Sammi’s Story
Real Clear Religion: God Gave Me Someone to Fight For
Article appeared in Real Clear Religion | By: Sammi Sallee | Photo Credit: Adobe Stock (stock photo)
Today, I use my testimony to encourage mothers that “crooked lines make beautiful masterpieces.” My proof is my son. He is a healthy almost-two-year-old, and, in my biased opinion, the happiest child in the world.
I am cancer free, and engaged to my boyfriend. I get to watch my parents play with the grandson we’ve given them, who in his small way is beginning to fill the very big shoes of his uncle who loves him from above.
And every single day, I look at my life and realize how different it would be if I had my pregnancy “taken care of.” Instead, God saw that I wasn’t willing to fight for my own life, so He gave me someone to fight for.
Jaxon quite literally brought life and hope to a body that should not have been physically able to sustain it. He is the miracle of my story, the greatest gift I’ve been given, and the very reason I’m here to give back today.
CBN: Cancer, Pregnancy and Hope: How God Healed Me Through the Unexpected
Article appeared in CBN | By: Sammi Sallee
Today, Jaxon is a rambunctious, joyful 2-year-old with zero complications or disabilities. He loves to go to Mass and to pray together as a family (making sure everyone present is participating).
God saved me through the gift of Jaxon. I see it every time I look at him, all the pieces – broken and beautiful. I think about where I was 4 years ago and where I am now, at this very moment.
How did I get here?
The answer is simple – God.
He was there for me despite me turning my back – in fact, I believe He pursued me even more because of it.
When I left Him in the Eucharist, He came to me through my parents, my now-fiance, Father Scott, and the women at Gabriel’s Retreat Ministries. Through them, I learned the value of living as Christ to others – and am now humbled to serve other moms through volunteering at Gabriel’s Retreat Ministries – the same ministry that helped me become the woman and mother I am today.
While I believe my situation was nothing short of a providential miracle, the most miraculous thing was how God brought my heart back to Him amid my deepest despair. By giving me the gift of a child, even in far-from-perfect circumstances, He showed me the beauty of life – and of trust and faith in Him – when I had forgotten it.
