My Miracle Baby
The story of Jesse Hannor all begins with my sister, Rosa Marie Hannor. Rosa Marie was Jesse’s biological mother who died of congestive heart failure when Jesse was three weeks old. Jesse was born on March 31, 1990, as a premature baby. Due to Rosa Marie’s heart condition, the doctor advised her to have an abortion, but of course my sister wasn't having that. Instead, she told the doctor that she wanted her baby. The doctor then told her “I believe this one will take you out.” She replied, “it will have to take me out then.” I thank God for my sister’s determined mind and strong conviction. I believe God was in this plan all along. God had something awesome for Jesse to do on this earth. I witnessed God’s favor on Jesse’s life many times throughout his life, which began before his birth. It was as though everything Jesse touched came alive. You felt his love and warmth just being around him. From a young boy, Jesse had the wisdom of an old man and was very smart. His peers would seek him for advice and even older men and women loved carrying on conversations with him for hours. He was soft spoken, but his words were mighty. He was a man of courage and care. He loved everyone and made sure they knew he loved them. Although he never had children of his own, Jesse had a love for children and the elderly. He was a gentle giant who walked with confidence. Jesse might have had heart trouble, but he didn't have a troubled heart.
To tell Jesse’s story, this is how it all begins. He had an enlarged heart and developed Asthma along with other respiratory issues. When he was only a few months old, his pediatrician was concerned that he might not speak properly and might have a speech impediment (Stutter) if we did not have surgery on his throat. My mother the Late Annie Mae Hannor prayed and had great faith. God healed Jesse, and he never had a speech impediment or needed the surgery. He never stuttered, not once. Jesse was a special baby, my miracle baby. With all the health challenges throughout his life, he never complained, not once.
I cannot imagine what it was like to live in his body especially as a young man. Jesse always had a smile on his face. He was very happy baby and a happy young man. He brought so much joy, laughter, and love in our family. Unfortunately, in his 20’s he too developed congestive heart failure like his mother and older brother who are both deceased. Jesse faced several other health problems and had to have a pacemaker in his heart. He never complained. When asked how he can remain hopeful and peaceful, he would reply, “Jesus is my friend.” He trusted God with his life.
In his 33 years of life, Jesse had some ups and down. After graduating high school, he remained employed for 14 years with the same company until he was placed on disability, which was a blessing and miracle. I thank God for all the miracles, blessings, and favor. I am grateful that Jesse was not in and out of the hospital as most people with his condition. He did not like being in the hospital. Whenever he was admitted to the hospital, I would have to stay with him until he was discharged. We made it through it each time thanks to the love from our family, friends, and church family. Jesse was loved by so many people and touched so many lives. Jesse had a heart of gold. As stated, Jesse might have had heart trouble, but he did not have a troubled heart.
Like all of us, Jesse didn’t live a perfect life, but he did try to live a life that was pleasing to God. Jesse’s life (the ups and downs) influenced me to seek God more. I became closer to God because of Jesse. Jesse’s congestive heart failure worsen around age 26. Congestive Heart Failure is a disease that runs in our family, and unfortunately, he was diagnosed. Jesse reminds me of a young man in the Bible name Joseph. While Joseph was sold into slavery, Jesse developed heart problems as a young man. They both experienced trials and tribulations and through it all God was there by their side. Through Jesse’s sickness, he found God and years later like Joseph (in the Bible), Jesse was incarcerated (a few weeks) for something he did not do. God gave both Joseph and Jesse favor with the guards and with the inmates. By God’s grace and the help of his lawyer and friend Attorney Clarence Williams, III, Jesse was released. Unfortunately, the fight to prove his innocence continued until God call him home.
Jesse also reminds me of another young man in the Bible name David! King David was man of faith. The Bible says David was a man after God’s own heart and so was Jesse. Jesse was a man of tremendous faith searching after God’s heart. He believed that God would bring him out of that unjust situation and heal his heart one day. Guess what… in death, Jesse received a new heart and total freedom. Jesse received his healing not on earth but in heaven. Now in heaven, he doesn’t have to worry about heart problems, medications, or courtrooms because God did just what Jesse believed and asked from God . Most importantly, Jesse is in a better place where there is no more sickness or a jury. Jesse went home to heaven on Christmas evening (December 25, 2023) at 33 years old, which is also a miracle from God. Even in his death, God continues to show me miracles with Jesse like his 34th birthday was Easter Sunday (March 31, 2024).
It has been my honor to serve for 33 years as his mother. His life’s legacy was and will always be … love. He genuinely loved everyone! No, we no longer have Jesse with us, but if we live right, we will get to see him again one day when we all get to heaven. I can’t wait for eternity to reunite with my miracle baby.
Jesse, we all miss you… until we meet again!
Love,
Momma