The day of Rose’s college graduation finally arrived. She was super excited. There were over four hundred graduates and she was leading the line. She looked glowing in her cap and gown with gold tassels and sash. She had worked hard for this day for six years. She had taken classes at the community college part-time and worked at a restaurant just down the street. This ceremony was a victory for all of us.
We arrived early so that we could save the entire front row for family and friends. I was there with my camera to get photos of Rose and her fellow students as they paraded past. I knew hundreds of these students. It was like a reunion for me. What a wonderful night for our family. My parents could not attend due to mobility issues, but my sister was there, along with Rose’s dad, aunt, uncle, cousins, brother and her other set of grand parents. It was a big event for the whole family. One we thought we may never witness. But here we were watching our Rose. Smiling brightly as she lead the line of graduates to their seats. She looked so happy and beautiful.
The ceremony was really long, but I enjoyed watching many of my former students marching across stage. I felt like I was graduating, too. In a way I was. I would no longer be driving here every day and spending hours in the library, the science building and parking lots. Our time here was officially ending. Rose had a plan of what to do next, but I did not.
The ceremony ended. There were more photos and many hugs. As we were all parting ways, my sister’s phone rang. Our parents’ neighbor called to tell us that our mother had fallen down some steps backwards. She was being transported by ambulance to a hospital. The neighbor was driving my dad to the Emergency Room. The hospital they were going to was over an hour’s drive from where we were. We decided not to share the news with Rose. We wanted her to have this special night without the worry.
My sister and I raced to her car.We stopped by my house to pack a few things before heading to the hospital. I was rushing around my room tossing clothes in a bag when my cell phone rang. The man on the line stated that he was with the Emergency Medical Services. He told me my daughter had fallen and gotten injured. “No.” I said, “My mother has fallen. We are on our way to the hospital now.” “No ma’am.” he replied “Your daughter has had a seizure and gotten hurt.” I collapsed on the bed screaming. My sister rushed into the room. I told the man to call my husband’s phone. I gave him the number. I hung up my phone only to hear another one start ringing in the other room. My husband had left his cell phone at home to finish charging. My phone rang again. It was Rose’s friend Carol trying to find anyone in Rose’s family. I gave her Rose’s brother’s number. Carol called back minutes later to tell me that Rose was fine now. I was hysterical. Lightning might as well have struck me. God PLEASE, I am not this strong! Two people I loved most needed me and I was apart from them both. There was nothing that I could do. Helpless and hysterical! The combo from hell.
My son called the house phone soon after. He and his dad and run back up the street to the college to be with Rose. Her dad got on the phone and told me to go on and head to the hospital to take care of my mama. My sister drove that hour to the hospital as I rode in silence, wondering why life can’t just come at you in single file instead of a damn Charlie Foxtrot.
SEIZURE MAMA SPEAKS NOW
This is the last story I will post on Seizure Mama.
There are two more. The blog will not get those.
Rose will have to write the sequel to this book herself.
This mama is done.
I began with Rose in a “Hot Diaper ” and ended it with her in a cap and gown.
What’s next is up to Rose. I can’t wait to see where she goes.
We’re tough, real tough!
Rose’s Mama
Seizure Mama and Rose 
Well done, Becca! Congratulations.
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Thanks Queen. The last chapters are up-lifting. Sorry to leave folks hanging here. You know how this goes though. My Rose is a CHAMP!
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