On October 31, 1985, I went to work at a part-time job delivering pizza, supplementing my full-time job to help pay medical expenses with a toddler at home and a new baby on the way.
While stopping to confirm an address, I was approached by a guy who turned out to be a junkie. He had just broken into a house and stolen two unsecured guns.
He caught me by surprise when I got back into my car and robbed me of $18, threatening me with a .38-caliber pistol.
I was shot in the head, through the neck and face after he wanted me to get into the back seat while the car was running, and I attempted to drive off.
Thankfully I was able to get help, but I required a 10-hour surgery to repair my carotid artery and a second surgery to repair my jaw a week later. I was on total life support.
My expecting wife was under a lot of stress, not knowing if I would survive, and those first three days were touch and go.
I have permanent nerve damage, and my son has medical issues believed to be caused by the stress of my injury.