Susan Petley felt a rush of emotions as she crossed the stage during the graduation ceremony at St. Michael’s Adult Catholic High School in Windsor, Ontario. This moment had been a lifelong dream for her, but it was bittersweet. Petley expressed a mix of hurt, anger, and love that brought tears to her eyes and stirred the audience to give her a resounding ovation.
Petley attended the ceremony to receive her daughter, Bethany Anne Coupe’s high school diploma posthumously. Bethany had tragically passed away from cancer in April. Holding her other daughter Cynthia close by her side, Petley shared, “I am immensely proud as a mother, but it breaks my heart that Bethany is not here to witness this moment.”
The event marked the commencement of over 200 individuals at St. Michael’s Adult Catholic High School. Petley revealed that her daughter, aged 35, had faced prolonged health challenges that impeded her academic progress. Despite being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a grim prognosis, Bethany remained determined. She persevered with her studies, even studying from her hospital bed with the assistance of the school’s staff.
Initially, Petley struggled to comprehend Bethany’s unwavering dedication. She explained, “For her, it was about pride. She aimed to graduate and believed it would be the greatest gift she could give me.” Over time, it evolved into a personal goal for Bethany, driven by her desire to achieve academic success.
Bethany had aspirations of furthering her education at St. Clair College to pursue a career aiding children or animals. Alongside Petley and Cynthia, six siblings eagerly awaited their turn to collect their diplomas. The siblings, originally from Sudan and Eritrea, celebrated this significant milestone with their family present.
Reflecting on the night, Rodas Tesfalem Arey, one of the siblings, expressed pride in their collective accomplishments. Each sibling harbored distinct career ambitions, ranging from becoming a mechanic, a personal support worker, to a pilot. Rodas aspired to become a pharmacist technician and commended the St. Michael’s staff for their unwavering support and encouragement towards their goals.
Both Petley and Rodas emphasized the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving one’s aspirations. Petley concluded by sharing a poignant lesson learned from her daughter, emphasizing that no matter the obstacles faced, true desires can be accomplished with dedication and resolve.