PHOTO COURTESY EIKO PHOTOGRAPHY - Darcy Hiebert hugs daughter Kaitlyn Hiebert after Kaitlyn was presented with her high school diploma on April 10, 2018 at Medicine Hat Hospital.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A single mother’s dying wish was to see her daughter graduate from high school.
A community came together to make it happen.
Kaitlyn Hiebert had an early graduation ceremony in the intensive care unit at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital this past April at her mother Darcy Hiebert’s side.
Two days later, her mom fell asleep in the morning and did not wake up.
“I thought it would be awesome. She never graduated but always wanted me to,” said Kaitlyn.
“It was incredibly emotional,” added Hat High counsellor Ken Hunt. “It was unlike anything I’ve ever done or experienced before as a teacher or a counsellor.”
Family members Angie Warkentine and Janine Stuber were present when the critical stage of Darcy’s stomach cancer was revealed by doctors. When one doctor asked what she wanted most, she said it was to see her daughter graduate. The doctor did not think it was possible but pointed out that miracles do happen.
Stuber approached Hunt, who was happy to help. Staff at the school responded quickly.
Eiko Photography took photos, while another professional did Darcy’s make-up and hair. About eight members of school staff were present plus friends and family.
The gown Kaitlyn wore was one she and her mom chose together before Darcy was hospitalized.
On that Wednesday, April 10, Kaitlyn and Darcy held hands while speeches were made by the school principal and Hunt.
Kaitlyn was presented with her high school diploma and the tassel on her cap was moved from one side to the other to signify her graduation. She was also given a book with her diploma and a photo of her with her mom.
“She said she was very proud of me and that I looked beautiful,” said Kaitlyn, who had not seen her mom that dressed up for years.
“She looked absolutely stunning.”
Darcy passed away April 12 at the age of 53. She had moved to Medicine Hat from Unity, Sask. a couple of years ago. It was December 2018 that Darcy was diagnosed with cancer.
Darcy loved baking – especially chocolate chip cookies, said Kaitlyn. Even during difficult days of chemotherapy, when she was feeling ill, mother and daughter would sometimes make perogies and watch their favourite TV shows.
At her memorial service they served perogies and sausage and sang karaoke – something Darcy loved to do.
“She had a really nice voice,” said Kaitlyn.
Kaitlyn, 18, now lives with Warkentine.
Warkentine says soon after Darcy’s diagnosis she and her husband had assured Darcy that she did not need to worry about who would care for Kaitlyn.
“She’s been a really big help,” said Kaitlyn. “I don’t know where I’d be without her.”
Kaitlyn now attends Medicine Hat College, taking general studies because she is not sure what career path she wants to take.
This week she got her driver’s licence and says in moments like this she wishes her mom was still here to join with her in celebration.
“I’m sure my mom would be proud.”
