"Thank you, Hadonica, for making me feel good again. You will be a forever friend." -Pam Chamness
Almost 2 years ago, I suddenly found out that I had a “mass” on my brain. I will never forget that day because I have never been so shocked and scared. The doctors suggested that I not leave the hospital because they recommended that I have it removed as soon as possible. Before surgery, the neurosurgeon told me and my family about the possible horrible risks that could happen after surgery (if I lived through it). I have been a Christian for a long time, and I thought I knew what it was like to pray and trust. I quickly learned what it truly meant to be a real Christian. Of course, I prayed for God to heal me and protect me, but I also prayed for God to have HIS way and if it was HIS time for me to go, then I wanted to be with Him in Heaven. I truly had to trust in God and put my life in doctors’ hands that I had never met.
After the mass was removed, I ended up staying in the hospital for 3 weeks with almost no problems other than some therapy, radiation, and getting my strength back. I thank God for taking care of me, but I pray that God allowed me to go through all this not just to increase my faith, but to help others increase their faith too. If it only helped one person, it was all worth it. After all, Romans 8:28 says that He works EVERYTHING for our good. whether it’s good or bad that we must go through. I can’t say that everything will always turn out the way WE want, but if we put our trust in Him, it will turn out the way He knows is best for us and no matter the results, He will get the glory. It’s not about me or anything I have done. It’s all about HIM. If you get a chance to listen to the song “You Get the Glory” by Jonathan Traylor, that is the message I aim to live and spread.
A year and a half later, I still struggle with weakness and some of the meds make me tired, so I haven’t really felt like getting dressed up or putting on makeup or fixing my hair. I lost some of my hair, and all I wanted to do was keep it covered. I saw on Facebook some awesome pictures that Hadonica took and she even had someone to do hair and makeup. I would look at the pictures and wish that I could feel pretty. I have NEVER liked pictures of myself. I was about to turn 50 and thought this could be a nice treat to myself to get all dolled up and celebrate life because God kept me here and kept me for a reason, so why not? It was such an awesome experience. Hadonica made me feel so comfortable the entire time. Not just Hadonica, but everyone on her team too. They made me feel so special and were like a friend that I needed to pick me up. When it was over, I was hot (hence turning 50) and tired but it was so fun.
I thought to myself, and even told my husband, I don’t think I will find a picture that I will even want to purchase because I just don’t like pictures of myself. I was blown away. When Hadonica sent me the message that my gallery of pictures was ready, I prepared myself to try not to get depressed because all I could think that I was going to see was an old, fat person that I didn’t like. When I opened the pictures and showed them to my husband, we both were so stunned and emotional. We both cried because we thought of how much we had gone through and the pictures (especially of us both) were so special. I can’t really explain in words because the feelings were so overwhelming. I loved almost every picture and wanted to buy them and show the world. Thank you, Hadonica, for making me feel good again. You will be a forever friend.
-Pam Chamness