Excerpt
"This is not happening! There's been a mistake!" These were some of my thoughts as I sat in the
doctors' office on Saturday, October 17, 1987. I felt like the devil had slapped me in the face and said, "Surprise!!
You thought you were going to be happy! Surprise!! Who told you that you were going to get by that easy?
I told you as a child, that you'd never be anything, you'd never have anything and no one would ever want you!
Surprise!! Surprise!!" A
visit to an ophthalmologist revealed Bilateral Retinoblastoma, which means that my 10-month old son had cancerous tumors in
the retinas of both of his eyes. I had just begun to live, so I thought.
I was twenty years old, had been married going on two years, and what I always wanted was growing inside of me, a baby
boy! I remember how happy I was throughout my pregnancy. Especially after I got over the morning sickness and
the migraine headaches! I’d watch closely as my stomach moved up, down, and all around as my baby became more
and more active. My stomach expanded far beyond the waistband of most of my pants and skirts. But that was fine
with me, because I felt privileged to have a life living and moving around inside of me. I greatly anticipated his arrival.
Photo
Cube Generator
At that time, medical
technology was not as advanced as it is today. Sometimes the sonogram could reveal whether the baby was a boy or a girl,
and sometimes it could not. So, by faith I believed I had received what I’d asked God for--a baby boy! Before
he was born, I bought most of his baby clothing and bedding in blue. When I rubbed my stomach, I called him Lil’
Kevin, which means “Kind and Gentle.” I read and talked to him every day. I adjusted my diet according
to what was recommended for expectant mothers. I loved drinking Pepsi, but because of its’ caffeine content, I
stopped drinking it. I craved Lucky Charms in the morning and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Sometimes
I’d come home from work and my husband, whom I’ll refer to as Big Kevin because my son shares the same name, would
meet me at the front door with the perfect combination of peanut butter and jelly on a sandwich. You know how we are
ladies, if the food we crave is not just right, it just does not satisfy, and everyone around us knows it! Therefore,
it had to have two spoonfuls of peanut butter and one spoonful of jelly! I also loved Kentucky Fried Chicken, but after
I became pregnant, it tasted and smelled like every single piece was burnt and cooked over an open fire. I don’t
know how healthy my cravings were, but they sure did satisfy!
Lil’ Kevin was my heart. Little did I know that when God wants to get our attention, he tugs at our heart! There
are many plans in a man’s heart, but the purpose of God prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
There are times when God shows us the blessings He has in store for us, but what He does not show us is what we have to go
through to get there. God gave Joseph a dream telling him that he would be used in a mighty way. What He did not
tell Joseph was that before the dream would become reality, he would be sold like a slave by his own brothers, falsely accused,
and thrown into jail. I also had some dreams of my own, dreams
of having a loving marriage with lots of children. I also had dreams of singing on stage in front of lots of people.
Not just singing to sound good, but singing to bring about a change in the lives of my audience. As a child I’d
sit in the window of my bedroom and sing, imagining I was in a movie or something. I did a little bit of singing in
middle school. One year, as the Christmas shoppers traveled to and fro on a cold December afternoon, I sang Ave’
Marie with my school chorus. As a senior in high school, I sang for several school functions. I’ve been
a member of three different church choirs, being the lead singer for several songs. Still trying to pursue my passion,
while I was one month pregnant with my third child, I took singing lessons with Mrs. Carter, whose husband was the director
of the Morgan State University choir in Baltimore, Maryland.
As for my dreams of having a family, I always wanted 7 children. I used to sit in class while attending middle school,
and while some other kids would doodle and draw pictures on their notebooks, I’d write down 7 names, first and middle
names, of my future children. I would go to the Inner Harbor and sit on the bench just to watch the babies go by in
their strollers. So many precious faces, so many wonderful little people. I’d dream of having a house full
of these precious little people. Unknowingly, God’s ultimate plan for my life was just beginning!
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Book Reviews
Hi
Toni,
I had no idea that you had been through something like that. Wow! I was very touched by your story. I cannot
even imagine how difficult those first few years would've been with what your son went through. Only God can walk
you through that kind of thing. I love reading people's stories and hearing about their faith walk. Yours
truly inspired me!
Thanks, Margaret _____________________________________________________
Toni is
someone I proudly call friend...dearest friend and confidant. From the moment I met her, I was drawn to her. She
represents to me a strong and powerful woman of God! I believe this book is from the innermost deepest part of her being.
