🌿 The Valentine’s Miracle
15 Years of Thriving, Faith, and the Warrior’s Unshakable Journey
❤️
15 Years of Thriving, Faith, and the Warrior’s Unshakable Journey ❤️
As the second month of 2026 comes to a close, I find myself sitting in a place of deep reflection. February is a month traditionally dedicated to Black History and the celebration of love, and for my family, those themes were woven into every single day.
This month has been a journey of highs and lows—moments of pure joy followed by the quiet, often painful reality of living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Celebration in Houston: The High Notes
On February 14th, we celebrated my daughter’s 15th birthday. It was a beautiful milestone, and we headed to Houston for a night at Holey Moley. If you haven’t been, it’s an indoor miniature golf course and karaoke spot, and let me tell you—we sang our hearts out! There is something so healing about laughing and singing with the people who love you most.
Afterward, we went to Chili’s. It used to be my absolute favorite restaurant, but this visit was a tough reminder of the physical boundaries I have to respect. As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with gallstones recently. With Sickle Cell, we have to be so careful about the oils we eat and how our food is prepared. Unfortunately, that meal wasn't the best choice for my body, and I felt the effects immediately.
A Valentine’s Miracle: 15 Years of Life
Watching my daughter celebrate this year feels especially miraculous because of how she entered this world. She is my second child, born in the very midst of severe Sickle Cell complications. Fifteen years ago, on Valentine’s Day, I wasn't at a karaoke spot—I was fighting for our lives.
I was in a crisis so severe that the pain in my hips refused to leave, no matter what I did at home. I was led to call the paramedics and was rushed to the hospital. The doctors soon discovered that my baby’s heart rate was slowing down—a terrifying sign for a newborn. They realized they couldn't treat my crisis properly unless they delivered her first.
My precious gift from God was fighting for her life before she even took her first breath. The emergency C-section was a success, but the battle wasn't over. I remained in the hospital for over two weeks, fighting for my own life as my hemoglobin dropped to a dangerous 4.5.
I am one of those unique Warriors who cannot receive blood transfusions due to rare antibodies in my blood from birth. Doctors have told me I am a rare case, even within the Sickle Cell community. But God is amazing. Today, my daughter is a thriving 15-year-old, and I am here to share our story and inspire others.
The Reality of the "Down" Days
The day after our celebration this month, my body made its needs known. My husband was home from being OTR (Over the Road), and I truly wanted to be at the gym working out by his side. But the gallstones and the fatigue from the previous day's excitement had other plans. I spent that entire day in bed, recovering from the inflammation and pain.
It can be frustrating when your spirit wants to go but your body says "stop." However, I am surrounded by an incredible support system. My husband is my biggest rock, alongside my children, my mother, and my sister. They remind me that resting isn't quitting—it’s a necessary part of the Warrior's journey.
An Honest Word on Operation Snuggles
I want to be transparent with this community: as the month ends, I’ve had to navigate some disappointment. I set an initiative to raise money for our Operation Snuggles Love Kits, but we didn't receive enough donations to send out the kits this month.
While it’s hard not to meet a goal, I am not discouraged. I know that the cause is right and that God will continue to provide. We are planting seeds for 2026, and I know that the support will come in His perfect timing. You can still support this mission by visiting our Warrior Storefront sponsored by Honeycomb Health. Every bit of support helps me continue to share these stories and advocate for our community.
Healing, Infusions, and Ancient Wisdom
On the medical side, I began my iron infusions at the end of last month, and I’ll be continuing them for the next eight weeks. I’m letting you into these details because I want you to see the unfolding of this journey—not just the polished parts, but the day-to-day grit.
Throughout the infusions and the flare-ups, the scripture that sustains me is: "By His stripes, I am healed." We are saved through the blood of the Lamb. When I attend church, I am constantly moved by the words of my Bishop. He is 90 years old and, while he doesn't have Sickle Cell, he understands the trials of the body that come with age. Yet, his faith is unshakable.
His favorite quote is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." The Victory is Already Won We can’t always understand why we go through what we do. But we can educate ourselves, we can speak up, and we can advocate—whether in a doctor’s office, a professional setting, or an intimate space. Psalm 24 tells us that "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." That includes us.
We are here for a purpose. This journey was never promised to be easy, but it was already won. We are more than warriors; we are conquerors. As we move out of February, I hope this inspires you: Do not worry about what is next. Live your life to the fullest. Be grateful in all things—even the bad—because there is a greater good working through it all.
Stay Strong, Stay Hopeful.
Support the Cause: Visit the Warrior Storefront at Honeycomb Health
Connect: Are you a Warrior in the Beaumont area or surrounding?
Leave a comment below and let’s grow this supportive network together.
