Our story really began five years ago when Sam's mother passed away at 37 years old from congested heart failure. She left behind five kids. I had them moved from San Diego to live with me in New Orleans, so that my husband and I could help finish raising them. Sam was 15 when she passed away and the youngest was eight. It wasn't an easy task, but we did it. On February 13, 2018, Samuel woke up (as a senior in high school with two full college scholarships for football and one for baseball), yet on that day - which was Mardi Gras here in New Orleans, Sam decided to meet some friends for the truck parades. As he was walking on Union Street, shots rang out in front of him. He heard them and while turning to run, he was struck in the right temple and the bullet traveled to the rear left hemisphere of his brain. It was devastating for us. He went into surgery and was left in a coma. While still unconscious, two days later, he developed a blood clot and needed another emergency brain surgery - this time they told us if he survived, he would be paralyzed on his left side. He woke up two weeks later, slowly coming around. We soon realized that he couldn't talk. His vocal cords were affected and he was paralyzed on his left side. We were told that he wouldn't eat by mouth again, talk, or have any chance of walking again. If we listened and took the words of the doctor at heart, we would have just accepted that prognosis. However, we knew GOD and HIS healing power, so we just kept praying and trusting HIS will for Sam's life. Sam still goes to therapy twice weekly, and has made a lot of great progress. He can eat by mouth. He is talking. He can even walk a little with a cane and without assistance. His left arm is still a bit challenged, but we are still believing GOD for restoration for his arm, as well. Now, here is where I get very transparent and hardcore honest, as a caregiver. In the process of taking care of him, I forgot about taking care of me. Currently, we have full custody of our granddaughter (whom I homeschool). So on top of taking care of Sam and her, while also tending to my home, I take care of my catering and event planning business, "Hattie B's," too. No doubt, 2019 was an eye opener for me, as I kept putting my own health on the back-burner and had to have surgery. I started having some heart issues which was all triggered by stress. My doctor told me that if I didn't take time out for myself, I wouldn't be here to take care of anyone else. So I have started meditating for about 10 to 15 minutes alone. I try to have some quiet time in my room to de-stress (when my day is really busy). Also, when I need to cry or vent, I do that, too. I'm blessed with a loving, sweet husband who just listens when I need an ear. I don't really have much support. My family is small, so I have learned how to make small spaces in my life to help me stay healthy and rejuvenated. Thanks for allowing me to tell a bit of our story. I pray that it blesses or helps someone.

~Allieta Butler-Blue