When doctors told us to call a priest because our daughter wouldn't make it through the night, we refused to accept that fate. Through dozens of surgeries, kidney failure, and countless medical interventions, we fought alongside Faith as she battled for her life. Today, she's not only thriving but hitting bullseyes at the shooting range during her recent birthday celebrations.
This episode takes you on an emotional journey through Faith's remarkable story – from her joyful birthday weekend complete with bowling adventures and her first-ever experience firing a real gun, to the heart-wrenching reality of family members who couldn't spare even ten seconds to send a birthday text. The contrast becomes even more stark when Victoria reads Faith's powerful letter from their upcoming book "Dear Silence," addressed to grandparents who were conspicuously absent during her life-threatening hospitalization.
"You didn't just miss my fight for life, you forfeited your place in it," writes Faith, now 19, who has endured over 54 surgeries in her young life. Her raw words capture the profound pain of abandonment during life's most critical moments, while highlighting the extraordinary strength she's developed as a result. The conversation expands to explore how true family is defined not by blood, but by who shows up consistently – like the strangers who brought food and offered help during Faith's hospital stay, demonstrating more authentic care than some biological relatives.
Between these powerful reflections, Victoria and Michael share insights about their educational program "Stucco Squad," designed to make learning fun for children with special needs, and offer humorous marriage advice centered on the importance of laughter and authenticity in relationships. The episode serves as both a celebration of Faith's resilience and a profound meditation on what it truly means to be family.
Join our community at acontagioussmile.com, where you can access our Academy resources, including Victoria's new ebook "Puppet Mastering the Manipulator," and learn more about the upcoming release of "Dear Silence" during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
