'Repurposed Pain..Dosheia Mitchell"

Testament Thursday

Testament is defined as proof or to be a witness. And this month  we will feature four individuals who are witnesses to the power and providence of God in their lives. We are fortunate and pleased to have Dosheia Mitchell of Charlotte, NC tell her story with The Sanctuary of how she repurposed her pain to help others. Our hope is that her story of victory inspires you to turn your pain into purpose. 

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In 2007, I, Dosheia Mitchell found out I was pregnant with my first child. It was bittersweet because I was neither in the ideal financial position nor relationship. I quickly came around to the thought of being a mother and was very excited about welcoming a baby boy into this world. Shortly after finding out that I was pregnant at 8 weeks I started to have severe complications. I was told at 8 weeks that I was threatening to miscarry and that I probably would not be able to carry my son to term.  Despite all my little man was a fighter. At every doctor’s visit and late night ER trip despite what my body was doing my son was still hanging in there strong, kicking away! At the end of January 2008 the doctor told me that I had lost my mucus plug and that I was loosing fluids. I was then put on bed rest. The doctor explained to me that the more fluids I would drink the more he would drink and replenish his own sac. After countless bottles of water to help replenish my son’s sac and an abundance of prayers our battle came to an end. On February 13th, 2008 I was informed that I had lost all my fluids and that they could no longer find a heartbeat. I was crushed at the thought that I was about to deliver a stillborn child. I would never get a chance to hear my son cry after us both fighting so hard to keep him alive. After being induced on February 14th, 2008 at 6 pm, twelve hours later on February 15th, 2008 at 6:02 am I would deliver my son Joshiah Marquis Gaddy. On that very day motherhood was given to me and taken away all at the same time. 

After losing my son, it was very difficult on me emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I remember there was days after I buried my son that I did not even want to get out of bed. I was extremely lost. I would lie in bed for days and question myself and God. I did not understand why the Lord would take my child from me yet let children be born to neglectful parents. My family and friends had gotten to the point where they had enough of my actions. I finally told myself that I could not go on living this way anymore. So one morning I rolled out of bed and fell on my knees. I sat there for hours talking, screaming, praying, and crying. I had to release all the pain I had bottled up inside. Once I was done, I was completely tired and all I could do was go back to sleep. When I woke up the next morning, I felt refreshed. I was able to accept the fact that my son was gone. I had finally accepted that whether I knew the reason, my faith ensured me that the Lord would not have taken my son if it was not in his plan for me. From that day forth I knew that every day that my feet hit the floor it would not be just for me but for my son as well. 
 
During a counseling session, it dawned on me that I had to do something to help me cope with his loss as well as honor his memory.  I never want my family and friends to forget him so I decided to start a stuffed animal/toy drive in his honor. This way I was able to ensure my son has a strong legacy left here on earth as well as able to shine a small light on a sick child and their family while they are hospitalized. I spent countless days and hours in the hospital throughout my pregnancy and I know first hand how difficult it was for a parent fighting for their child’s health. With each stuffed animal and toy donated I hope that it not only brings a smile to each child face that receives them but also lets the families know they are not alone through it all. Each year the toy drive has grown tremendously and I only hope this year it will be more successful than it was last year. 
 
STUFFED ANIMAL AND TOY DRIVE INFO:
All stuffed animals and toys donated are sent to LEVINE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL in Charlotte, NC in the honor of my son. Each year the drive has grown. In 2011, I enlisted in the military and was not able to be hands on with my son’s Memorial Toy Drive so I enlisted the help of my business partners, POWERFUL FORCES. February 2013, will be five years of donating to the Levine Children’s Hospital. I hope that this will be one of our biggest years thus far. 

 
Joshiah’s Memorial Toy Drive Info
Accepting new stuffed animals and toys up until Feb. 15th, 2013. Please send to:
ATTN: JOSHIAH’S MEMORIAL
8205 Eveningwood Court
Charlotte, NC 28826
(Please send no later than February 15, 2013 because all items will be delivered to Levine Hospital on February 18, 2013)
 
If you are sending checks or money orders please make them to:
The Levine Children’s Hospital
In the memo field please indicate: Joshiah’s Memorial
 
For further questions please contact: 
(336) 457-6257 Dosheia Mitchell
(704) 762-1683 Powerful Forces line or email at [email protected].

If you can please donate a stuffed animal or toy to bring some joy to a sick child.