Freda’s introduction, “My name is Freda Higgins and I am an artisan and author of Triumphant currently residing in Reedville, Virginia. My husband, Randy and I have been married twenty-five years. We are blessed with two wonderful sons, Michael and Randy Mathew.”
She talked about her story, “On February 5, 1997, we were given devastating news, our son, Michael, just before his seventeenth birthday, was diagnosed with Leukemia. I thought, this can't be happening, I must be dreaming, there must be some kind of mistake. This disease held Michael and our family hostage for ten years. Hospital stays, trips to the clinic and long nights in the emergency room put a stain on the entire family. Randy Mathew, Michael's brother was crushed to think he could loose his brother, to the point of contemplating suicide. This is a hard thing for a parent to carry in their heart. I so desperately focused on saving Michael, not realizing my other son's life was in jeopardy. My husband, Randy, just wanted our lives back. He missed our family being together because Michael and I were away quite often. It caused a strain in our marriage. Then we were told we were in danger of loosing Michael and called the entire family in to say goodbye.”
Hardship, as difficult as it is to survive, offers lessons.
Freda shared hers, “I have learned not to take one single minute for granted, to give thanks everyday for the blessings in my life. I tell the people I love in my life, just how much they mean to me. And I always put my trust in Jesus. He is listening and there are miracles.”
Spiritually, she has evolved. She discussed this, “Through this journey I have grown closer to God and He has brought more love and compassion into my life that ever before. No, I am not kneeled all of the time when talking with Him, I am in my flower garden or taking long walks, I'm in my car or lying in bed. It doesn't matter where or how you pray, He hears every word in your heart.”
Freda continued, “With the love of our family, we pulled together and held on for the fight of our lives we, weathered this storm.
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