Hey! So Glad You're Here.

My name is Candice Holtzclaw, I grew up in Northwest Georgia in the little of Rome. I was born on August 31, 1967, and adopted around the age of two. Since then I have discovered some details of my biological parents and their history. I have even located and connected with some of those family members on my mother's side. On a timeline, there were many things I experienced but can't fully touch on, but maybe in the future. For now, I will try to stick to the most major events that I can remember.  

 

Thinking back, there were many fun things I can remember doing like help work in the garden and fishing with my dad. Swim lessons at the YMCA and horseback riding at my brother and sister n laws' farm We spent a lot of time outside as children running and playing. Picking blackberries in the summer and canning and freezing vegetables in the fall. My brother and I did a lot of things with our aunt, who would always take us to many places. There was camping and lots of road trips. It was very generous of her and I think it really kept me much happier as a child, considering there was much chaos in my life early on. 

 

At twelve in 1979, I had major back surgery. They diagnosed me with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. A year with a brace and physical therapy in hopes it would stop the rapid curvature. Hearing at 12 years old that there's a fifty percent chance I might not walk again was insane. The surgery involved full fusion of the spinal vertebrae and a Herrington rod was also inserted. There was physical therapy that was needed to help me get back on my feet again. I was laying in a hospital bed for about 2 or 3 weeks. After I had healed enough and the doctors had determined that the surgery was a success, they put a body cast on me I would wear for about 9 months. It went from my chest to right above my upper thigh so I could walk and maneuver. For a year I took sponge baths and my Mom washed my hair in the sink. NO FUN!

 

I remember before my surgery the doctor came into the little office talking to my Mom and dad about what would take place with surgery and if we had questions. I did! It was a pretty serious question for someone 12 years old. I wanted to know if I could have children. The answer was yes. I was so happy. In 1986 and 1987, I did have 2 wonderful children, Jasmine and Frank. It was against all odds of very serious surgery and back issue. Besides Jesus, my children are my lifelines and I am so proud of them.

 

Going back to 1984 my father passed, which turned my family into a tailspin. He seemed to be the very one who held everything together much of the time and kept the peace between fighting siblings. Many of you know exactly what I am talking about. I moved away shortly after to North East Georgia where I finished school and met my now Ex-husband. We got married on November 15, 1985. Shortly after, my daughter was born in June 1986 then my son in July 1987. They have been and are the biggest blessings and joys of my life. The marriage to their Father lasted chaotically until 2004. 

 

I have been a barber since 1994. My Father in law and husband at the time were both barbers, and the barber/hair industry made a pretty good income around the Virginia area. I can honestly say if you find a busy shop in or around a city and build a clientele, you will do well. 

Working mostly with men for the last 26 years has been interesting. Cutting hair and shaving and working in an environment that has been predominantly men for centuries. I've learned a lot from clients and people. Not to mention I have some female clients that come to see me regularly. Many of my clients have become like family to me, and we have wonderful conversations about many things. From Northern Va, Maryland, and Florida, and over the many years I've met many people from all walks of life, cultures, and from many parts of the world. Barbering has many differences from Virginia to Florida. 
 

So in August 2000, we moved from Maryland to Orlando, Florida. I've missed the North a lot since living here. However, I do not miss the cold. LOL, The food and the things to see and do are endless. The Smithsonian museums and the history of our nation are there to visit and reflect on. You could spend a lifetime and not see all they offer. It's huge in many aspects. I miss it and I can speak for my children as they spent a lot of time there and they miss it too. Might be time for a trip. In the many seasons of my life, I've moved around a lot, especially since I've lived in Florida. I am a self-employed, independent contractor, so I'm always looking for the best fit and fit for my clients. Thank goodness they have been faithful followers. Looking back, I'm always trying to adapt and grow from where I came from and to be thoughtful of where I'm going. I really know God's hand has been working in my life. One thing is for sure, he has definitely been there to protect me and move me out of harm's way when I've made some bad choices. That has been very clear in my life. 

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My life's story is full of sad times, disappointments, heartache, and much tragedy that almost seemed beyond repair. There are also times of happiness, laughs, and celebration. Life has gotten much better and the challenges are still there, but with God's power, it is much better than ever before. The Jesus Story in my life has shown up many times as protection, grace, and coverings of peace. He has come in and restored my soul from many dark days. I would otherwise not know his goodness throughout all the chaos of my life without his piercing eye-opening love offering that he has made for me and every other human being from the beginning of time. He was a friend when I was alone, a protector, a fatherly provider when I was in need. It's exciting times we live in and I hope to be a stable place and encouragement in the days ahead.  

 

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet is without sin”.

 

-Hebrews 4:15