He loved the feeling of freedom riding his Harley-Davidson 998cc XLS Roadster on the back roads of Berkeley County until a logging truck pulled out in front of him. All he could do was lay his bike down and ride on top of it hoping it would stop before colliding into the truck. And it almost did, his motorcycle was rapidly slowing when something caught sending the bike and him tumbling down the pavement. He was paralyzed with a broken back and badly torn up legs. I had gone to see him in the hospital to discuss representing him in a lawsuit against the trucking company but he was heavily medicated and not in any condition to discuss legal matters. We were just talking when his doctor came into the room.
The look on his doctor’s face said he didn’t have good news. He didn’t pay me any attentiom when he said there was no easy way to say what he had to say. That they’d done everything they could to restore the blood flow to his legs but gangrene had already begun to set in. The doctor lifted the sbed heet and one of his bandages pointing out the blackening tissueon his paralyzed leg. Unless they amputated his doctor said it would spread to his blood and most assuredly kill him. I could see the news was devastating and was amazed when my client found the courage to calmly ask questions that needed to be asked. Where would they amputate his legs? Above the knees the doctor told him, gently reminding him his legs were already paralyzed. When did they want to do the operation? As soon as possible, later that same day, if he gave his consent. Well, I really don’t have a choice, do I? No the doctor shaking his head. When my client gave his consent I could see the relief spread across the doctor’s face. The doctor nodded his head again saying he would make the arrangements, turned, and left the room.
I followed him out into the hall and called after him. Doctor, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you being so honest and caring delivering such gut wrenching news. Thank you, he replied. And who are you the doctor asked? I’m Kevin Holmes, his lawyer. The doctor turned as white as the screen upon which this is printed before gasping, “Oh my God, I thought you were his preacher!”

