the last of malone.

the last week has been filled with lots of 'lasts', such as:

-last set of finals....ever.

-last, last week of classes....ever.

-last meal in the cafeteria....ever.

-last time doing laundry at malone....ever.

-last time i live in a community where everything i need is within a 7 minute radius....ever.

-last time checking my mail (in box 771), seeing the staff members i love, and being an undergratuate student....ever. 

tonight, i pack up all my things at Malone and prepare to move out, for the last time...ever.

it's amazing the flood of emotions and memories that have come to me today.

in many ways, i am ready to move on.  i am ready for what the world holds and how the Lord will choose to use me in the profession of nursing.

i am so ready to be done with the homework, tests, and stressful times that come along with being in a rigorous program, such as nursing. 

yet at the same time, it has been my home for the last 4 years.

4 years of memories, friendships, laughs, and cries took place here.

at Malone, i had my first (and second and third) 'official' date with guys.

for the first time, i had solid Christian friends who encouraged me in my walk with the Lord.

and i shared a room with someone other than my sister, as well as 'did life' with many women who had impacted my life.

songs were the 'theme' of the year, and listen to on repeat.

freshmen year was 'mmm what ya say' and 'body language', 'when a heart break no it don't break even' and 'down'.

senior year was '22', 'mirrors', 'right next to you' and many others.

at Malone, i have been shaped into the person i am.

it amazes me to think how my world view, perspective, and faith have changed since i was 18 years old. seems like i was such a baby looking back at it!

i am so thankful for Malone, and the place it will always hold in my heart.

my heart is so full!!  

what a BLESSING it was to learn and grow in the profession of nursing at a place where Christ's Kingdom is first.

i will walk around tomorrow {to take my final exit exam}, for the last time....ever.  

at least for a while.

God, you've been so good.

You knew what i needed in a college, and provided better than i could have imagined.  You are so faithful.

 

{p.s...tomorrow kayleigh, sara, rachel and i will depart in the evening for daytona, FL and then board a cruise saturday, for 6 days, to the bahamas. to say we're pumped is an understatement.  praying for safety--cruises have had some slight issues recently--and a fun time together!}

ann gardner, BSN

this past weekend was such a wonderful weekend.

my family came into town, and it was packed with events.

on friday, i had brunch, pinning, senior dinner and then baccalaureate.

dinner was so good and then the baccalaureate was done by dr. miller.

he is amazing, and did a fabulous job.

he focused on being thankful.

at one point asked us to close our eyes and think of 2 people who we are thankful for.

it was then that i lost it.  

i couldn't contain my tears.  not because of the message, per se, but because i am so thankful for my grandma, who recently died and was not able to join us.

it was just so hard to be without her (for the first 'big' event since her passing).

i was also so thankful for the way the Lord has provided for me.

it's been so amazing to reflect back.

saturday we had commencement and it was so special, too!
it lasted about 2 hours and then took pics with all my friends.  

it feels so good to be a graduate and an alumni.  

before i walked, my heart was pounding!  

and it was all a little bit of a blur.  

since saturday, i've moved into the Moroney's house (where i'll be this summer) and been at the NCLEX review.  

we're on our lunch break currently.

i leave for vaca in 2...count it, 1....2...., days.  

doesn't even seem real!

let the festivities begin!

the next couple of days are crazy up in here.

today consists of:

11 AM brunch with aweosme friends

1:30 (2-3 ish) be ready for pinning ceremony!

 5 is senior banquet/dinner

6:30 be ready for bacchelorate (starts at 7)

then tomorrow is the official day!

my parents and grandpa will be arriving in a couple hours.

missing the presence of my grandma so much already.

she was one of my biggest supporters, and it just isn't normal to celebrate this accomplishment without her cheering me on the whole way!  

i am thankful that graduation isn't about one specific day, but all the days of endless support from those who you love most leading up to that day.  

 

let the festivities begin!

last final....check.

not only is it may 1st (yayy) but i just had my LAST final.

it was super hard, i'll be honest, and i'm a bit worried about my grade.

but i am trusting in His faithfulness and provision.

how does it feel to be a free woman??  WONDERFUL!

and a little bitter sweet at the same time.

i'm so ready for what the future holds, but know it is a lot of unknowns. 

total side note: yesterday, i got the most beautiful flowers from rachel wo. 

they're STUNNING and made me feel so so loved.  

i'm so blessed to have her in my life. 

now i'm gonna go eat and live up the day by sitting outside int he gorgeous weather we've been having!