Letters from You

From: Kevin

I just watched your story on "48 Hours Mystery." I am inspired by your courage, strength, and fortitude in the face of such an obviously dangerous man. I could related to your story in part because I have also suffered from domestic violence, though not on a scale that is comparable to your experience. I hope that life treats you well in the future. You certainly deserve it.

From: Tracy

Heather, I felt the urger to write to youo & tell you how much your story has touched my heart! I lived in a family where domestic violence was literally a daily happening. I watched as my father beat my mother to the brink of death. Years later after she left I found myself in a violent marriage... While they pain I suffered is nothing compared to yours I to some extent know the fears that go along with domestic violence. I have saved your website as I am the mother to 4 beautiful daughters & if anyone can be an inspiration to them you are certainly my top pick! I only wish they along with myself could meet you & just give you a hug (we are a hugging family :) ) but if only an email can reach you I feel that I am blessed to send just that! Thank you so much for being such an amazing inspiration to so many!

From: Tallie

The first time I heard your story what caught my ear was "Minnesota Vikings "in that my cousin is married to one of Max Winters' daughters. As you may know, he formerly was one of the owners of the MV. [I grew up in Minnesota and now reside in California]. I am impressed by your bravery. One of the many unbelievable things about your case is how stunning you are as you sit in your wheelchair. What you have endured and continue to endure is overwhelming for me to think about. As I watch your story on 48 hours today - and I have seen it previously - I felt compelled to look you up on the Internet today. I will be making a donation. You are an inspiration. God bless you and your children.

From: Cliff

Ms. Grossman, I just watched your story on TV and and read an article in our newspaper about how you won your lawsuit against the insurance company (good for you!) I felt compelled to contact you. I just simply wanted to tell you that you are absolutely an amazing person. You are a inspiration to all. I'm going to share your story with my sister. She has Muscular Dystrophy and is confined to a bed. Your bravery and fortitude will, without a doubt inspire her. Thank you so much for being who are.

From: Misty

Heather, I'm not sure if you will remember me or not. we used to go to lunch in Pensacola. I was the account rep for wabb radio and handled the toyota account. I remember when you were expecting your son we would go to olive garden all the time. I'm not sure why we lost touch after he was born but I've thought of you from time to time over the years. I was so suprised and excited a few minutes ago to find your website. My heart breaks for you but I'm not suprised at all with how you have handled everything. I remember how positive you always were even when he was being.....not sure what word to use....being ugly. Any way I just want to say that I am extremely proud to say that we were friends. I wish you and your family the absolute most and may God bless you and the kids even more. Misty

From: Linda

I admire you very much! I have watched your horrible story many times on TV! I want to say how sorry I am that your ex did such a terrible thing to you and you're family! However you seem to have to come to terms with it! You are a better person than me. I do undersand though in order to heal its better to forgive! But I know you will never forget. God Bless You and you're Family! You are a wonderful person!

From: Andy

My name is Andy and I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, originally from Montenegro, former Yugoslavia. I saw the 48 hour mystery show depicting what happened to you after you were divorced from your ex husband Ron Samuels. I am so happy that you survived and are able to speak again and be there for your kids, since this world is a better place because of people like you. You may not think yourself you are a hero, but you truly are. I am sure it was very very hard to have to learn all the basic functions after everything that happened to you, but so glad to see you were able to make it. I lived in war in former Yugoslavia and I saw abuse and mistreat of people and there is absolutely nothing in this world that makes me more angry than injustice and abuse of innocent and good people. It is very sad to see that for so long, justice system seems to be more concerned about criminals, rather than victims. I was very touched when I saw your story, it really brought tears to my eyes and even though I know that Ron's punishment will not get you out of the wheelchair, I am happy as you said that he will never be able to hurt you, or anyone else again for the rest of his life. PLEASE STAY STRONG AND GOD BLESS!

