50. From Suffering to Surrender: Discovering Mary's Heart - A conversation with two atheists who converted to Catholicism

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A Remarkable Friendship of Faith: Cancer survivor Tammy Peterson and Catholic convert Queenie Yu 

A blessed Rosary and daily prayers in a hospital atrium sparked an extraordinary spiritual journey for Tammy Peterson. Recorded just five days before her confirmation into the Catholic Church, this intimate conversation reveals how suffering became the doorway to profound transformation.

Tammy's story begins with her daughter Mikhaela's childhood battle with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis—38 painful joints that left a young mother feeling helpless and questioning faith. Yet through this suffering, she found an unexpected connection with Mother Mary, who watched her own Son die on the Cross. This maternal bond became the foundation for a spiritual awakening years later when facing her own mortality.

When Queenie Yu brought a Rosary blessed by Pope Francis to Tammy's hospital room during her battle of a debilitating mystery illness post-cancer surgery, neither woman expected it would become a daily ritual spanning five weeks. Through these morning prayer sessions, Tammy not only learned the mysteries of the Rosary but began a deep process of reflection, grief, and spiritual growth. "It was the one orderly thing," Tammy recalls, "very deep because I was also going through my life."

The fruits of this transformation are evident throughout the conversation. Family members marvel at the dramatic changes in Tammy, with her husband noting how unusual it is to see someone of her age transform so completely. What emerges is a woman who remains deeply concerned for her loved ones but is no longer attached to controlling outcomes—a freedom born of surrender.

As Tammy prepared to take "Mary" as her Confirmation name before her Confirmation a year ago, she reflects on how she's "been looking for Mother Mary since I was a little kid." Her journey reminds us that conversion can be the sudden conversion like that of St. Paul or a result of the culmination of a lifetime of seeking truth, persevering in suffering, and ultimately, finding peace in surrender.

Have you experienced profound transformation through friendship or suffering? We'd love to hear your story. Share your thoughts and join our community of women seeking to live out their faith with courage and grace.

The Tammy Peterson Podcast can be found on all podcasting platforms, including YouTube and Apple Podcasts
https://youtube.com/@UCUwUe0mLO6vOob4NmBL4cpw 
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-tammy-peterson-podcast/id1624988035

Queenie Yu is the Director of Character Education at Hawthorn School for Girls in North York, Ontario
https://hawthornschool.com

To reach Veil + Armour (available on all podcasting platforms)
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To hear the conclusion of the story about Dr. Peterson's medical distress a few years ago, as told by his wife, Tammy, please watch or listen to this episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/39-tammy-peterson-prays-for-pope-francis-and-the/id1739137478?i=1000706745492

https://youtu.be/O8bGcrRl

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