Thursday, May 27, 2010

Pomp and Circumstance

This post is all about my amazing husband, and a huge accomplishment for him over the past three years. I am amazed and the strength and integrity with which God equipped him to balance all that he has had on his plate. I am so proud of him!!

In the fall of 2007, Spencer began his Master's degree in Educational Leadership. His program was set up as a partnership between our school district and a local university, and consisted of about thirteen teachers aspiring to become school administrators. Little did Spencer know how much life he'd live over the next three years as he embarked on his journey.

Just as Spencer began his program on top of teaching full time, we found out I was pregnant for the first time. Ironically, it was Labor Day that we learned the good news :) Three months later, we found ourselves sitting in an exam room hearing the sonographer whisper, "I am so sorry... but I can't find a heartbeat." As she held back her tears, mine came pouring forth.

Five months into his program, Spencer and I again learned that I was expecting... again to sit in an exam room three months later to hear the words every parent dreads: "I am sorry, but there are some serious concerns about your baby's development. I'll need to go get the doctor." Spencer wasn't supposed to be at that ultrasound that day; I had just asked for one for some added reassurance, as I felt like something just wasn't right with my pregnancy. He came anyway, and I am so thankful he did... because the day that unfolded included a CVS test and a meeting with a genetic counselor at which we were told that our sweet Isaac had complications that, barring a miracle, were incompatible with life.

And so began the journey with our sweet son... the journey through which God has so faithfully carried us. All the while, Spencer was left to balance a full time job, a part-time graduate program, and a wife who was pregnant with a baby that we had been told was going to die. Looking back, I am continually amazed at the grace of God and how He sustained Spencer through such a difficult season for both of us.

In the second year of his program, Spencer endured the birth, and death of his son... our sweet Isaac. He somehow managed to still go to work, complete his papers for his program, and take care of me. While he and I grieved very differently, we both grieved and continue to grieve... and we both were left to pick up the pieces of dreams for our son that had been shattered. Spencer did it with so much courage and strength. He pressed on because he had to; but he did it with excellence because he cared to, and because God was faithful in giving him the strength to do so.

During this last year of his program, Spencer still had classes to attend; but he also had a 280 hour internship to complete. To say it was time consuming would be an understatement. Thankfully, he was able to get a lot of his work out of the way so that he was able to fully experience the joy of welcoming Eliana to our family this past March.

This past weekend, Spencer graduated with his Master's and received his diploma... and he did it with a 4.0. I am amazed at the strength, the perseverance, and the quality of character with which the Lord has equipped him. I am so proud of him, and am so proud to be his wife.

Enjoy a few pictures from this wonderful day...










The cohort members, glad to be finished!!


Out to celebrate Maryland style... steamed crabs!!

27 comments:

Mommara said...

The picture of him and and his sweet baby girl is precious. Congrats to hubby on graduating that is truly amazing!

Nat said...

Congratulations to your hubby. That is an amazing accomplishment all in of it self not to mention with all the adversity.

Sarah said...

Congrats to Spencer!

I finished a similar program a couple of years ago. I know how hard it was for me with working full-time, let alone dealing and coping with the stress and happiness the two of you have endured.

Please pass along the well wishes!

Did you ever get everything worked out with your job for next year?

Peppermint Patty said...

Great job, Spencer!! :)

That is GREAT!!

belle said...

how amazingly wonderful. congratulations!!!

Lisa said...

Congrats to your hubby!! :)
I've only been following for a while and what you wrote is exactly what I needed to hear. My husband and I are TTC (1st month) and Im planning to go back to grad school in the fall. Plus I plan on finding employment closer to home and we plan on moving -- all within the next year or two! I've been praying and asking God lately if this is right for us -- if we can handle it. And your post just gave me a renewe sense of hope that it CAN be done and be done well!

Thank you and Congrats again! :)

Kims4Him said...

YAY!!! SO many congrats to your husband...and for you too. He needed you ALOT.
GOd is GOOD!!
Blessings~

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Spencer! What an AMAZING accomplishment!

Jenn said...

Congrats to Spencer!

KK said...

What an amazing husband you have!! Congrats to him! The picture of him & Eliana is incredible! :-)

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Spencer! As a friend of his from high school, we always knew he was a smarty-pants. Congrats on your achievement, Spence, and also on all the joy this year has brought you and your family.

Miche said...

The picture of him and Eliana brought me to tears last night. I don't even really know you guys and I am so proud of all of you for pushing through.

Congrats!

Unknown said...

That is the sweetest post, Stacy. I am proud of Spencer too!!! What he has done is no small feat, and that he did it under such difficult circumstances and with such grace is truly remarkable.
All the best to all of you!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Spencer on such a great accomplishment!

Lauren said...

Congrats Spencer!!!

SUSI said...

Congratulations Spencer! What an accomplishment and an even bigger accomplishment to graduate with a 4.0 after years of adversity.

He really should be proud of himself. I know you are.

mel @ the larson lingo said...

Wow! Congrats to Spencer! That is such an accomplishment by itself, but to do that with everything you guys have gone through is truly amazing & inspiring. That picture of him kissing Eliana is so beautiful, that needs to be framed for Father's Day :)

Holly said...

Way to go Spencer!! Congrats on all you've accomplished!

Ruth said...

Congratulations to you both on Spencer's grad!

Tammy On the Go said...

this is just awesome!

Jacks grandmom said...

What a wonderful tribute to Spencer! He has worked very hard during both the hardest and most wonderful time of his life and deserves all good things from here on out! Congratulations to you both!

WendyCarole said...

Congratulations Spencer

Sonya said...

congrats!! Grad school is quite the undertaking anyways let alone with all you two have been through!!

Crystal Theresa said...

congratulations to spencer! those are great pictures.

Joanne said...

congratulations Spencer!!! You both are amazing.

Erin said...

Congratulations to you hubby! What a wonderful accomplishment!

AngelsAmid said...

I was tearing up just reading all that. What an amazing husband you have.

God is good! :)