Peggy Hatton

On the book of life, the page yesterday is over. The future is blank, today is being written. My life was impacted significantly, when I was diagnosed with my first brain tumor. I was experiencing severe headaches, and knew something was wrong. Therefore, a MRI was ordered! The next week, my doctor called me at work, and gave me the results. She said Ms. Hatton, you have a brain tumor." I said "what?" I wanted to scream to the roof top, but I was at work. The first thing, that came to my mind was, I am going to die. Of course, I left work because, I wasn't in any shape to continue working. I notifed the supervisor, of the situation, and I had to leave. My cousin picked me up from work. Everyone reacted like, I was already dead. I was very devastated, my life was, shattered, just like that. This is when my life changed. I was like l uncontrollable child, that want stop crying. This was one of life challenges, when you hurt so bad. I kept saying,"Why me, Lord?" I knew, God was the only one, that could comfort me. I prayed for a peaceful mind, and strength to accept what was. God granted me what I asked for, and I was ready for surgery. After talking with God, the holy spirit said, Peggy, why not you? I will always be with you, don't be discouraged. My visit with neurosurgery went smoothly, and my surgery date and pre-op information were given. The brain tumor was large, and needed to be removed asap. I found my second chance in life, when I woke up after my brain tumor was surgically removed. Although, I woke up blind, and couldn't see, God brought me out of darkness, into the marvelously light. I knew then, God had given me a second chance, making me the head, not the tail. God kept his hands on me, during my surgery and recovery. After 6 months, I was able to return to work. I never had the capability, I had before the surgery. However, I had gratitude for being grateful, and handle the present with confidence, to face my future with no fear.

Eight years had passed, since my brain tumor was removed. I started having headaches again. I knew the brain tumor had returned. Pain let you know something is out of order. Another MRI was taken, and the brain tumor had returned. I accepted the news, and took it better, the second time around. I worked 28 years in the medical field, until my second brain tumor overpowered me. I had major complications, which caused me to become disabled. This job was all, I knew employment wise and financial. I was planning on retiring, unfortunately this didn't happen. Instead, I was forced into the wilderness, searching for solutions. "Where do I fit in society? I didn't know who I was anymore. Hardship hit, and the aftermath left me living in poverty. I lived like a homeless person, traveling to food pantries just to survive. All I could do, was cry and pray, and keep my faith. It was a nightmare, my life was robbed for such a long time. Life was living me! I kept praying for deliverance. I was bitter for a long time, until oneday, I learned to accept what was, and have faith in what will be. I let go of the past, in order to start a new beginning. We have to fall sometimes, in order to stand. It's growth in the wilderness, it's a testing place to be renewed, in order to become stronger and wiser. My soul was restored in the wilderness. Today, I don't know my future prognosis, but I know the God, that I serve. Today, I am wounded badly. However, I am claiming victory for a full recovery. My body can't sustain too many major surgeries. Oneday, I will be crossing over, to the other side. Over there my battles will be over. I fear not, because I found peace in God. I fought a good fight of faith. My victory is already won. My last request is to share my testimony/journey, to enlighten someone's faith. Brain Tumors are very devastating, and this could've happen to anyone. It's personal to me. When I look back over my life, tears flow, because if it wasn't for God on my side, I wouldn't be here to share my story. I strongly urge victims to keep praying and fighting to win. If you live through defeat, you're not defeated. If you are beaten, and acquire wisdom, you have won. We live in the future with life challenges, happening over and over. Therefore, you must be prepared for the unexpected at any given time. I accepted my past with no regrets. I didn't get stuck, but moved past circumstances. God grace and mercy brought me through, all my burdens and battles. I might not have a luxury life, but I have a peaceful life serving God. It's not about me, it's about how God can do the impossible. My life is definitely a good example. God lifted me up and turned me around. He wanted me to be a living testimony, to share what he has done in my life. God is worthy to be praise. Amen!