From: Paul

Dear Heather, I guess I fit under the "just want to say hello" category. My name is Paul Owen and I'm a college religion professor out in North Carolina. I saw your story on tv yesterday, and was so struck by your poise and courage in the face of such an awful tragedy. When I think about the things that trouble me and get me down, in comparison to the challenges you have had to overcome on a daily basis, I feel so foolish. Thanks for being such an inspiration and model for us all as to what a dignified and meaningful life really looks like. One other thing. And please don't think I'm some kind of weirdo. But I think it's possible we may have met in college. I attended a Baptist college in Owatonna, MN during the 1988-1989 school year, and at the end of Christmas break, early January 1989, I was riding on a Greyhound bus, coming back to Minnesota from visiting in Idaho. On one of the last legs of the trip, I sat next to a college student who looked an awful lot like you, based on the picture I saw from the tv show. We visited the whole trip and really got along, and I quickly developed a bit of a crush! Do you have any recollection of that? I just wonder if that may have been you. It would be a neat coincidence! Regardless, I also wanted to let you know that I've had to overcome some challenges in life also, having been raised in foster care, moving around from home to home during my teen years. I had a lot of difficult experiences, which I've chronicled in a memoir entitled, The Long Winter: One Man's Journey Through the Darkness of Foster Care. If you look it up on Amazon, you will see that it's getting some good reviews. It's being used as a textbook in the social work department at Middle Tennessee State University, and they are bringing me out there in April to give a lecture and speak to some classes. I would love to send you a complimentary copy of the book if there is an address I can mail it to. I think you would really enjoy it. Well that's it. Whether you were, or were not the girl I sat next to on the bus in 1989, I am so inspired by you and your amazing life!

Warmly,
Paul

From: Scott

Just saw your story on AZCentral, very inspiring. I am in process of helping a long time friend who lives in another state get away from her abusive marriage. Her situation has not escalated to beatings, etc.. but she feels he has the capability of doing it sometime and wants to leave before it comes to that point. He controls the money for the household, so she is working part time jobs to save money to get out. I have been offering her all the help I can to get her away from the situation after she contacted me asking if I could assist her. We are planning her taking off sometime in the near future while he is working, just waiting for the right moment and going to seize it and get her away from the situation. There are no kids, so it makes it a lot easier. She spends a large amount of time with her mother who lives close to help diffuse the situation while we make our game plan. A lot of folks have told me that its great what I am doing for her, and that she had someone to turn to for help. I would rather this not be public, but if you want to/or can reply feel free to do so.

From: Danna

Heather, I just read your story in the Arizona Republic. May God bless you and your family. You are such a strong and inspirational woman. I wish you only the best.

From: Gui

My name is Gui, a 45-year-old male, former United flight attendant who had the opportunity to view your incredible story on Investigation Discovery here in Brazil, where I live. I just wanted to write you this short email to congratulate you for your messages of hope which have inspired me so much. Thank you. Peace!

From: Joyce

Hi Heather, the Amazing and Wonderful Mom and Mentor, You are one very busy lady! We never know where our life will take us or what plans He has! I just wanted to thank you for all you do, for the future, for your children, and every day! You are an inspiration to many! My children will never grow up with the domestic violence and abuse that you and I and others have been through. One huge THANK YOU to you!!!!!!! Love, Joyce and family (Mesa, Arizona)

From: Lily C.

Hi Heather , I just met you.. :) in television. Just saw your case in the INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY. And I found myself... 3 years ago. When I decided to move to canada, with a man just like the horrible man that married you years ago. He was so kind, a very happy man. And soon I discover that when he has no money, he start to change his personal behavior. And then like a toxic person... I started to base my happiness in money, I didn't have money I was unhappy I have money I was the happiest girl in the world. You will ask. Why this stranger is telling all this to me ? Well in September 2012.... I decide to come back to my home "Mexico" and I really didn't want to move back. I loved Canada, loved my school and work.... But if I didn't take that risk to come back ... I am probably end really bad. During all the 40 min of the program .... I view my past life. The domestic and abusive life that I had with that guy was so horrible.. God I didn't like me, I felt horrible. And I thought in the future don't deserve to be happy. . We'll, at this moment I loved my life.... I still think, I don't deserve to be happy, I don't deserve to have this guy that love me and wants to walk with me the rest of my life. I ask for help.. Because I was lost. And I found me again, and enjoying every second of the day with my family but especially with me. I guess women need more inspirational histories like yours. Found theirselves. Found the cherry of their own pie. I think that every woman and man of the world need more information about toxic people. They are a bunch of people out there that look harmless but inside they are the most horrible persons that can any person can be. I wish you the best, always. Thanks for reading. Ps. sorry for the grammatical errors but my English is not to good. Spanish is my first language.

