TCP Magazine 20th Anniversary Edition

Page 1

EDITORIAL

For the past two decades, my heart’s desire has been to make a positive impact on our world. In a media landscape often dominated by negativity, I set out to create something different—a platform dedicated to sharing uplifting stories, supporting small businesses, and nurturing communities. Thus, TCP Magazine was born with a vision to serve as both a Small Business Resource Center and a beacon of hope for those whose voices often go unheard.

As I reflect on the journey we’ve embarked on, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support and love that has sustained us. Behind every milestone and accomplishment lies a network of individuals who have selflessly contributed their time, talent, and resources to help us thrive. From my husband, who has been my rock and constant companion, to Denver Wright of WIZPRO Imagineering, LLC, whose vision helped shape the TCP brand, I am indebted to each one of them.

But our journey extends far beyond the confines of our immediate circle. It encompasses the myriad of contributors, sponsors, writers, photographers, and members of various groups who have rallied behind our cause, propelling us forward with their unwavering support. To all of you, I extend my deepest gratitude.

In this special issue, we celebrate the remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of resilience and dedication that defines our community. From the steadfast leadership of Dr. Nathaniel J. Wood, who has guided New Providence Baptist Church for over three decades, to the inspiring story of my husband, Ted Tatum, whose passion for music has only grown stronger with time, each narrative serves as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. p 6-9

Our commitment to uplifting voices from all walks of life is evident in the work of Edith Berry, our Social Media Strategist and Arts Editor, whose dedication to showcasing the Triangle’s vibrant art scene has enriched our pages time and time again. p 18-19

But perhaps what truly encapsulates the essence of our mission is the story of Social Media Sensation Jhavion Tate, whom I met at a chance encounter at Staples. Our conversation, shared by him on TikTok, garnered over 1 million views, underscoring the transformative potential of human connection and serendipity. p 20-21

Amidst the celebrations, we are reminded of Cyndi McKoy’s profound journey. Her unwavering dedication as a caregiver to her husband poignantly reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. p 22-23

As we look ahead to the future, we invite you, our readers, to join us in our mission of spreading good news and supporting our local businesses and communities. With each issue, we reaffirm our commitment to being stewards of positivity in a world that often seems shrouded in darkness.

To our advertisers, whose unwavering support has helped keep our magazine in print, we extend our heartfelt thanks. We encourage our readers to patronize their businesses, ministries, and services, thereby further strengthening the bonds within our community.

As we prepare to embark on the next chapter of our journey with our Anniversary Issue Part II, we invite you to be a part of our story. Together, let us continue to celebrate 20 years of making our world a better place—one story at a time.

CONTENTS
P5 Editorial
P6 Ted Tatum’s New Release
P8 Dr. Nathaniel J. Wood
A.R.T.S.
P15 Peggy Tatum Awards 16-17 The Early Years P18-19 The
P20-21 Jhavion Tate
Contributing Writers Edith Berry Cyndi McKoy Dallas Street Graphics and Layout: Denver Wright, WIZPRO Imagineering, LLC Rick Crank Photography Edith Berry Tonya Indy Hicks Chuck Ruffin Photography Peggy Tatum TCP Magazine tcpmagazine@gmail.com www.tcpmagazine.com 919 796-4724
P22-23 Our Journey
Denver A. Wright & Peggy Tatum

Ted Tatum Releases “Oh Lord I Worship You”

Emergence as a Musician (1969-1975):

Ted Tatum credits his success to his father, a Steelworker who taught him the value of hard work; his mother, a nurse, taught him organizational and life skills.

Early Years and Musical Beginnings (1963-1969):

In 1963, Ted Tatum embarked on a musical journey at the age of seven, with piano lessons costing $5 per week. Under the tutelage of Lillian Ball in Steelton, PA, Ted began learning to play by notes. While Ted practiced the upright piano in their dining room with the window facing the back alley, he could hear the kids playing in the street below. He was committed to 30-minute practice every day except Monday, when he sometimes rode his bike to Miss Ball’s for practice.

