I was tragically shot in the head when I was 13 years old with a firearm that was left at a friend’s house. I didn’t even know the guy that shot me (who was older than me) for a full 24 hours before he decided to pull the trigger.
I had to learn how to walk, talk, move the right side of my body, and also eat again. I got shot on December 18, 2005, and woke up out of my coma on that faithful December 25th – Christmas Day. I had to go to physical and speech therapy for months after my release from the hospital. Most individuals typically look at being shot as a bad thing, but I look at it as a blessing.
Now, I get to share my story with the youth at the most pivotal age there is, which is the “middle school” age. I even get to share it with doctors and hospitals. I share that being aware of your surroundings is important; proper gun safety is vital; and embracing your scars, no matter what, is crucial.