only sang the anthem, but before the event started I was able to "talk" to him.  When I received my diploma I held up the "Love you daddy" sign.  He even marched with me, notice the daddy doll in my right hand with my diploma.

After graduation

Once again Uncle Steve stood in for dad.

Ella and Mom were once again my rocks.

Support that night was unbelievable.  There was not a dry eye in that gym that night.

Knowing that everyone was there for me, was an AMAZING feeling, indescribable to say the least!