Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

Chapter 52: A Journey Back to Where It All Began

I made it.

And I’m standing—grateful, humbled, and blessed—right where it all began.

After years of setbacks, surgeries, and what often felt like an endless uphill climb, I’m here. Not just surviving, but celebrating Chapter 52 of my life. And with every breath, I carry gratitude for the healing, the unexpected miracles, and the strength I didn’t know I had.

Last year, what was supposed to be a quick overnight hospital stay for AVN hip replacement turned into something far more intense—a six-week journey that included two hip replacement surgeries. It tested every ounce of faith and resilience I had left. But through God’s grace and determination, I walked through it.

That experience birthed something powerful in me. I began writing again—this time, pouring my heart into a Devotional Journal. In it, I share the prayers that sustained me, the whispers of faith that held me up, and pieces of my story—including where I was born and how I came to understand life with Sickle Cell Disease. It doesn’t tell every part of the last ten years, but it captures the moments that changed everything.

One of the biggest blessings of this chapter was fulfilling a long-held desire: to return to my homeland and wrap my arms around the family that’s been lifting me in prayer for over a decade.

That trip home was nothing short of divine.

I spent precious time with my favorite uncle, who was recovering from surgery himself. Before I left, I told him to keep taking care of his health. His response?

“Not that I want to die, but if I go tonight, I’m okay… because I got to see you.”

Those words cracked something open in me. His wife stood nearby in disbelief, whispering over and over, “We never thought we’d see you again.”

In that moment, I understood why I was still here. Why God preserved me. He is the Great Physician—and He doesn’t lose a single case.

Another unforgettable gift was attending my nephew’s vow renewal ceremony. Ten years ago, I was supposed to attend his wedding. But instead, I was in a coma after a stroke from Sickle Cell. This time, I stood beside him—fully present, rejoicing in their love and the beautiful family they’ve built. It felt like a full-circle miracle.

When my sister-in-law saw me, she just burst into tears. We didn’t need to speak. I simply held her in a long embrace, and that hug said everything.

For those who’ve followed my journey, you’ll remember—I’m from a small but breathtaking Caribbean island: St. Lucia. One of my dreams was to cruise the island by boat… to take in her beauty from the sea. To see the majestic Pitons rising into the sky. To experience the world’s only walk-through and drive-in volcano. And to soak in the warmth of our food, culture, and peace.

This time, I did all of that.

It wasn’t just a vacation. It was restoration. A chance to breathe again. Life had worn me down in every way, and this return to my roots brought a peace I didn’t even know I needed. It gave me space to reset, reflect, and just be.

There’s a photo I took with the Pitons in the background—tall, strong, unshaken. And in it, I saw myself.

Still standing.

Still here.

Still blessed.

Life Lessons at 52 from my Journey.

1. Gratitude is the best attitude. Appreciating small blessings creates a foundation for happiness.
2. Health is wealth. Taking care of your body and mind is essential—wellness is priceless.
3. Cherish relationships. Family, friends, and loved ones are life’s greatest treasures.
4. Faith carries you through. Trusting in a higher power can provide strength during tough times.
5. Every journey is unique. Stop comparing your path to others; your story is yours to write.
6. It’s okay to rest. Pausing doesn’t mean giving up; it means recharging for what’s next.
7. Let go of grudges. Forgiveness frees you more than the person you forgive.
8. Time is precious. Spend it on things and people that truly matter to you.
9. Celebrate milestones. Big or small, each one reflects your growth and resilience.
10. Your voice matters. Share your story—it can inspire and help others in ways you never imagined.
11. Adaptability is strength. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, not as a setback.
12. It’s never too late. Whether it’s learning something new, chasing a dream, or starting fresh, age is just a number.
13. Self-love isn’t selfish. Take time to care for yourself; it’s necessary, not indulgent.
14. Laughter is healing. Finding joy in everyday moments can lighten even the heaviest burdens.
15. Be present. The here and now is all we truly have—make it count.
16. Challenges build character. Every difficulty is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.
17. Trust your intuition. Your inner voice often knows what’s best for you.
18. Kindness leaves a legacy. How you treat others will be remembered long after you’re gone.
19. Success is personal. Define it on your own terms, not by society’s standards.
20. Life is a journey, not a race. Savor each moment and step along the way.

Grab a copy of my book.

https://a.co/d/4wQJVLW