Ted stopped lessons at 13. He continued to play in the Glee Club and Chorus Ensemble at Edison Jr. High and John Harris High School in Harrisburg, PA.

Entering a new phase of musical exploration, Ted joined the Showmasters Band at 14, a vibrant ensemble comprising drums, bass, lead guitar, and vocals. Managed by Lester Wiggington, the band made its mark in Steelton and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with spirited performances at local venues and talent contests, including a memorable rendition of “Diamond in the Back” at Edison. Notable appearances included sharing the stage with renowned acts such as the Ohio Players and Detroit Emeralds at the Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg.

Military Service and Spiritual Journey (1975-1983):

Following a two-year stint in the Army and discharge at 21, Ted embarked on a spiritual journey, serving as a musician in various churches in North Carolina. Ted contributed musically to worship services, from First Baptist Roseboro and Smith Chapel in Garland to Point Level Disciples Church in Clinton, enriching congregational experiences.

Dedication to Gospel Music (1983-Present):

In 1983, Ted played for Progressive Baptist and Halifax Baptist in Raleigh, NC, before

TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 6

Ted Tatum Releases “Oh Lord I Worship You” (concluded)

he eventually found a home at New Providence Missionary Baptist in Fuquay-Varina, NC, commencing a dedicated involvement in gospel music. He started playing for the Gospel Choir and then the Male Chorus and transitioned to full-time musician status around 1990, playing for six church groups.

Ted’s musical journey reflects a lifelong dedication to the art form, from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to becoming a revered musician in North Carolina’s gospel music scene. Through perseverance, passion, and unwavering commitment, Ted continues to inspire and uplift through the power of music.

Ted has been a faithful New Providence Baptist Church musician for over 37 years. After retirement from the state government, he set up a studio and began arranging songs, leading to his first release, “Oh Lord I Worship You,” accompanied by Andrea Peterson on vocals.

While testing his new Midi Keyboard, the chords sounded like a lullaby, and he began the arrangement. After sharing the song with Andrea, a worship leader, at Baptist Grove Church the melody came to her immediately, and she and her husband Steve recorded the lyrics with the music, and it was a perfect match.

We encourage worshippers worldwide to download the track and minister to their congregations in their own way. Upload your version to the Facebook Group Page, “BeaRose Music,” so we can magnify His name together. Download the song here: BeaRoseMusic.com

Andrea Peterson

The very moment I heard Ted’s musical arrangement of this beautiful song, the lyrics immediately started to form. There was a divine intersection with the music and the lyrics. The song ushered in thanksgiving and created a declaration of Worship. I thank God for Ted’s gift of creating music that ushers in His presence.

Andrea is a singer, songwriter, and most importantly, an usherer of praise, prayer, and worship. She has a love for God and for His people. She often reflects on Psalm 100 that reminds us in part to make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! She is a consultant and facilitator for leaders and those who have a desire to grow in the knowledge and principles of Worship. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Steven, and is a proud mom to their daughter, Shante’.

TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 7

Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Jeffrey Wood

The following article was written by Dallas Street, one of our outstanding youth members at New Providence, and infused with an article written by Helen Adams, a distinguished senior member who interviewed Rev. Wood when he was on the cover of TCP Magazine in 2010. This is a version of then and now from generational perspectives and Rev. Wood’s perseverance over the past five years.

Reverend Dr. Nathaniel J. Wood is the ideal ‘Child of God’ who loves helping others through his missionary sense of Christ. He is married to Ramona Pearson, and they

have two adult daughters, Naona and Natalie, and three grandsons. Rev. Wood grew up in York, PA, and graduated from William Penn Senior High School. He was a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where his parents, Deacon Major Wood and Deaconess Barbara Wood, were instrumental in his love for God.

His mother loves to tell the story of young Nate preaching at age 5. Her enthusiasm for telling the story is as vivid as the original experience of a doting mother. Not only did she have Nathaniel, but also three other amazing sons: Wayne, Major Jr., and Kevin, who traveled and sang gospel music as The Wood Brothers.

