The Wrong One Gone

The following post is written with thoughts, tears, and prayers going out to Morgan's family and friends.  If anyone, especially family members, feels that I need to change or take this post down, please let me know because I do not want anyone upset by it.  It is meant to honor Morgan. 

Yesterday a family friend, Morgan, of my mom, aunts, and uncles was killed by a drunk driver.  Of the nine Tull kids, she was closest with the middle few.  However, our whole family is shaken by this news. 

After all, she was everything her friend and brother say of her in this Seattle Times article, which you should read to really know who Morgan was.  While reading it, you will realize why the wrong person is gone as well.  However, like a friend and I discussed yesterday morning at the gym...God has a plan, and it may be hard to see.

When you read the article, you'll read that she normally rode the bus to work but that yesterday she drove her car because she was going to go see an old friend at a hospice house in Bellingham.  That old friend of hers is my uncle.  She was also doing exactly what she said she'd do.  The previous Thursday she had visited my uncle and said she'd be back.  She was on her way.

Her death comes one week after her sending a sweet e-mail to my family saying her plan was to visit and hangout with my uncle most Thursdays as her schedule allowed.  When I read this e-mail, I had to call my mom and be reminded of who Morgan was.  My mom said she was a good friend of my uncle's and that they had been friends all through school, all through college, and to now.  She had even made it a point to visit my uncle when he was first being diagnosed with cancer.  I shared with my mom how thankful I was that she was willing to commit so much time to visiting my uncle.  I just thought "wow, what a great woman."  Now that great woman is gone. But what I do know is she taught me something and that is to give your time to others because it is sure valuable.

In the e-mail Morgan sent last week she included a few pictures.  They were of her with my uncle during her Thursday visit.  My mom and I discussed these pictures and how wonderful it was of her to take pictures of my uncle.  To us having those pictures of my uncle were so special because he was in them.  Last night when I looked at the pictures again, I realized they are even more special because they have Morgan in them. 

In fact, I saved these pictures to my phone and shared them with some of my close friends at school saying "look how good my uncle looks in these, his friend Morgan took them and e-mailed them to us, and she's so sweet because she's going to keep visiting him on Thursdays."  My friends who are somewhat familiar with the situation just thought that was so nice of her and that the pictures were great.  I have some great friends who always are asking for updates on my life and family members.  They just care so much!

I've never actually met Morgan, but I knew her through the e-mail she sent and through all the things various family members, especially my mom, have said about her.  Even though I didn't know her, I did know her and I cared about her.  After all, she cared very much about my uncle. 

31 Days and "The Answer"

 

Ok everyone!  Tomorrow marks thirty-one days until graduation!  We can do this!  Go Cougs!

So besides that update, I have decided it is time to answer that question of "Cara, what are you doing after graduation" publicly.  As my friend Jordyn said last weekend, "what are you doing after graduation" is the question of the decade.  At this point, I think it may be ten years from the date of my college graduation to decide what I want to kind of be when I grow up.

Here it is.  Today I checked the "I will NOT be attending Heritage University in August 2013" box.  That means I have declined a slot in the Clinical Laboratory Science Program there.  I made this decision based on my experience and feelings while interviewing there.  I simply did not feel it, and knew that saying "Yes" based on the excitement of being accepted to something was not the right reason to accept a spot.  I just left my interview and tour not sold on that training being who I wanted to become as a professional in health care. 

So the plan rolls on as this:  I will be at home through the summer working on the farm, riding horses, going to riding lessons and rodeos, and sewing and crafting as needed for others and myself.  I will also be looking for a part time job to start in the fall; this is because I will be taking classes.  (If someone knows of part time work, let me know!)  I have yet to decide if I will take the three classes I need for nursing school at Big Bend or Wenatchee or if I will pursue a Masters in Health Administration online through Penn State or St. Josephs University.  Health Administration is something I have glanced at over the last couple years, and after my interview at Heritage I was more drawn to it.  I am going to continue researching my options, and check into things that I could use to build off my Horticulture minor as well.  I am a strong candidate for all fields, but I need to find where my heart will be happiest.

There you have it, my most current answer to "The Question of the Decade."  Remember, though, I am allowed to change my mind, and I just might depending on how I feel.

March Wrap Up

Again, March was a busy month of being sick, taking exams, interviewing, enjoying spring break, and getting things in order for graduation.

I was sick for way too long.   I'm pretty sure I picked it up from my mom on the South Dakota trip becase we were in the confined and shared air space of the car for so long. 

But I did get to spend a relaxing weekend all alone at home in March housesitting.  I took that time to recover from being sick and spent time with Buzz cat who was sure a good study partner and cuddle buddy.

Exams never end and neither does the studying for them or quizzes.  But it pays off because I do really well.

While crossing the Montana Wyoming boarder on our way to SD, I got an e-mail offering me to interview for the Clinical Laboratory Science program at Heritage University in Toppenish, WA.  I interviewed during spring break and am in the decision making process at the moment.  As in, I was accepted but have not made up my mind about them.

Spring break was such a good escape from school, but I sure did not get caught up on much school stuff.  I guess that's what happens when you ride horses the whole time and camp in your family's new living quarters horse trailer.  I also made these yummy chocolate cupcakes (from a box because I was limited on time) for my sister's WAHSET team.  Going to her meet and watching her ride Daisy was a highlight of break.

 

The Wednesday after spring break was a crazy one!  It was the day to register to walk at graduation and pick up my cap and gown.  Reality has hit that I really will graduate and for once it isn't that far away.  In fact, according to my count down calander its 38 days to go and that includes weekends.  So it right around the corner.  Yeah!

 

Wednesday was also awesome because a classmate brought in the wagon of Girl Scout cookies we had bought from his daughter before break.  As crazy as Wednesday was, it was sure a good one!

 

I've nearly survived March and here's to hoping I make it through April!  Wish me luck as I have a lot to accomplish!