Personal Injury Law

Young Hero Shields her Mother from Bullets

By Moseley Collins, Esq.

Seven year old Alexis Goggins is soft spoken and shy. One might not expect the young girl with a learning disability to be very courageous, much less a hero, but that is exactly what she is.

In Detroit, Michigan, a far cry from Sacramento, Alexis and her mother, Seliethia Parker, were taken hostage by Parker's ex-boyfriend in their home town. Calvin Tillie, the ex-boyfriend, jumped into a car containing Alexis, Parker and a friend and forced the friend to drive at gun point. The friend pulled into a gas station and, leaving the car under the premise of needing gas, called 911. Inside the car, the drama unfolded. The Associated Press reports:

...Parker pleaded with the gunman not to shoot. As he was about to open fire, Alexis cried, "Don't hurt my mother!" and jumped into her mother's arms from the back seat.

As Alexis shielded her mother, she was shot multiple times. Despite her heroic efforts, her mother was shot twice, but survived.

Now, after two months in the hospital, six surgeries, and the loss of her right eye, Alexis is recovering. She goes to physical therapy twice a week and speaks little of the shooting. Not suprisingly, Parker refers to Alexis as "her little angel". A suitable title, in my opinion.

For the full story, please click here.

In this world we are confronted with so many terrible things, but, every now and then, we glimpse the mercy of God through the actions of one of His children. Whether its someone taking the bullets intended for another, or simply listening to someone who is hurting, people become heroes everyday. In my opinion, these acts are examples of Christ's light shining in the darkness. These acts, this light, make life livable for us adults, living in the "real world". They show us that the "real world" maybe is as good as we thought it was as small children, dreaming of being grown ups.

If you or a loved one has been injured and need legal help, please do not hesitate to call me, Moseley Collins, of The Law Office of Moseley Collins, at (916) 444-4444.

Full post as published by Sacramento Injury Lawyer Blog on February 21, 2008 (boomark / email).