Nathaniel was a well-rounded athlete growing up in his Christian Household. As a kid, his father emphasized that Sundays were used to fellowship with family and God.

In January 1976, Nathaniel Jeffrey Wood was licensed to the Ministry under the tutelage of Reverend Dr. R. J. Manning, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, and ordained in May 1981 by the Central Baptist Association of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention. He served three years as an Assistant to Reverend Dr. J. L. Morgan, First Calvary Baptist Church, Sanford, North Carolina, and as Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Moncure, North Carolina, before his calling to New Providence. In November 1987, Rev. Wood accepted the call to become Pastor of New Providence Baptist Church, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

In 2010, when speaking with Rev. Wood about being a pastor, he talked about some of the challenges of the pastorate. He stated, “There are many challenges that come with being a pastor. The first challenge is trying to provide a ministry relevant to the times in which we live. During this season of economic crises, people need a word of encouragement, and they want to know if “There is a Word from the Lord” that speaks to their circumstances and can give them hope. A second challenge is trying to maintain personal contact with a growing membership. It is important to me to try to know every member of the church by first or last name. Since our church is constantly growing, it has presented a greater challenge for me to remember names and faces. A third challenge of being a pastor is trying to maintain unity in the church. Since the church is made up of people from all walks of life and people who are at different spiritual ma-

TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 8

Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Jeffrey Wood (concluded)

turity levels, it is even more challenging to maintain unity. Perhaps the greatest of all challenges is trying to get and keep parishioners involved in Ministry.”

Ten years later, another challenge hit worldwide with the spread of COVID. During the pandemic, Rev. Wood continued to preach a message of Hope and Perseverance. It was a time when families came

closer together and became more sensitive to each other’s needs. On the return to in-person service, changes were made. Social distancing requirements eliminated Moments of Fellowship, Altar Call, and the traditional Offering Time. There was no more marching around the table for tithes and offerings. Attendees now leave their offering as they exit the church or contribute online. Corporate prayer, the Intercessory Prayer Team, and Bible Study kept everyone covered in prayer. The church stayed connected to its members by all available resources, including social media, and never suffered financially.

Pastor Wood’s hobbies are Fishing and Golfing with his peers; however, life circumstances over the past five years have altered his favorite pastimes. He currently takes dial-

ysis treatment three days a week. As if this wasn’t enough, a fall damaged his leg, and he is required to wear an orthotic shoe that slows his gait. Rev. Wood also had a triple bypass performed and has recovered. He exemplifies perseverance, and God can do anything but fail. He can still grace the pulpit, sing and deliver fiery sermons after everything he’s been through. He recently received approval for a kidney transplant. Please pray with us that all goes well in every aspect of this journey.

This year marks 35 years since Rev. Wood took over the leadership of New Providence. He has brought to the church a commitment to the pursuit of excellence, the practice of holistic Ministry, and his vision of kingdom-building. The church has approximately 30 auxiliaries available for all age groups to engage their talents in spiritual, mental, and physical growth within the four walls of the church and in the community. A very active Food Pantry serves 600 individuals a month with healthy food options.

Rev. Wood would like his love for God and people to be remembered as his mark on the world. His accomplishments in church building and academic achievements are minor compared to his love for God and his family.

New Providence is considered “The Friendly Church of Worship.” For more information, visit us online at www.newprovidencebaptist.com.

Credentials: After graduating from William Penn Senior High School, Rev. Wood received an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies, as well as Advanced Certificates in the same academic areas from Carolina Bible College, Fayetteville, North Carolina. He received a Master of Theology Degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, Georgia. He has attended several other colleges and universities, including Florida Bible College, Hollywood, FL; Manna Bible Institute, Philadelphia, PA; and Shaw University, Raleigh, NC.

In October 2007, Dr. Wood was conferred the honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree by the Saint Thomas Christian College of Jacksonville, Florida.

TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 9
TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 11
TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 12
TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 13

Peggy Tatum/TCP Magazine Awards and Honors

2003 Prestige Award TV/Media Award of the Year

2007 and 2008 NCGAG Print Media of the Year

2007 Contributing Editor for the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Conference Magazine

2007 Theologian Award - Excellence in Service Honors

2008 Print Media of the Year National GMWA-GAG

2008 Greater Harvest International Fellowship Heart of the Community Award

2009 Appointed Chair of the Board, Amazing Grace Etiquette

2009 DMP Promotions Impact Award

2010 Crystal Mic Media Award Top 5

2010 19th Annual Unsung Heroes Banquet Businessperson of the Year

2011, 2013 Rhythm of Gospel Print Media of the Year Nominee

2012 8th Anniversary of TCP Magazine, Honored by the NCGAG, WIDU Radio, Amazing Grace Etiquette and the Raleigh African American Chamber of Commerce

2012 Raleigh African American Chamber of Commerce Business Award

2012 Ministry of Excellence Award

2013 A Person of Influence presented by Global Economic Empowerment Engine

2013-2018 Honored 62 Women of Triumph

2013–2017 Recognized 105 Hometown Heroes in NC, SC, VA, FL

2014 Treasure Her Legacy of Elegance Award Honoree

2015 Founded The Female Pastors Fellowship

2015 Vessel of Honor Leadership Award

2016 100 Men for Christ Community Outreach Award

2017 The Cathy Hughes Business Community Service Award Nominee

2018 BBU Living Legend Award

2019 Recognized as a Partner by the City of Raleigh Police Department for contributions to the Girls Leadership Camp

2021 ACHI Living Legend Award

2022 President of the United States’ Lifetime Achievement Award

2023 Pastor Brenda Joyce Best Royal Warren Community Outreach Award

2024 The Walk Worthy Society Community Heroes Award

2024 Sisters Inspiring Sisters Chairman’s PEARL Legacy Award

2024 Rhythm of Gospel Lady of Virtue Award

THE A.R.T.S.

The production of The North Carolina Theatre’s “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” was the last production I saw at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Many songs you may have heard over the years written by Carole King and co-writer Gerry Goffin include “Up on the Roof”, “The Locomotion”, and “One Fine Day”. You may be more familiar with the song Aretha Franklin sang called, (“You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. The performers were mostly from New York City and our local artists. The North Carolina Theatre Conservatory utilized our young people as overture singers to give exposure to performing on stage.

A

“Piece of My Heart”

, is a true story of six women, five nurses and a country western singer booked by an unscrupulous agent who went to Vietnam. It portrays their lives before, during, and after their tour of duty. Each woman leaves a personal token at the memorial wall in Washington, DC. This production held at The Firebox Theatre in Wake Forest, NC, portrayed the important roles women held in the army to support troops previously held by males.

Black History Program Tri-C Ministries had a goal to incorporate the arts from the community.

They had Comedian DWissh, a national artist, Thespian Gerald Lou Campbell as Rev. Reginald Mabry in the production of Chicken and Biscuits at NRACT, Randie Forne presented Angry Black Blood, and yours truly presented Carrie Watts from the production of The Trip to Bountiful.

The Triangle Friends African American Arts showcase African American productions for their upcoming season annually at Raleigh Little Theatre. This venue allows theatre companies to perform snippets of their staged play which would encourage theatergoers to patronize upcoming productions.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” performed at The Leggett Theater in a production by Pure Life Theatre in Raleigh, NC. Ma Rainey’s career inspired a film and portrayed a dramatic role of a recording session in Chicago during the 1920s.

“Mahalia: A Gospel Musical” is a celebration of the life and music of Mahalia Jackson produced at North Raleigh Arts Creative Theatre (NRACT) depicted her background from New Orleans to Chicago and her travels globally sharing her faith and beliefs. She became the musical voice of the civil rights movement during a time when our country endured racial segregation and discrimination.

“Skeleton Crew” was performed by The Justice Theatre Project in Raleigh, NC. It portrayed auto factory workers on the brink of closing in Detroit, Michigan in 2008. The foreman must make a challenging decision as the blue-collar boss to enforce rules implemented by his white-collar bosses.

