A near-death experience prompts change.
And not just in the one who almost died.
Yes, Drey Mingo is profoundly changed by her bout with bacterial meningitis in November. But so was her mother, Jennifer.
"I grew," Jennifer said. "I realized my faith in God was a lot stronger than I thought it was. I was put through the test, and I never thought for one minute that He wouldn't bring her through.
"I'm just easier-going. I'm not as hyped about small things. I've learned to sit on the front porch and just breathe. I don't always have to have the reason why. I don't always have to figure it out. I'm just easier now.
"I wake up every morning and I do the same thing I always did – I get on my knees. I'm down there a little longer.… I'm just more aware now."
Jennifer Mingo also has seen changes in her only daughter. And in their relationship.
Jennifer said she realized her daughter "isn't a child anymore." She respects 21-year-old Drey's decisions and opinions, and listens to her.
And though she always knew Drey was special – she'd tell her when she was 10 years old that she'd be a "household name" someday -- she's even more impressed now.
"She is a stronger, tougher person than I could ever be," Jennifer Mingo said. "She is made out of the right stuff.
"I take my hat off to her, to just deal with her present situation and not once did she hang her head and feel sorry for herself, even when I tried to. She was like, 'No. No. We're not going to do this. This is how we're going to handle this.' She's just a tough cookie.
"I'm still in awe. Sometimes I wonder, 'Oh, this is mine, huh?'
"I'm so different. I'm a tough cookie. I'm a single parent, raised three kids, but there's something extra that she got."
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