Survivorship

April 15th.

For most people, it's Tax Day.

For me, it's Survivor Day.

More than 20 years ago, on April 15, 2005, I underwent a 12+ hour surgery with reconstruction. It marked the beginning of one of the most difficult journeys of my life, a journey that tested me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

My husband became my advocate, caregiver, and protector. I don't remember much of those first few days because I wasn't even aware of my surroundings. He stood by my side through it all.

My parents were incredible. Every day I would wake up to see my Dad quietly sitting in my room reading the newspaper, while my Mom would return from the gift shop with another little gift to brighten my day.

My son was stationed in Korea at the time, but he came home to be with me. I remember asking him, "Devin, where am I?" He replied, "ICU." To this day, he laughs because I answered, "I see you too...but where am I?"

My daughters became my angels on earth. When I was allowed to come home instead of going to rehab, they stepped up without hesitation. They bathed me, emptied my surgical drains, and even learned how to connect my IV medications after the nurse taught them. They put aside their fears and lovingly cared for their Momma.

Recovery wasn't easy. My body rejected the reconstruction, infections kept sending me back to the hospital, and eating became almost impossible. Ensure shakes became my best friend. I was afraid, but I held tightly to my mustard-seed faith, believing God would heal me. And He did. To God be all the glory.

I was also surrounded by an amazing village - my Bishop, my church family, my Sista Girls, friends, and loved ones who prayed, encouraged, and carried me when I couldn't carry myself. Thank you. I will never forget your love.

Later, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of everything I had endured, I was uniquely prepared to walk beside her and support her through her own journey.

Looking back, I realize God never wastes our pain. He transformed my experience into purpose and opened doors I never imagined, including:

• Giving comfort bears to women on the night of their mastectomy surgery
• Serving as a Breast Health Navigator through a Susan G. Komen Foundation grant
• Being named the DC Metropolitan Area Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc., which included a private tour of the United Nations
• Becoming First Runner-Up in the Celebration of Life Pageant for Cancer Survivors, where I performed my very first mime presentation—leading to opportunities to minister through mime at churches across the country, including Noel Jones' church in California and an event honoring Dr. Dorothy Height for the National Council of Negro Women
• Being interviewed several times by WUSA9, including by Andrea Roane
• Being selected as a Washington Redskins (now Commanders) All-Star Survivor and featured on the team's website
• Becoming a co-author in three books and being featured in several magazines

When I look back over these 20+ years, I don't just see the pain.

I see God's faithfulness.

I see His healing.

I see His purpose.

I see His grace.

So, if you ever wonder why I'm always on the move, always serving, always smiling, and always making memories...

It's because I know what it feels like to wonder if tomorrow will come.

Every day is a gift, and I'm determined to live the life God has blessed me with—fully, joyfully, and with gratitude.

Now April 15th will always be "Happy Survivor" Day to me.

"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." Psalm 118:17