RICHMOND, Va. — Denise Wilson remembered the start of June 6, 2023 as a beautiful spring day with warm, sunny weather setting the stage for an evening full of celebrating.
She had just flown into Richmond from Florida to watch her granddaughter graduate from Huguenot High School, a big accomplishment after struggling through the pandemic and mental health challenges.
“Even in her struggle, she was able to graduate with honors, and that was, for us, just the biggest blessing that she actually did it,” Wilson said.
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The family snagged the perfect seats inside the Altria Theater, where the commencement ceremony was held, close enough for their student to walk right past them as she received her diploma.
“So that right there was just so great. We were happy. We were just extremely, extremely happy,” Wilson said.
Those feelings of joy would soon turn into panic and fear.