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Above and Beyond Award Victoria and Grace Narby helped their mother achieve academic success in spite of painful adversity. The Above and Beyond Award is presented annually to a friend or family member of a graduating student whose support went above and beyond the call of duty and made it possible for the graduate to achieve her or his goal. Here is the nomination letter for Victoria and Grace Narby, the 2009 recipients, written by their mother, Tara Narby, recent graduate from Walden University’s School of Nursing. An unexpected tragedy occurred in the beginning of my second-to-last course rotation in the Master of Science in Nursing program. On June 29, 2008, my husband of over 12 years suddenly passed away from heart complications. This was unexpected and occurred peacefully in our home with my six-year-old daughter Grace at his side. This tragedy left me with two daughters to care for: Victoria, age 12, and Grace, age 6. These resilient girls are the model of extreme care, support and compassion in a time of crisis. The thought of me postponing the end of the program was unheard of from these girls. The words, “Daddy would not want you to quit or stop right now,” echoed through my brain and heart on a daily basis while I plowed through those eight remaining weeks. They were right: I knew my husband would have been upset if I disrupted my educational endeavor. I nominated these two girls because they made everything possible in the most pleasant and giving way. At a time when I should have been there for them, they compassionately encouraged and nurtured me along. They worked together to help keep the house clean, prepare meals, walk the dog, all the while instituting patience, love and gentleness with me so that I felt comfortable taking the time to complete my program. They constantly reminded me of our tasks at hand and made lists to ensure we would coordinate our lives, including their homework and my coursework. I planned on skipping a week of assignments so we could go on a camping vacation, but the girls had other plans. Instead of going on vacation, they planned our days around driving to the local library while Mommy read and posted her homework. They sat in our small-town library and read books to each other for many hours a day. They graciously gave up time so that I could complete my assignments. This is the greatest outpouring of love and support I have ever received. We live in Cleveland, Ohio, without the support of our extended family and without any close friends. At a time when most grieving families receive support from extended family, we were alone at home. With the girls’ help, we successfully organized finances and managed our house inside and out. We grieved together while encouraging each other along. Never once did any of our grades slip or a bill not get paid. We organized, laughed and cried together when I know most families would have felt this ongoing unexpected despair. I am convinced that their father and my husband blew love and persistent perseverance from heaven. My two little girls supported me though the hard times and preciously cared from me. I don’t think they understand their impact and importance; they just continue to believe that beyond the sky is the limit and together we can do anything. I wish their names were on my degree! Read more about the Above and Beyond Award and other recipients. August Ponder front page
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©2009 Walden University |