From: Heather

Hi Heather, I have seen a show pay tv that told your story. I admire the courage you have. I have three sons who are 19, 21 and 23 this year. I am married for a second time after my first husband left me for a woman 17 years his junior who worked for us in a delicatessen that we owned. I was devestated when this happened to me but having my three boys who then only 2, 4 and 6 inspired me to carry on. I was very lucky that my ex husband was never abusive and can't imagine what it would be like. I met my current husband in February 2011 and we then married in December that same year. I am also blessed that he is very good to me and not abusive at all. He has been married before and had no children of his own so that has probably been our biggest hurdle. I know that if that is my only issue with him then I have nothing to worry about. I think it takes time for us to adapt to our new situations. I work for the Federal Government being the Australian Goverment Solicitors office as the Legal Support Manager. I really enjoy my job even though it is full time. My husband is a fireman and works from the Perth Station. I have been to the USA on three occasions and really enjoyed my time there. I had some Australian friends who were working in Harrisburg Pennsylvania ten years ago. I took my boys on a round the world trip when they were 8, 10 and 12. My mother also accompanied us and we have fond memories of our time tere. If you don't have time to reply that's fine but I just wanted to say "hello" and let you know how brave I think you are. I have attached a couple of wedding photographs. Picture 1555 is a photograph of my three sons. My younger two sons are very tall compared to their elder brother. We got married by the Swan River and you can see the city in the background. Kind regards, Heather

From: Leah

Hello there, I am from a small town in Northern Ontario and saw your story on TV. I just came across your website and I would just like to tell you what a courageous woman I think you are. I am sure you have heard this many times. You are a shining example of courage, love and strength for your children and all that know you and your story. They must be so very proud of their mother. The Lord will guide you always... Take care, Leah

From: Donna

Heather, today I read your story and it really touched my heart. You are such an inspiration to other survivors of domestic violence. I am also a survivor but in my case I killed my boyfriend and went to prison for 13 years. Now I educate young women about domestic violence and drug abuse. What I've found is most women feel they are alone in a situation that it doesn't happen to anyone else, shame, isolation and despair. I thank you for sharing your story to make a difference.

From: Kim

Hi Heather, I was very touched by your story, and your up beat attitude. I'm a 56 yr. old mother of 4 grown children. My husband died 2 yrs. ago. I married when I was 21 yrs. old...coming from an abusive childhood. My husband started putting his fist through walls, and throwing furniture, in the first ,year of our marriage. I lived in fear of him for 32 years until he died. The only reason he never tried to get rid of me, was his intense fear of going to prison. By the time he died, I was dead on the inside. I stay home with my dogs, because I feel safe here. I really don't trust people, especially men. I've dearth with anxiety and depression all my life. But, the damage is done. And the most difficult thing is being validated as a battered woman. Because I don't have any physical injuries, only emotional ones, and people really don't believe you've been through hell. So, I protect myself by staying home. I can't share who I really am, at the risk of being completely discounted. My kids live far away, so I've become accustomed to the alone-ness, I don't like it, but that's the way it is for now. Thank-you for being so brave, and putting yourself out there, and giving others hope! May God continually bless you. Sincerely, Kim

From: Thomas

Hey Heather, My name is Thomas. I saw your show on the devil you know. I just wanted to see if I could somehow get a hold of you. Your episode made me cry. And I dont usually do that I consider my self a big tough guy. lol. Dont tell anyone :) I was just amazed at how joyous you seemed throughout your entire ordeal. You really reminded me of my mother for some reason who passed away when I was 12. Beautiful, great personality, smile, light up the room, and just bubbly. (The list goes on) I just wanted to reach out to you and tell you how much of an awesome person you are. You are a true inspiration and we need more people like you in the world. I find it extremely heart warming that you turned your terrible story into a way to help people. Most people dont do that and just ask themselves why me or feel sorry for themselves. Not you though. Keep up the good work and thank you for touching my heart. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and keep it up superstar!

From: Angie

Hi Heather, I hope you do not mind me sending you this email but I have just watched a documentary about your story on the crime and investigation channel here in the UK. Your story and your strength has touched me greatly and I just wanted to say that I admire you so much the way you have come out of the other side of your ordeal. Due to our personal situation I'm afraid I'm unable to donate at this time but I felt I needed to contact you. You are a strong, amazing lady. With much love and good wishes for you and your family, Angie xxx

From: Suzanne

Hello Heather, My name is Suzanne and I live in a small town called Dundrum in Northern Ireland. I watched your story on the Crime and Investigation channel and visited your website. You are a truly brave and inspiring lady. I am married and have two beautiful daughters. Thankfully I have not been the victim of domestic violence but I think you are so inspirational for having survived such an evil attack and not let those succeed, who tried to destroy you. You have an amazing inner strength and spirit! I wish you every success and happiness for the future. God Bless.

