From Cancer To College. A Video.

June 17, 2014

Last Sunday was Graduation Sunday at church where we honored Sarah and another graduate with a special video presentation for each of them. After the videos were finished, Mary Ann Sherwood, our Associate and Youth Pastor, brought both graduates forward to give them a gift, to speak words of affirmation to them, and to pray for them as they stepped into their new season.

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The videos required quite a bit of time to create, finding the right pictures and putting them together in a meaningful way. I love doing that kind of thing, however, so it was a great joy.

Of course, working on the video for Sarah had a much deeper layer of meaning for me and involved a lot of smiles and tears as I walked back through the journey of her life.

We played her video second in the service and when it was done playing, I was completely taken aback when the applause turned into a prolonged, standing ovation. So many tears on so many faces, so much thanksgiving in so many hearts.

I’d like to share the video with you but first I wanted to give you a little background on where the video’s title came from.

I ordered graduation announcements for Sarah that were a tri-fold design, giving me plenty of space to fill. I had so much fun laying out both sides of the announcement and making it all look lovely. (Announcements were from Pear Tree where I was happy to find a deal for 40% off!)

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There were several places reserved for text so I asked Sarah for a favorite quote. She chose, “The greatest two days in anyone’s life: the day you were born and the day you knew why.”  –Nick Vujicic

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On the back of the announcement I wrote, Celebrating our miracle!  From cancer to college–God has been faithful.

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And so when it came time to title the video, From Cancer to College seemed like the logical choice. 

Enjoy!  (Remember, you can watch it full screen by clicking the square on the bottom right of the video.)

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86 comments so far.

86 responses to “From Cancer To College. A Video.”

  1. Kim Waggoner says:

    Thank you, God.

  2. Dianna in Louisiana says:

    Oh my Becky, My heart is just exploding seeing this. Your beautiful girl has come so far. I honestly feel like I am seeing a video of a family member that I haven’t seen in a while. I totally remember when you posted some of those pictures on caringbridge….. The emotion in your words, then and now on your blog make such a powerful impact on my momma’s heart.

    • Becky says:

      Dianna,

      What a sweet thing to say about this seeming like “a video of a family member you haven’t seen in a while.” Your words brought a smile to my face.

  3. Melissa Ball Kennedy says:

    Wonderful video. Couldn’t stop the tears. What a testimony you guys have! Wishing you happiness and much success in life Sarah!

    • Becky says:

      Melissa,

      Thanks for watching it; thanks for caring enough to cry. We are excited to see where Sarah’s path will take her!

  4. Karen Cathey says:

    OK. I confess. I am cheating at work and watching a video instead :-). Now I am going to be caught because the chill bumps won’t go away and there is water in my eyes. How beautiful and lovely … the video AND the subject. I’m sure there were very few dry eyes that Sunday morning!

    • Becky says:

      Karen,

      You’re right about that–I heard sniffles all around me that Sunday the video was played. So nice to be able to cry happy, thankful tears.

  5. Courtney Hurd says:

    It’s been a crazy week here and every time I signed on to the blog I was on a conference call and couldn’t give the video my full attention. Finally in the quiet before the rest of the house woke up I was able to soak in the beauty that has been Sarah’s life so far. My good friend runs the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and I just sent her a link to the video titled “If you need inspiration.” She is joining many others next week on Capitol Hill to discuss the crisis that is pediatric cancer research funding. Our voices must be heard for all of the Sarah’s out there who deserve the best care we can offer in order to cure cancer and live long, healthy lives.

    Thank you for continually sharing your family’s story not only as inspiration and hope, but like a family friend. Professionally and personally sharing Sarah’s graduation with your family feels like a wonderful victory!

    Best wishes,
    Courtney

    • Becky says:

      Coutney,

      You just have the sweetest way with words. Thank you for speaking such encouragement into our lives. And thank you–again and always–for the work you do to in helping other kids who are facing cancer. You are so ideally suited for your job and have been put in exactly right the place to do what needs to be done. I love it when God orders our steps that way and puts us where we need to be.

  6. Elizabeth says:

    Well, I shouldn’t have watched this at work. Now I’m a blubbering mess! What a lovely tribute to a beautiful girl. Prayers for this next journey in her life. May it be magical!