“Always...Patsy Cline” was performed at North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre about the life and legacy of country singer and member of the Grand Ole Opry. Patsy Cline became the first female performer inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973. She died in a plane crash in Tennessee at the age of 30.

TikToker Jhavion Tate Shares His Gift of Laughter

This is a story of how a chance meeting in Staples led to a conversation with a content creator whose eventual social media post led to over one million TikTok views, 38,000 views on Instagram, and countless views on Facebook.

While waiting in line for some printing, I noticed a wellgroomed, neatly dressed young man waiting on an equally impressive young lady designing some business cards. I complimented his attire and asked him if he was a student. He said he was a content creator, and of course, I had to ask, “What type of content do you do?” Apparently, he sees me as a pigeon for his next viral content, and the next thing he says is, “I’m from Dubai.” My mind raced for a comeback, trying to process a young black man from Dubai conversing with me. My response came straight from my momma’s term of endearment. I just said, “Shut Your Mouth”.

I was not on TikTok and had no desire to add another social media platform to my repertoire. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, and X were more than enough to manage. But to see what was going on with this viral sensation, I had to peek into the world of TikTok. I was captivated by the sheer allegiance of 23-year-old Jhavion Tate, with over 800,000 followers who are as dedicated as Beyonce’s BeyHive.

Sixty seconds is all it takes to get the conversation rolling. In this post, his followers accepted me as a sweet old lady, and thousands of comments made me chuckle. The interaction was an eye-opener for me. When you watch the interview, you will see how he asked me where I got the items I was wearing. Each answer was, “It Was A Gift”. I never realized until then how blessed I am with the numerous gifts I receive from friends and the gift of meeting Jhavion.

Since our initial meeting, we sat down for an interview, as I promised. My mind was ticking about how the church struggles with the youth population and how to reach them where they reside on social media strategically. We also attended church together, where Jhavion met his favorite artist, Lisa Knowles-Smith. This interaction with her went viral with over 100,000 views within two days. He’s a church boy for sure. I can tell by how he beats that tambourine and those light feet. He just uses his gift for gab and humor in a nontraditional manner.

Here are some highlights from our interview. To hear the complete interview, visit my YouTube Channel @peggytatum253.

Background and Faith: Jhavion shares some personal background, including being born in Dubai and being involved in church activities. He sees his online presence as a form of ministry, reaching out to young people who may not attend traditional church services.

Social Media Success: Jhavion mentions his success on TikTok, where he has garnered a significant following and millions of views. Starting out, no one wanted to share their expertise. Since he has climbed his way up the ladder to

TikToker Jhavion Tate (concluded)

stardom, he is mentoring others to become successful and exposing others through a Talent Show on TikTok.

Educational Pursuits: Jhavion expresses his pride in his teeth and sees his smile as an essential aspect of his identity and wants to pursue a dentistry career alongside his social media work. He is currently enrolled in community college. He emphasizes, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. What if social media is snatched away from you? Have a backup plan.”

Near-Fatal Accident: Jhavion recounts a serious accident he had while riding a four-wheeler, which resulted in a significant head injury and hospitalization. On May 7, 2019, he was riding four-wheelers with his friends. He was driving one with a friend in the back while another was on a separate vehicle. Jhavion was recording a live video on Snapchat with one hand on the handlebar and his companion behind him holding on to the other. While distracted by his phone, he collided with his friend in front of him, resulting in him being thrown off the vehicle and hitting his head and left side on the concrete. Jhavion was unconscious for two weeks and spent an additional four to five weeks in the hospital for recovery.

He describes the spiritual significance of surviving the accident and the role of prayer in his recovery. The doctors wanted to perform surgery. His mom said, “You know, I don’t want him to have any scars that he has to remember this.” But she also said no because she was going back and forth, talking to God, talking to God, talking to God. Plus, his grandparents, who are pastors, had the church, talking to God, talking to God, talking to God. Jhavion exclaimed, “And one thing God did do was he showed up on my behalf. So that’s why I, to this day, put God first, and I said, you know, I am nothing without God because if it had not been for him, who was there on that phone with me, with his hand on me, I wouldn’t be here today talking to you.”

