Live Twice
Our family was told to prepare for the worst.
Against every expectation, he woke up.
In August 2021, my dad, Brian “Bo” Holder, unexpectedly fell into a coma after contracting streptococcal meningitis, which led to multiple seizures and strokes. Our family was told to prepare for the worst.
What followed was an incredibly difficult and uncertain recovery. Bo lost his short-term memory, his hearing, and, at the time, his ability to walk. He had to relearn how to navigate everyday life and find a new sense of independence.
I documented our family’s experience in my first short documentary,
Live Twice.
Live Twice is ultimately a story about what happens after the worst-case scenario—the resilience it takes to rebuild, the importance of community and support, and the ways a life can continue to evolve after a brain injury. While the film is deeply personal, I hope that Bo’s story can help other survivors and families feel less alone and remind them that recovery does not always look the way we initially imagine it will.
Today, Bo has continued to defy the odds. He has earned his Master’s degree in accounting, moved back to Atlanta to be closer to family, and is now pursuing art. He is also training his dog, Otis, to become his hearing service dog as he continues adapting to life after his injury.