From: Morgan

Hi, Heather. How are you? I hope things are going well. I am so sorry you got shot by that horrible stranger, and the fact that the same stranger shot you under the orders of your ex-husband Ron is just very unspeakable. I am even more sorry that you can't walk anymore as a result of it. That part really breaks my heart. I felt so sad that you were left disabled that I wanted to draw you a picture. I edited the picture and added in the breathing tube using Photoshop, I hope you like it. Since you are paralyzed from the neck down, just ask the nearest person to help you print out the picture. Let me know how you like it. I made the picture with love!

From: Heather

Saw your story on television today Mrs Grossman. Words are inadequate to express my sympathy or admiration. You are an inspiration!!! Thank you for sharing and educating! Sincerely, Heather

From: Brandy

Hi, my name is Brandy. I was paralyzed in 1998 when I was 16. I am a quadriplegic just like you, but my break was C3/C4 so I can breathe on my own. I only have the top half of my lungs though. I have been going great now for 15 years. I do believe that God saved me for a reason. Excuse me, I know he did. I look at my condition as a blessing, because if I wasn't like this I wouldn't have what I have today. He knows what he's doing. My struggles are nothing compared to other people out there. I look at it this way: There's always someone out there that is worse off than you are, so don't ever complain. I don't know how much longer I have to live, but I do know that I will spend each moment I have left walking with Jesus and being thankful for every gift that God gives and has given me. You are doing great things by helping others like us and God will bless you for that. I pray that God truly blesses you and yours always. Take care! Keep up the good work!

From: Christy

Dear Heather, Let me first say, I have never written a letter to anyone like this but felt compelled to write you. I have followed your story through the years, a story which most could never fathom. First, I want to express my deepest sympathy for the situation you were forced to face but have to commend you on not letting your situation dissuade you from being such a tremendous source of inspiration for so many. My brother, Glen, was shot at 21 in a drive by shooting in November of 1996. The result left him a quadriplegic who required a respirator. We were told his situation was bleak, he would never speak nor breath on his own. After many months in a rehab hospital, he was able to breathe on his own and could talk on his own. Rather than place him in a home, my parents renovated their home to bring him here and take care of him. The state allowed us 60 hours a week for assistance, but a majority of his care was done by us. He always told us he would walk again and fight back. Unfortunately, he did not fulfill that wish, he passed in 1999, his body just gave out. I am not writing this to be morbid, but quite the opposite. I see you and am so grateful you are speaking and using your situation to bring awareness and most of all hope. I wish my brother could have seen you speak, I know you would have brought him much comfort and confidence. I just wanted to you to know you have personally touched me and that I think you are one of the most remarkable women I have come across. Thank you for your continued fight, and thank you for hope that you are giving so many. You are making a difference, please know that. I am sending you my thoughts and my gratitude. Sincerely, Christy, San Antonio, TX.

From: Ilunga

Heather, I just saw your story on the ID channel. You are a remarkable combination of courage, grace, strength and beauty. You are truly an inspiration. God loves you and so I, my sister. Peace, love, blessings and joy, Ilunga
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How You Can Help

Heather Grossman's ex-husband hired a man to kill her in 1997. He was not successful in his attempt to take her life, but the gunshot wound left Heather paralyzed from the neck down. Heather was just 31 years old with three young children. During the years since the incident, Heather's family has been doing everything they can to keep her alive and well, but expenses are high, and they need as much help as they can get.

Since Heather's new website launched on September 21 with the Paypal Donation Options, Heather's family has received donations from quite a few generous people. Please take a moment to see who has donated to Heather's family so far.
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My Story

I’m a mother, mentor and a survivor of domestic violence. Ten years ago domestic violence forever changed my life and the lives of my family. As the bullet penetrated my spinal cord, it shattered many hopes, dreams and my ability to function as I once did but it did not destroy me or my will to live. Ten years ago my ex-husband, Ron Samuels, hired men to murder me. I died at the scene of the crime but was brought back to life by a paramedic.

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