In November 2007, I was hospitalized for 21 days with an undetected illness that had been dormant for several years. The

quietness of the hospital allowed plenty of time to reflect on some things; and, in some cases, to not think at all, which was also refreshing.

First, I was thankful that God gave me the good sense to go to the emergency room when my self-diagnosis ran out of options and could not explain why I had been nauseated for two days.

Next, I thought about why the doctors (seven of them) and nurses referred to me as their “miracle child.” I was especially puzzled by this phenomenon in that I never considered that I would not leave the hospital well.

And, lastly, I found comfort in the plethora of wonderful friends who have become my extended family and who were

there for me.

To the doctors, I was amazingly healthy for a 50-year-old African American female. All of my health indicators – cholesterol, sugar, blood pressure, heart, etc. – were at very healthy levels without medication. I credit that to prevention that started when I was in my teen years at the advice of my paternal grandfather – Mr. “Tuck” as he was known in the community.

Mr. “Tuck” had just undergone a procedure for a heart pacemaker that caused an abrupt change in his diet. He said, “Do

it now, Grandma (that was his nickname for me) so you don’t have to suffer later.” Immediately I eliminated adding raw

salt to season food at the table, and increased my “live” food intake (fresh fruits and vegetables). At that time, my family

still raised a lot of our food – hogs, cows, chickens, sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, beans, okra, etc.; so, the transition was easy.

Physical activity was part of my fabric while growing up. We were expected to stay busy doing something constructive

(most times just playing outside). Our family believed that constant motion kept a mind and body healthy. Through the

years, this has become my mantra. An avid gardener, I still grow some of my own food year-round.

When I became sick, my religious faith provided a critical lifeline. At first I felt that my hospital stay was only a result of

a temporary problem and that I would go home healthy – sooner than later. After my 11th day in a hospital bed, I realized I

was really sick, and needed help beyond the type doctors can provide.

While many friends and family had reassured me that they were praying for me, it occurred to me finally that I really had

not prayed for myself! I learned that intercessory is a complement to personal petitions. I took for granted that God knew

and that he would fix me. On Day 15, as on onslaught of specialists was scratching their heads and trying to come up

with a diagnosis, my system slowly weakened. Prayer gave me a way to seize greater control.

On day 19, the medical team woke me up in the middle of the night to give me a blood transfusion and indicate that I might have to go back to surgery. I refused the blood and asked for a day to think about my options. The next day I called my “Bedside Baptist” friend (you know who you are) to pray with me. Two days later, I had fully recovered; doctors released me without any medication or diet restrictions!

The hospital staff often complimented me on the colorful flowers in the room full of my round-the-clock visitors. One

asked me if I was a “celebrity or something”, especially after she noticed one of the hospital’s board members visiting on a

regular basis. It was my pastor and his wife.

In listening to a morning news show when they were reviewing the book, “Who’s Got Your Back”, the author Keith Ferrazzi described the book as one that reminds us that we need solid relationships of an inner circle that will not let us fall or fail. He stressed that it is important to have a “buddy system” to look out for each other. My illness demonstrated why friendships and fellowship are essential to our well-being.

In summary, health and wellness consists of a holistic approach –

Physical – eat right and stay physically active.

Spiritual – get connected beyond this earthly mortal life – keep hope alive!

People – keep a positive inner circle of people – friends and family.