If You Only Knew the Half

By Byron Breeze

Born without limbs, life dealt Soulja an unkind hand, yet he refused to fold. In 'If You Only Knew the Half: Lessons from the Battlefield of Life,' Soulja delivers a riveting account of his life, an underdog tale of resilience and tenacity that stretches beyond the conventional narrative.

From the poverty-stricken streets of D.C. to the very halls of influence, he has fought battles on multiple fronts. He was dealt a ruthless blow with kidney failure, weathered storms of prejudice and discrimination, but he never faltered.

Through it all, Soulja has found strength in adversity and a purpose that transcends personal ambition. His life's journey isn't just about overcoming disabilities, it is about smashing barriers, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring change.

This isn't just Soulja's story; it's an inspiring manifesto for anyone navigating the turbulent seas of life. Every page resonates with the powerful message that no matter how hard the wind blows, no matter how high the waves, we are not defined by our circumstances but by our will to rise above.

Featuring candid insights and memorable encounters, including an unforgettable chapter with Maryland basketball legend Len Bias, this memoir is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. 'If You Only Knew the Half' will challenge your perceptions, touch your heart, and ignite a fire within you.

Dive into Bryon "Soulja" Breeze's world and experience the triumph of a human spirit that refuses to be defeated. Read 'If You Only Knew the Half: Rising Above Limits, Defying the Odds, and Embracing the Unstoppable Spirit.' Remember, there are no excuses. What's yours?"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Byron Breeze
• Release date: Jul 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223624981

Book preview

District of Columbia Hospital, October 23, 1973

As the rain pattered against the windows of D.C. General Hospital, cold drafts snuck in through the cracks in the aging building, brushing against the anxious faces of my family members waiting outside. I was born in this hospital as Byron Breeze Jr., but now, I go by Soulja.

Established in 1806, the District of Columbia General Hospital stood as a beacon of hope amidst the sprawling urban expanse of Washington, D.C. From the early mornings when sunlight would kiss the whitewashed brick facade of the hospital, to the dusky evenings when it cast long shadows on the bustling streets nearby, the hospital was more than a mere structure; it was a lifeline for countless residents.

The hospital held its ground on a sprawling campus that pulsed with activity. The thrum of urgency reverberated through its corridors, where the scuffed linoleum bore silent testament to the countless lives that crossed its path. Its fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting stark shadows on the faces of nurses and doctors who navigated the labyrinthine halls, their white coats fluttering behind them.

The air inside was thick with a unique cocktail of odors: antiseptic, cafeteria food, sterilized linens, and the indefinable scent of human lives intersecting. In this diverse tapestry of sounds, smells, and sights, the DC General was more than a hospital; it was a universe unto itself, interweaving the threads of myriad narratives.

However, despite its profound importance to the community, in 2001, it became the epicenter of controversy when Mayor Anthony A. Williams decided to close its doors. The decision, a brutal blow to the public healthcare landscape of the District, was a result of a desperate attempt to cut costs while the city was on the precipice of financial ruin.

The closing sent shockwaves through the community. No longer would the echoing halls reverberate with the footsteps of dedicated medical professionals. The lights dimmed, the bustle faded, and the once vibrant lifeline of the District fell eerily silent. What once was the District’s only public hospital had become a symbol of the city’s struggle, its closure marking the end of an era.

My mother had received prenatal care at this hospital, including a necessary shot during her pregnancy. Little did we know, the shot would have repercussions, leaving me with a unique challenge to face. I was born without hands or legs, a tiny soldier ready to fight life’s battles.

In the delivery room, my mother’s sweat and tears mixed with the stench of antiseptic, painting a vivid picture of struggle and determination. The pain of childbirth was like a wildfire, spreading through her body, but she fought through it, her love for me unwavering.

The doctor looked into her eyes and suggested, Mrs. Breeze, given your baby’s condition, we could arrange for him to be placed in a specialized home.

My mother held me close, feeling the thump of her heartbeat against my fragile body. Her voice was firm, the sound of a lioness protecting her cub. No, he’s coming home with me. We’ll face this together.

Her strength, her determination, and the tenacity in her voice all became a part of me. With every breath, I felt her strength course through my veins, fortifying my resolve.

This is the story of my life: the challenges, triumphs, and the unwavering love of a mother who refused to let anything hold her child back. I may have entered this world as half a soldier, but with each passing day, I grew stronger, ready to soldier up and face whatever life had in store.

My name is Byron Soulja Breeze. And this is my story.

My Beautiful Strong Mother

The Unwavering Spirit

From the moment I was born, my life was never ordinary. Born without hands and legs, only my thumbs, I came into this world with a unique set of challenges that would shape the person I would become. As I grew, I discovered that life would not be easy, but I was determined to rise above my