She poured her soul into the pages of this book. Her very life is contained within this book which is why we can
only be healed, delivered, set free, encouraged, and built-up. This book is a testimony to what God has done and can
do again for you and me. What you read about Kevin
is already a miracle and to see the self-sufficient young man he has become is another miracle. His life has been one
of miracles and he has more to come his way. God is preparing him for greater things! May God bless every page, every book, and every
reader who opens it and enters into these lives. As Toni has said, “Don't Be Afraid”. As He has
prepared Toni, He will prepare you too through her experiences.
Agape`.....
Gratefully
submitted by: Rosetta Thompson CEO The Wedding Library and Cafe
www.theweddinglibraryandcafe.com
_____________________________________________________
“Don’t Be Afraid: He’s Preparing You!” is truly inspiring. It transforms your
perspective of those who are visually impaired. Little Kevin’s life proves that blindness is just an inconvenience
as you travel through his life from a baby to a strong young man. Toni takes you through her journey of motherhood:
The seasons and trials of a young wife and mother to a mature and virtuous woman of God. You will see the new world
that God introduces to her through her son, Little Kevin. It tells how God blessed her with so much support through
family and friends. This book illustrates that whatever we go through, if we just let go and open our lives for his
will, He will blow our minds with a world filled with people who will make a major impact in our lives. As this book
is titled, God is preparing us for our divine purpose.
Be Blessed,
Lydia Rugh
______________________________________ ______________
Toni Hatton's book, "Don't
Be Afraid: He's Preparing You!", has been a true inspiration. I felt her fear and pain, as one mother
to another. Then I realized how God truly made a miracle happen out of a tragic situation. God gave her hope and
determination and she persevered. God never left her side. He gave her the strength to go on. As I read
her book I could feel the Lords presence in her life. " I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews
13:5
Rose Willson Fort Meade, MD
_____________________________________________________
I just wanted to let you know that I read your book and really
enjoyed it. I could not put it down until I was done. You've talked about having a blind son, but never fully in
detail. I commend you on sharing your courageous journey. I know that I don't know what I would have
done if I was in your shoes. You have shown me that with perseverance, you can survive! You are a great encourager
and have shown people that with the right attitude, you don't have to give up on life. Kevin is a great warrior!
Keep up the good work!
Natrell Darden
____________________________________________________
Ms. Toni Hatton,
Wow, what a wonderful expression of your undying faith and love
for Christ. I started reading this book last evening and finished today. It was hard for me to put it down.
I just wanted to keep reading. Your words really touched my heart and I am encouraged by your incredible faith.
I could feel the beauty of your spirit when I first met you, but to read your words just confirmed what a great woman of God
you really are. As I face the challenge of Juvenile Diabetes with my own son, your book made me want to push him to
even higher heights. For that I thank you. As I read the book I was most touched by the little girl who made sure
there were beeping eggs at her party for Lil' Kevin. What a great gesture of caring and friendship. That brought
tears to my eyes, it was just so precious. I look forward to seeing more from you because I know you have so much more
to share with the world. May God Continue to Bless you Abundantly
Ms. Kimmoly Rice
President
& CEO
Life Institute For Excellence, LLC
____________________________________________________
I could not put Toni’s
book down! I read it in two days. Her faith, strength, patience, fortitude, are simply amazing! Don’t
Be Afraid: He’s Preparing You! reveals the epitome of a mother’s love and the
guidance of a loving God. This book has left an indelible mark on my life. Kevin’s story has fueled me to
reach my goals with no excuses. Toni paves the way for us to become more resourceful, inquisitive, and thankful each
day. This book deserves more than one read!
Bernice
Coles, Bernice Coles Unlimited, LLC
_____________________________________________________
It was my pleasure to read this book! Initially, I was skeptical, thinking that it would be like
other books I’ve read. After a few chapters, I began to understand so much! Tears flowed from my eyes as I read about
Toni’s struggle and her great faith. This book has taught me that the struggle is nothing but a test preparing me for
the testimony! This heart felt, spirit filled book made me look at myself and examine how I am going through the struggle
and taught me how to go through the struggle. Toni really breaks down her struggle for readers and makes it very plain.
With each page, I could feel her pain and understood why God put her through. This book was a great blessing and Godsend.
Thanks for unveiling!
Chevella Wilson Kennion
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