Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

When Dreams Come True- #followyourdreams #inspiration


Photo by Pascal Renet on Pexels.com

Ever since my daughter was a young child- maybe five- she started talking about studying marine animals to save their environment. We smiled, bought her books on sea creatures, and thought it was sweet how much she cared about the ocean.

Brandy and her older cousin, Janna

The years passed. Filled with dreams, she took swimming lessons right up to lifeguard status, got exemplary school grades, and prepared for her future. Then fate stepped in and gave her a beautiful baby boy.

He became her focus, and again she worked hard, doing everything she could to give him a happy, healthy life. But the dream wouldn’t die. She applied to several universities while working two jobs and was admitted to the University of Victoria where she took on two majors: science and biology with an end goal on marine biology.

Once again fate stepped in and gave her another challenge to overcome- her beautiful, healthy, happy son developed Type 1 Diabetes.

She had the added stress of learning how to give needles ( the Omnipod and Libre came later), take blood readings, and count carbs- he was seven.

I still don’t know how she managed, but her schooling didn’t suffer. She earned a Bachelor of Science with distinction

And was accepted to the Memorial University of Newfoundland for her Major in Marine Biology.

Health issues continued to plague both of them, and it hurt to see how discouraged she became, but she never gave up.

And now:

She’s been accepted into a fully funded PHD program in… New Zealand!

Is it any wonder this girl is the joy of my life, my inspiration, and my hero?

She’s overcome tremendous odds to follow her dream, and though she’s nervous of moving to the other side of the world and all that might mean for their health, she’s also determined to succeed. It just goes to show, if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.

Her dad and I are so incredibly proud of her and wish her the very best! Just think, we’ll soon have a professor in our midst 🙂

51 Replies to “When Dreams Come True- #followyourdreams #inspiration”

  1. This is amazing Jacquie! Your daughter is so strong! And maybe you’ll get to visit New Zealand! Congratulations! 🎉

    Liked by 3 people

  2. This is fantastic! Congratulation to your daughter! She’s a shining example of what can happen when we keep pushing forward despite the obstacles. Thank you for sharing her story Jacquie! xo

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Exactly, Jill. We can’t move ahead if we don’t try. I’m filled with happiness for them, and worry, too. That’s a long way away if anything goes wrong (fingers crossed it doesn’t!)

      Liked by 1 person

  8. What a fantastic human being! You and your husband should be glowing with pride. As a fellow parent, I know there are few things in life more satisfying than watching one of your children meet one of their long-held goals.

    Outstanding post, Jacquie. It brought a tear to my eyes.

    Liked by 3 people

  10. What wonderful news, Jacquie! I feel your deserved pride all the way here. I wish her nothing but happiness, health, and success. Congrats xo

    Liked by 3 people

  11. Wow, Jacquie. No wonder she’s your hero and inspiration. This post was so touching. I’ve heard New Zealand isn’t only beautiful, but it’s one of the last sane places left on the planet. She’ll do wonderfully and so will your grandson. Huge applause for her and for you and your husband too because everyone needs someone at their back. Well done!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. That’s reassuring, Diana. I’m not ashamed to admit it’s scary knowing they’ll be so very far away if anything goes wrong. I’ll be doing lots of praying until they’re settled, lol

      Liked by 2 people

  12. What an inspiration your daughter is, Jacquie! She’s overcome so many obstacles and achieved so much. I wish her every success in school. What a proud mother you must be!

    Liked by 3 people

  13. Sometimes the impossible sparks the hero in us. Your daughter is an amazing example of that truth. She is a hero. Please give us regular updates on her progress! 💗

    Liked by 3 people

  17. Thanks so much for sharing this, Jacquie. I have followed along with what you’ve shared about your daughter over the years, and wow, is she ever an inspiration. I wish her the best in her Ph.D. studies. So exciting! I know she will continue to do big things and inspire others!

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Congratulations to your daughter – what an inspiration she is! She will love New Zealand, it is a magnificent country and very orientated towards the ocean. Toni x

    Liked by 4 people

      1. No, Jacquie – i’ve just visited a few times on vacation including a couple of cruises. It has a beautiful coastline and, I think, plenty of marine wildlife such as dolphins. There’s a great fiord area that includes Milford Sound.

        Liked by 1 person

  20. I am in awe of your daughter. She is just amazing and a great example of never giving up. I wish her a very Happy Birthday and all the best in her new venture. What a great experience for your grandson to live in New Zealand.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. She amazes me, as well. Talk about perseverance under pressure! Aiden is happy, and nervous, about the trip. It’s a big change for both of them.
      I bet Amanda could find an adventure there (hint, hint) 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  21. This is such great news, Jacquie. I’m happy for you and for Brandy. She is obviously just like her mother. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

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