I will never forget the day I had four different doctors tell me that there would be no chance of me ever having a healthy pregnancy and have a safe delivery. The out pour of emotions I felt made all the color leave my body and I sat still in silence for a moment without ever responding to the doctors. More than anything in the world, I always wanted to become a mom. I was born with a nurturing spirit. Growing up as a little girl at the age of just two years old I took on the responsibilities of taking care of my younger sister Armani that was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called “metachromatic leukodystrophy” that causes loss of motor skills, muscle functions and memory loss. I learned how to feed my sister, change her medicine tubes, and keep her clean. Honestly, from what I remember it never felt like a job to me, I just enjoyed being able to spend time with my sister and making her happy. I was grateful to have her and I always cherished our time together. Unfortunately, with this disorder her life expectancy was cut short. At the age of five years old she took her last breath in my fathers arms and I prayed that one day I could become a loving mother and take care of my daughter the way I nurtured my sister. My health was declining significantly and the amount of stress i endured on a day to day was leading me down a path to destruction. I prayed constantly and asked God to guide me, to please take over. I didn’t have any fight left in me to bare anymore harm to myself. God spoke to me and reassured me that I will become what I was destined to be if I’m willing to sacrifice and start all over. Give up unhealthy eating habits, toxic people in my life, and looking for love in all the wrong places. I began writing in my journal more often and just about everyday I wrote at least one thing I’m grateful for to express my gratitude. Changing my perspective on life and letting go of all that no longer served me, elevated my life tremendously. I had no particular timing in mind. I was focused on the “win” and not “when” all that was promised to me would happen. I was grateful to be on the right track and getting back to me. Redefining my self worth and understanding what it means to love myself just as I am and how to be a better me. Yet, six months later I met the love of my life not knowing he would be more than I could ever imagine in a partner. My best friend, teammate, lover, and protector. We developed our relationship with peace, love, and understanding. During this time, my partner also respected and supported my healthy lifestyle and did everything in his power to ensure I was at my best. After a year of being together, we got the greatest surprise on his birthday. I was pregnant! We were so overjoyed and nervous all at once. Soon as we found out, i immediately thought about what all those doctors told me and I decided to erase that from my mind and speak life, peace, and love into my pregnancy. On March 13,2022 I gave birth to my beautiful healthy baby girl Armani. We both decided to name our daughter after my sister. My daughter has her own personal angel watching over her. Life has truly shown me that even in times of strife, to always be grateful. You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side of the storm.