Waiting for something you deserve is probably the hardest part any individual can imagine. But here is the story of 97-year-old Margaret Bekema, which is inspiring and encouraging in a lot of ways. 80 years ago, Margaret was due to graduate from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan but due to her mother’s untimely and unexpected death, she had to leave her studies half way through to take care of her younger siblings and her family.
Unassumingly, she took charge of all the family responsibilities as a young teenager of 17.
Then on, she did clerical work for the armed forces before becoming a preschool teacher. Though, she did well for herself professionally, she always had a dream of officially graduating and receiving a school diploma.
Eight decades later, on October 29, Margaret finally received her high school diploma from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids making her the oldest person to graduate. 1936 would have been her ideal year of graduation had she not have to dropout from the school.
The diploma was presented to Margaret Bekema by school Principal Greg Deja. A statement issued by the school stated:
Catholic Central is proud to honour Margaret with the diploma she should have received long ago. Even though Margaret never officially completed high school, her story as a former Catholic Central student has impacted the school and our community. The selfless way Margaret lived her life truly embodies Catholic Central’s core values and we are proud to now officially claim her as a Catholic Central alumna.
Catholic Central High School also shared the inspirational story of Margaret Bekema with these images.
Margaret at the ceremony donning the graduation cap.
MLive.com Staff shared this beautiful video of Margaret Bekema receiving the diploma.
After learning of her selflessness, we can just say every family needs a pillar of strength like Margaret Bekema who can sacrifice their own dreams and gracefully accept challenges for their loved ones. After all, family always comes first.
All image courtesy: Facebook
Video courtesy: MLive.com Staff