    • Becky says:

      Elizabeth,

      I guess I should have put a warning label on that video to NOT watch at work! 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us how moved you were by the video. That means so much to us when we hear how much Sarah’s story means to someone.

  7. Holly Hart says:

    My goodness! So lovely! What a testimony! Congratulations Sarah!

  8. JS says:

    You should really warn us before you smack us w/ such a beautiful video (& I was done for after opening Sarah’s announcement)! :0) You did such a marvelous job celebrating Sarah! She’s truly destined for amazing things; she’s going to make a mark in this world! She’s was so lucky to have you, Steve & Nathan around to support, encourage & love her through those VERY difficult years! Sometimes I think doctors need to keep (certain) opinions to themselves! I know Sarah’s Team @ Duke was amazing & mean no malice! Have you (are you) going to send them an announcement & maybe her HS transcripts?

    Next big hurdle…..first day of college! When does she start? Has she selected/purchased her car yet to get her there (though I know Summer wouldn’t mind being her personal chauffeur for eternity)!

    Congratulations, Sarah

    <3, Jodi

    • Becky says:

      Jodi,

      Sarah’s school starts August 15. As far as a car, the first thing she needs to do is get her license. And then we’ll be out car shopping–hopefully, before college starts but if not, we’ll make it work anyway. Exciting days!

  9. Wendy says:

    Oh wow! Loved the video. I had tears as I watched. What a wonderful young woman she is turning out to be. Congrats to all of you.

  10. Cindy Forrester says:

    I’m crying and I haven’t even watched the video yet. What an amazing journey God has provided for Sarah! Such an inspiration for all of us! Can’t wait to see what else He has in store for her.

    • Becky says:

      Cindy,

      It’s amazing to me how so many people have entered into Sarah’s story; thank you for joining us in being grateful for the miracle of her life.

  11. LeeAnne says:

    Wow….beautiful video. I’m crying right now. Tears of happiness and thankfulness for the miracle that is Sarah. She is simply beautiful and I know she will go so far in life.

    • Becky says:

      LeeAnne,

      So very many blessings to count right now . . .I don’t think I could every run out. Joining right with you in tears of happiness and thankfulness.

  12. Lisa from GA. says:

    Wow!!! I love how it started and ended with the typewriter. The symbolism of her life being told was so powerful to me.

    • Becky says:

      Lisa,

      I know–I just LOVED the typewriter thread that ran through it. And having it be an old typewriter instead of a modern computer sums up so well her classic and classy view on life!

  13. Incredibly beautiful and touching video! Lovely Announcement! Congratulations to all of you. Wishing Sarah the best in life.

  14. Whitney says:

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

  15. Pam says:

    I have followed your journey for a very long time, but have never posted. What a beautiful video, what a beautiful daughter. With tears in my eyes, I wish you all the best, Sarah! Congratulations to the whole Smith family.

  16. Kristi says:

    That Is awesome! Beautiful job! 🙂 You’ve come a long ways, Sarah! 🙂

  17. Linda says:

    Absolutely amazing ….Amazing Video, Amazing Sarah, Amazong Grace, Amazing God!!! Sharing tears of happiness a d prayers of thanks with all of you.
    Linda in Pittsburgh

    • Becky says:

      Linda,

      Love the line, “Amazing Video, Amazing Sarah, Amazing Grace, Amazing God.” That pretty much sums it up!

  18. Mitzi Gooden says:

    Wow! Crying happy tears. Thank you, God, for giving Sarah life! Congratulations to Sarah on her graduation and to Mom and Dad for seeing her through! God has great plans for her and I know you are proud!!! Great slideshow!

  19. Diane P. says:

    Very, very nice video and announcement, too. Congratulations to all of you!

  20. Nancy Irving says:

    absolutely incredibly beautiful…shed many, many tears…Thank you so much for sharing this..wow….❤️

  21. Susie says:

    LOVE it. You have such a beautiful way of doing videos. 🙂 Sarah is amazing and my hero.

  22. Kathy England-Fort Pierce, Florida says:

    I have followed her journey from the beginning and although I do not post I just have to say that seeing her journey all over again just makes me cry with joy and happiness. My daughter is now at the end of her treatments for breast cancer with a chance for total cure. But I will hold my breath with every scan until I get the “all clear” word. We celebrate with you.

