Maddie Graham extends her hands in Benson Great Hall during a Vespers service. Surrounded by many friends, Graham has found a community at Bethel University. Her favorite memories have been found in the small moments, “just hanging out,” Graham said. | Photo by Molly McFadden

Maddie can’t call her mother

Freshman navigates college life without a mom by her side.

By Molly McFadden, writer

Maddie Graham hauled her belongings up the stairs of Bodien Aug. 29. She had no Welcome Week team cheering for her or offering a hand with her boxes, instead, her Dad, Brother and Grandma helped her get settled. Every other student had called Bethel University their home for three days, but Graham’s weekend schedule looked different.

Yesterday was her mom’s funeral.

“It’s just insane how much my life changed in a week,” Graham said.

June was spent pitching on the softball mound and driving her mom to cancer treatments. Then July brought college preparation for the university her mom initially suggested she look into, but would never see her off to. By the end of the month her health was declining.

Shortness of breath.

Inability to lie down.

Too little sleep.

Soon there was a hospital bed in the living room and Graham, a registered CNA, became her mother’s caretaker.

“I took care of her because that’s what I knew.” — Maddie Graham, freshman

“I took care of her because that’s what I knew,” Graham said. “I would work and then come home and sleep on the couch at night.”

A week later, Aug. 23, Mary Graham died.

“Everybody got to be there,” Graham said.

Maddie Graham and mom, Mary, pose for a picture on their spring break trip to Florida during Graham’s senior year. The trip was taken by Graham’s immediate family, as well as some extended relatives. “We went to Florida and that was really fun,” Graham said. | Submitted photo

At 5:35 p.m. each day seven freshmen meet outside the Monson Dining Center. Graham is with them. She laughs at the chaotic conversations that take place at her table, but she has no mom to call afterwards and tell the stories to.

Around her neck hangs a teal butterfly. Kylie Hughes, Graham’s high school best friend, gifted her after the passing.

Hughes said, “When you see a butterfly, it is a message from someone in heaven.”

Now, the symbol will always be with Graham. The bright color, same as her living room walls, was her Mom’s favorite.

“God is good when your life is not,” Graham said.