By BOTWC Staff
While many people spent Mother’s Day celebrating their moms with a nice meal or day out on the town, Barbra Ellis and her daughter Destiney Ellis shared a moment that the two will never forget. After navigating the challenges of challenging work and serving on the frontlines during a global pandemic, both mom and daughter have graduated from Henderson State University, obtaining their Master’s of Science degrees in Nursing.
“They called my name and then called her name right after…which was awesome, like, I don’t even know the words. But, yes, God is good, God is good. I want to cry right now thinking about it again. This has been the best Mother’s Day ever,” said Destiney.
Barbra shares her daughter’s sentiments. While the two didn’t plan to return to school together, they said it’s all worked out and the reward was much greater than the difficulties they faced.
“God has been with us this whole journey and so when I sit here and say Mother’s Day was just an added bonus, I want to start crying because I’ve been so happy because everything has just fallen into place. It’s just when God’s hand is in it, it just falls into place like it has,” said Barbra.
The two are grateful to the organization they work for and Henderson State for supporting them throughout their journey as the two juggled their studies and worked in the medical field as students and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barbra said it was challenging and she and her daughter leaned on each other for support.
“I spent [time] going to check on her in the ICU because she saw the frontline more than anybody. She dealt with more of the patients who came in through the units that a lot of times didn’t make it out of the unit,” she explained.
The Ellis’ hope their story inspires others to go back and pursue their education knowing that if they can do it, you can do it too!
Congratulations, ladies!
Photos Courtesy of Barbra and Destiney Ellis/KATV
