BackYouth Speak Out on Violence
by BEN TRAMMEL
Growing up in northwest Houston, I have been exposed to a real- life version of Hollywood suburbia with people walking dogs, jogging, strolling with their families. It is a blessing to live in a neighborhood where the threat of a violent attack is limited. Yet just as suburban Hollywood is for show, my community’s rosy appearance masks unpleasantness. Driving down the scenic streets, I cannot escape thinking of Brian, my best friend’s brother.
Brian was one of the nicest guys you could meet. He and two friends were driving home after renting movies. It was a little before 11 p.m. Zac was driving, Brian was up front and Andy was in the back when a drunk driver, traveling at high speed, swerved into the oncoming lane smashing head-on with Zac’s car. The out-of-control vehicle ricocheted off Zac’s car, was hit on the side and began to roll. It rolled over the car behind Zac’s, seriously injuring that car’s occupants.
The most critically injured were Zac and Brian. Zac was killed. Brian spent two months in the hospital.
Ms. Beatty, Zac’s mom, stayed at the hospital, and returned often, to be with Brian’s family and friends as we waited for news of Brian’s condition. Resisting the urging of others to go home and get some sleep, she remained, a steadfast pillar of Christian faith.
I scarcely could believe the strength this woman showed. After hours of surgery to relieve pressure on Brian’s head and to reconstruct his face, doctors announced he would live. They said we could see him. Visitors were to go in pairs, so Brian’s parents went first. When they came back, with tears in their eyes and the color drained from their faces, Jason rose and turned to me with pleading eyes.
I had not planned to go in. I got to my feet, without much confidence in the ability of my knees to hold my weight. Numbly, I followed Jason down the hall into the intensive-care unit. My eyes fell upon a withered frame that vaguely resembled Brian. His jaw was shattered causing his face to swell beyond recognition. Jason just kept repeating, "Hey, Bubba," and "It’s gonna be all right."
I’m pretty sure he didn’t believe his own words.
Brian, with the support of dedicated loved ones, is on the slow road to establishing a new life for himself. He goes to rehabilitation everyday, and no timetable for his complete recovery can be set. The outpouring of support and prayers has been tremendous.
The United Methodist Women, in fellowship with the shepherd ministry of my church, made meals for the families affected, held prayer vigils, and offered their company to the lonely.
Scripture tells us that those who dedicate themselves to servitude shall be first in the eyes of God. This community, and this society, needs individuals willing to offer a shoulder, time and prayers. I hope and pray that the United Methodist Women continue to provide these services. The world could use a million more people like Ms. Beatty.
Ben Trammell is a high-school junior and a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. He serves on the steering committee of the National Youth Ministry Organization of The United Methodist Church.
Response Magazine