Life Perspective and Purpose: The conversation delves into

Jhavion’s outlook on life and his belief in fulfilling his purpose. He shares anecdotes about positive interactions with followers and emphasizes the importance of bringing joy and laughter to others. His posts have bought folks out of depression and who were on the brink of suicide.

Reflection on Support: Jhavion expresses gratitude for the support he’s received from friends, family, and followers, highlighting the impact of small gestures and words of encouragement.

“I have friends all over the world. I especially want to thank Jakara, Dace, Spotlight Shannell, Fayb0, and Rodrigo.”

Social media has redirected the attention of not only our youth but adults as well. What are your success stories with reaching the youth population in your community. I would love to hear them. In the meantime, to hear the rest of the interview with Jhavion, visit my YouTube Channel @peggytatum253. To order a copy of this magazine issue, visit www.tcpmagazine.com.

OUR JOURNEY

“I’ll see you later on” was a phrase I often heard as my husband would leave the house, whether going to help his mom or brother at the Funeral Home or as he left for his 3 day a week job with Amazon. But on this day, it was around 7:30 am when I heard him say those words. I stepped into the kitchen to reply, “Okay, Honey, I’ll see you later.” When he left that day, I had no idea that these would be the last words that I would hear my husband speak.

Most of us know James McKoy, Jr. by Phil McKoy, the oldest boy out of thirteen and that traditional keyboard player from St. Pauls, NC. He was a sharp dresser, and he never met a stranger. He had only started Amazon three weeks earlier, but he was already well-known by his younger co-workers as Mr. James. On this day, he would head to work, and I left to go to work as I had retired and was working with my daughter in her Real Estate Firm.

As I was working on things at my desk, my daughter’s phone rang; it was about 10:30 am, and she calmly answered and responded to the caller. Then, she calmly told us we must hurry and go to the hospital. I ask her what’s wrong – and she tells me to drive. When we finally got to the Emergency room, she jumped out of the car, took my phone, and told me to park the car and hurry in. My mind is racing, and I do not know where or what, as I am trying to gain access to the hospital – everyone who hears my name is rushing me through; I should have known something – But I never thought it was him.

As I finally got to the ER, two ladies met me and told me that they were going to have the doctor explain to me the condition of my husband. My heart dropped. It is Wednesday, March 15, 2023, around 11:00 am. Life, as I have known it until now, has changed. Is my husband alive or dead? I was waiting with my daughter and her husband when four people entered this small room and told us he was alive, but he had coded three times and was in an induced coma. Shortly afterward, we were taken to the ICU, where he was to spend seven days attached to breathing machines, tubes in his mouth and his nose. After asking what happened, I was told he did not have a stroke or heart attack. Low Magnesium and Potassium shut his heart down. Faced with decision after decision, feeling confused and alone, I wanted to give him every chance he had to live – so we opted for a tracheostomy and a feeding tube to keep him breathing and fed.

As March turned to April and complication after complication – I am reading, researching – while praying, reading, and proclaiming the Word of God over him, playing brain healing frequencies, and keeping his hands, arms, and legs rubbed constantly. I started to see some movement. Hallelujah!! Now April has turned to May

– he is stable. I am told to find a suitable Nursing Home and put him in Hospice because the parts of his brain that are damaged affect his eyes and speech. With this type of Brain injury, many people never recover; they may never walk, talk, or see again. This is not how I envisioned our golden years to be. We just came home from a great trip to New Orleans with plans to travel more. Whew, want to talk about life–living? To know me, you know I am a fighter; I have been a fighter all my life – so now – let the good fight of Faith begin.

