I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was on my way to a very important meeting with a mentor of mine, feeling excited and hopeful for what the future held. But then, my phone rang. It was my son's mother, and her voice was shaking.
"Cory," she said. "Your son Caleb has been shot. That's all we know. Come to the hospital."
In that moment, everything changed. The ride to the hospital was the loudest and most silent ride of my life. As a veteran, I knew firsthand the destructive power of guns. Every move I made, both professionally and personally, was to ensure that my children wouldn't have to grow up around gun violence. And yet, here I was, racing to the hospital to see my son who had been shot on campus at college.
When I arrived, I was told that Caleb had tested positive for COVID-19, so I wasn't allowed to see him for two days. It was torture not being able to be there for my son during those first crucial hours. I had to get on the plane and go to my meeting not knowing how he was doing. The torture lasted for three days until I finally returned home and was granted permission to see him in his hospital room.
There he was, lying in his bed looking weak and frail. I could feel my heart breaking as I watched him struggle. But then, something inside me shifted. I knew that my son was strong and that he had the resilience to overcome this. So, without hesitation, I urged him to get up and walk with me.
"Come on, Caleb," I said softly. "Let's show them what we're made of."
With a determined look in his eyes, Caleb slowly stood up, gripping my hand for support. He took his first steps since the incident, and I felt a surge of pride and hope.
Over the coming weeks, we spent long days in the hospital, working with the doctors and nurses to help Caleb regain his strength. It was a slow and difficult process, but we never gave up hope. We poured all of our love and support into him, and eventually, he emerged stronger than ever before.
Today marks the two-year anniversary of that day, and I am forever grateful for my son's strength and resilience. He has become an inspiration to me and to our family, and his unwavering spirit is a constant reminder of the power of hope and determination
As a parent, the experience of almost losing my son to gun violence has strengthened my resolve to make a difference in the world. That's why I founded STEAM Revolution, a nonprofit organization that focuses on diverting disadvantaged youth from violent lifestyles and guiding them towards more productive and fulfilling lives.
I am more determined than ever to see this mission through, to make sure that no other parent has to endure the same pain and anguish that I did. Through education, mentorship, and access to resources, we can help build a better future for our children, one free from the destructive effects of gun violence.
My son's survival is a testament to the power of hope and resilience. And while I am grateful every day for his recovery, I know that there are many other families out there who are not as fortunate. That's why I will continue to dedicate my time and energy to 