    • Becky says:

      Kathy,

      So nice to hear from you! And congratulations to you and your daughter for coming to the end of her treatment. I truly understand how difficult it is to wait for scan reports–hoping right along with you for the all clear!

  23. Anonymous says:

    Very beautiful video of Sarah. She is Gods gift to you both.

  24. Sharyn McDonald says:

    Oh, my, oh, my, oh, my. What a beautiful video and a tribute to our God who doeth all things well. May the Lord continue to use you Sarah, and Becky with your wonderful talent – in putting videos and pictures together and singing with Steve. The video gave me duck bumps (goose pumples) – so beautiful.

  25. Margie M says:

    I’m glad I waited until I was home to watch this.

  26. Kim says:

    That’s the best video I’ve ever seen. It’s better than professionally put-together…I’m sure the emotional and personal connection is what boosted it above professional. Everything…seeing Snowy. Seeing you holding her…with gentleness and pure strength combined. Seeing Steve with what seems to me -his always present smile and laugh and funniness. Seeing Nathan and family, and Summer. And especially this beautiful Sarah. She’s a miracle. Thank you, God.

    • Becky says:

      Kim,

      Thanks for the compliment. Putting videos together is one of my greatest joys.

      Thanks too, for writing such encouraging words. They mean so much!

  27. Dale Tousley says:

    That was incredible, just sitting here crying!

  28. Angela says:

    What a lovely video about a lovely young lady by a lovely mom!

  29. Tiffany Hawkins says:

    LOVE. IT.

  30. Margie Stump says:

    WOW!! Amazing. Prayers, always.
    Margie

  31. Tammy says:

    Watching it at church was overwhelming in so many ways….our joy for Sarah is great, our love for your family is profound, and to see the victories through your struggle is inspiring!

    • Becky says:

      Tammy,

      That was quite the experience to watch that with so many people who love her. The emotion in the room was amazing. So glad you were there to share it with us!

  32. Shawn says:

    That is the most touching video I have ever seen. Absolutely an awesome job Becky. Congratulations Sarah on all of your accomplishments in school. Good Luck to your future in College!

    Shawn

  33. Lesley says:

    Tissue alert! Beautiful video, Becky. Beautiful daughter, Becky.

  34. Jan Reuther says:

    Absolutely wonderful! I loved the progression from “sad and sick” to “slightly better” using lightbulbs for eyeballs…jumping into happiness again! That’s so the Sarah you’ve described in your blog over the years.

    • Becky says:

      Jan,

      I’m glad you noticed the progression. I worked hard at not jumping too quickly from the sad and sick pictures back into the happier pictures.

  35. Suzanne says:

    Tears of joy! This was just beautiful and I can’t wait to see what God has planned for your amazing daughter! God bless!

  36. Jenna Hoff says:

    Brought tears to my heart. Very touching. Sarah has grown from an adorable little girl to a beautiful young lady. What an incredible miracle she has been given.

  37. Gail Puckett says:

    That is the most beautiful tributes I have ever seen. Wonderful wonderful Job. Thank you Becky, I am now sitting at my desk at work weeping. I have never seen a better example of God’s love and faithfulness than this. She is going to do great things for Him. God bless you all and to Sarah, Happy Graduation and Happy rest of your life!!! I know it will be wonderful!

  38. Mrs. Pam says:

    The Announcement is spectacular!!!! love Sarah’s choice for the quote.
    and, of course, even though I’ve already seen all the pictures on the video, they still make me cry, too! soooooooo BEAUTIFUL!

    • Becky says:

      Mrs. Pam,

      I truly loved that announcement–I especially loved having so much extra space to share her pictures and words.

  39. Jan (from Toledo) says:

    Beautiful and inspiring!

  40. Cindy from Sonoma says:

    Tears, that was absolutely wonderful!

  41. Tears. That was so precious.

  42. Scooter says:

    OUTSTANDING Story,video and production!!…You GO, Sarah!!!

  43. klberndt says:

    Oh Becky…this is SIMPLY beautiful. Talk about goosebumps! What a blessed reminder…of God’s faithfulness..thru it all.

    Sarah is just a beautiful young lady…and I KNOW…God has amazing plans for her life, and I cannot wait to sit back and watch them unfold.

    What a milestone…not only for Sarah, but for your entire family.

    God is GOOD….all the time!

    Kim~

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