May 9, 2023, I am not sure what I expected. My daughter’s health has now taken a dive, and she is fighting to save herself. There are so many decisions and few visible resources, and I am alone. I then remember the prayer a former mentor would pray: bring the people that need to be here and PS – keep those that do not need to be here away. That was the only way I could get my mind to comprehend where I was as I was in the struggle of my life. To find out that you worked all your life to obtain stability, something like this happens, and you do not have enough to get what you need. The system says you make and have too much for us to help you. I found myself between a rock and a hard place.

I converted his keyboard/guest room and brought my husband home to a familiar place. Hard is an understatement but necessary. I had no idea what to do or where to find what I needed. But I knew what I did not need, so by the end of May, he had a heart attack, and they refused to do any corrective surgery because he was non-verbal and in a semi-conscious state. At the end of May, I had to fire Hospice. The next move was to see if his doctor would take him back as a patient - and I got a Home Health company, and within a week, they fired me, LOL – just because I knew too much. As I sought out another Home Health Company to assist us, I found one with Angels within.

In the meantime, I am borrowing wheelchairs because I know how to get him better; I must get some doctors to see him. So, nothing is easy, not even acquiring transportation to and from the appointments. But God. Everyone who sees him mentions how his skin glows, that he does not have bed sores, and that he should not be doing what he is doing. I will repeat it, “But God!” By July, he’s off oxygen, and his eyes follow me around the room. By August, he’s off the humidified air machine; in October, he is decannulated and catches pneumonia; we fight that off; we’ve been in and out of the ER because Phil is now bedridden; I must wait between 6 to 12 hours after discharge to get a ride home.

In August, we wanted to take a trip to Hawaii for our 22nd Anniversary; I themed and decorated the house as if we were going on his birthday. In November, I decorated his room for Thanksgiving. I cooked, and we celebrated alone. Christmas, I cooked, and we celebrated it with our grandson, Larry Jr., who has not missed a celebration.

This journey has been a labor of Love – many ups and downs, highs and lows. The one regret I have is that his mother did not get the chance to see him without the Tracheotomy, as she passed on October 11, the day after his father’s birthday. I get him up in his wheelchair daily as we go into this next phase of his journey. He is still non-verbal and bedridden, but I trust God that will not be the end of the story as he is making sounds and is trying to get up.

The demand and expenses are high. Our goals and expectations are also high. I could not have made it this far without the support of my children, my grandkids, family and friends. I appreciate all of you who have stepped up, and I am so thankful for the prayers that have sustained us throughout this journey. As progress continues, the need will also rise. Will you consider helping us in any way to get my husband back to as normal as God will have it?

Follow “Phil McKoy – Our Unexpected Journey” on Facebook. Cash App donations can be made to $ladyfavor.

TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 24
“All My Battles Are Won in Prayer”

New Book from Dr. Freida Henderson

Synopsis:

In “All My Battles Are Won in Prayer,” Dr. Freida Henderson delves into the profound significance of prayer in our lives and how it serves as the ultimate weapon against life’s challenges. Drawing from her own experiences and deep spiritual insights, Dr. Henderson reveals the transformative power of prayer and its ability to bring victory in every aspect of our lives.

Through compelling narratives, practical guidance, and profound revelations, Dr. Henderson demonstrates how prayer is not just a religious ritual but a dynamic force that can conquer adversity, instill hope, and pave the way for miracles. She asserts that when we engage in prayer sincerely and earnestly, we tap into a divine power that transcends human limitations and enables us to emerge triumphant in the face of adversity.

Whether you are grappling with personal struggles, seeking guidance in times of uncertainty, or simply yearning for a deeper connection with the divine, “All My Battles Are Won in Prayer” offers invaluable insights and inspiration. Dr. Henderson’s message is clear: through prayer, we possess the key to unlock limitless potential and achieve victory in every area of our lives.

To embark on a transformative journey toward understanding the profound power of prayer, purchase “All My Battles Are Won in Prayer” today on Amazon or visit thewinningapproach. com. Allow Dr. Freida Henderson’s wisdom to guide you toward a life of faith, resilience, and triumph.

TCP XX ANNIVERSARY PAGE 26
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.