Paraplegic College Student Keeps Promise To Walk Again And Does It At The Perfect Moment — His Graduation

Chris Norton suffered a severe spinal cord injury in playing football for Luther College back in 2010. Doctors told Norton he’d probably never walk again but Norton never stopped rehabbing.

In an interview last year, Norton said he’d walk again. He was positive. He also made a proclamation and a promise. Not only would he walk again but he’d do it at his graduation ceremony, in front of the entire school.

Chris Norton made good on his promise. In front of the graduating class of 2015, friends, family and the school officials, Chris Norton walked across the stage to get his diploma.

I wonder if everyone in attendance balled as hard as you just did? Here’s a tissue, I’ll give you a minute.

You good? Ok continuing…

“It was like my gameday,” Norton said, recalling Sunday’s graduation walk. “I was in the zone, focusing on what I needed to do and not worrying about anyone or anything else.

“I didn’t think it’d be so emotional. The energy in the room was really unbelievable, and it meant everything to have (Emily) there with me. It was the best weekend of my life. She’s the most incredible person I’ve ever met, and to share it with her, the woman I’m in love with, it couldn’t be any better.”

Norton had another surprise that night. His girlfriend, Emily Summers, helped Norton take his walk across stage. After the ceremony, Norton asked her stop at their favorite restaurant to pick up some grub.

Their song, All of Me by John Legend, was playing, and candles spelled out, “Will you marry me?” It couldn’t be a coincidence.

“I was in shock,” she said. “I looked into the room and thought, ‘Wow, this is so cool.’ It was just perfect in there. … It was really sweet, and he got a little choked up which I thought was cute.”

Great…now I’m crying. Hand back that tissue, you puss.

[via USA Today]

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Chris Illuminati is a 5-time published author and recovering a**hole who writes about running, parenting, and professional wrestling.