Heart 2 Heart Concepts Magazine OCTOBER/2016 | Page 25

see my son until I was transported to my own private room. Mentally it was hard not seeing my child and I cried daily. My shooter was strolling around town like he did nothing wrong. I didn't identify him until I woke up which took about 2 months. So, he remained free all that time. When I did identify him as the shooter, a warrant was issued but he didn't turn himself in. The police went to the address he had on his license. When the police knocked on the door, a women about 8 months pregnant answered the door. She identified herself as his girlfriend and the mother of his children. Now when I met him I asked him why he wasn't in a relationship and he told me his girlfriend left him for cheating. But obviously that was all a lie. I was so confused because he would sleep at my home for days then go home. He even brought me to an apartment, which he said was his. I slept there with him on multiple occasions. But the police explained to his girlfriend that her boyfriend was wanted for attempted 2nd degree murder for trying to kill another woman he was dating. He was on the run for 4 days before he turned himself into the authorities. The trial took 5 years to come but I was happy when it did. I finally was able to tell my side of the story, while he declined to take the stand. It only took the jurors 45 minutes to come to a verdict. He was found GUILTY and was sentenced to 55 years in prison. As for me, it took 13 surgeries for me to get my health in order. After that, I re-enrolled back into nursing school and now I am working towards finishing with my RN degree. I push so hard, so my son can understand that even when tragedies come your way, you are not to give up, but to keep going and accomplish your dream. NO MATTER WHAT! Things are not easy but I've learned to adapt and adjust to my situation. On a typical day, I go to school then I go to therapy. If I have a doctor’s appointment, I go or even to the dentist. My son plays football so I'm at all of his games supporting him. Life doesn't stop, so neither can I. Yes I have pain and yes I may feel bad but I take my medicine, pray, then I continue doing whatever it is I need to. I would hope my testimony