My Testimony (A Living Miracle)

My Testimony (A Living Miracle)
My name is Dwight Owens. I graduated from Collins High School in the year 2000 and then from college
at The University of Southern Mississippi in 2004 with a major in Secondary Education. Upon
graduation, I immediately became a teacher at Laurel High School. I taught there for a year. Then my
dream job opened up, being a teacher and a football coach at the school I graduated from in Collins. I
took the job with no hesitation! My life was great! At 23 years of age, I thought I was living the life! I
never used any type of drug. My life was planned out. I even knew the age that I was going to retire at!
Unfortunately, on Friday, August 5 of 2005, my plans became altered. On that day, on my way to school,
I was hit by a drunk driver, which led to a terrible driving accident. From talking to the paramedic, I died
or coded instantly. Doctors wanted to give up because they thought I had no chance at all of being
brought back to life. I was placed on life support. Fortunately, God stepped in and gave me life again.
Both of my lungs were punctured. My lungs eventually collapsed, making it hard for me to breath on my
own. In addition, my kidneys were bruised, a large hole was found in my diaphragm, my liver was
knocked into my chest, several ribs were broken, my shoulder was torn, and my back was broken.
Unfortunately, my spinal cord was also severed in 2 different places, which has left me permanently
paralyzed.
Through my rehabbing process, I met people that could barely do anything for themselves such as eating,
bathing, combing their hair, brushing their teeth, and some even needed respirators to help them breath.
These are things that most of us take for granted. I’ve learned that independence is definitely a gift. It also
must not be taken for granted because it can be taken away at any time. God also allowed me to forgive
the drunk guy for hitting me, even though he didn’t have any license, no insurance, no way to compensate
me, and didn’t even call to say he was sorry. Because of God, I’ve learned the true meaning of life, love,
and forgiveness. Even though I’m paralyzed, I’m still blessed because I survived. God brought me back
from certain death and I’m able to tell others about my testimony and the power of God. I’m a miracle!
The Bio of Dwight Owens
Born in 1981, life has been an adventure. I have been
blessed with a great family. My parents are Lesa and
Eric Clark. My biological dad, also Dwight Owens,
passed away in 1994. I also have 4 other siblings,
wonderful Grandparents, and some awesome Aunts. In
2007, I married a fantastic wife in Tamika Owens. After
graduating at the top of the class at Collins High
School in 2000, I graduated with honors at the
University of Southern Mississippi in 2004. While at
USM, I double-majored in Computer Technology and
Secondary Education, with an emphasis in Mathematics. I
also went back to USM for Physical Education to pursue
my dream of coaching football. After USM, I took
additional coursework at Mississippi State to help
master my Computer Technology craft. After college, I
taught Technology Discovery at Laurel High School, also
the place where I met my wife. After a year, I went
back to my home school in Collins to teach Special
Education
Mathematics
and
to
coach
football.
Unfortunately, during the same year, I was hit by a
drunk driver in an automobile accident, leading to
paralysis. With so many injuries, coding, and life
support, I was considered a miracle to survive. After
rehabilitation, I pursued other dreams. I became an
inspirational speaker. During that time, I also worked
with MS Attorney General’s Crime Victim’s campaign. In
addition, I worked with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk
Driving) to prevent drunk driving. That motivated me to
start my own “Before You Drink, Think Dwight” campaign,
which led to national recognition and a National
Service Award. For the last 2 years, I have also been
working L.I.F.E (Living Independence For Everyone),
counseling other people with disabilities and helping
them live independent lives. I give credit to my
family, church community, and most importantly God.
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s Pam Moore strived to overcome the traumas of her
accident, a fellow Collins, Miss., native was unknowingly
headed down the same road. Dwight Owens was traveling
on Highway 84 on Aug. 5, 2005, when a drunk driver
crashed into his cherry red Chrysler convertible. The after-effects of
the collision ran parallel to Pam’s ordeal, except the 23-year-old
teacher and high school football coach would be left paralyzed.
Former high school classmate Layne McLaurin was one of the first
paramedics to arrive on the scene of the accident.
“We found Dwight in the car with his legs hanging over the steering
wheel and the rest of his body lying on the passenger seat
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,” said McLaurin. “When
We found Dwight in
we made it to Covington
the
car
with his legs
County Hospital, Dwight
hanging over the steering
coded and we began
wheel and the rest of his
CPR. It seemed like he
body lying on the
was down forever. I can
passenger seat
remember everyone
preparing to give up
when doctors finally found a pulse.”
Owens was transferred to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg,
Miss., where he remained on life support for nearly 48 hours.
Medical records showed that his kidneys
were badly bruised, a large hole was
discovered in his diaphragm and his liver
was lodged into his chest. Owens also
http://www.chinika.com/site3/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=137[3/14/2010 3:40:51 PM]
Dwight Owens Says "I
Do" to Life, Love, DUI
Campaign
I
n spite of his
heartaches and pains,
Dwight has vowed to
live his life to the
fullest. He’s also pledged to
put an end to alcohol-related
collisions, which kill one
person every 30 minutes
within the United States
alone, according to Mothers
Against Drunk Driving.
From schools to churches to
jails, Dwight’s “Before You
Drink and Drive, Think of
Dwight Owens” campaign
has inspired thousands of
people. “I want people to get
a first-hand look at the
consequences of getting
behind the wheel when they
are intoxicated,” said Dwight,
who is currently featured in a
Mississippi Attorney General
Office’s crime prevention
Chinika.com - Parallel Lanes of Highway 84
Be a Physical
Therapist w/ a Human
Services Degree.
www.Degrees-HumanServices
suffered several broken ribs, a torn
shoulder and a broken back. With his
spinal cord severed in two places,
Owens would somehow pull through, but
awake to the news that he was
permanently paralyzed from the waist
down.
“I was in total shock and in excruciating
pain,” recalled Dwight, who admitted to
never drinking a sip of alcohol. “For days, I would try to move but
nothing happened.”
After learning of Dwight’s story, Pam felt compelled to rush to his
bedside. “I adopted him as my little brother,” said Pam. “There were
some days I saw that he couldn't take it or wanted to give up, but I was
determined not to let him do that. So, I tried to visit him and encourage
him as much as I could. But, most of all, I wanted him to see what God
had done for me,” she said.
Dwight believes Pam’s presence was preordained. He said her
testimony gave him new hope about his future and the bravery to face
the challenges of rehabilitation.
Like Pam, a once-independent Dwight had to learn new ways to
complete life’s basic tasks.
“I had to first learn how to
maneuver in a wheelchair. I
then had to get stronger to
prevent wearing out my arms
from constantly rolling around in
the chair,” Dwight said. “I had to
learn new ways to empty my
bowel and bladder. Now that
my muscles don't work properly,
I now have to manually empty my bladder using a catheter kit every six
hours. Likewise, I have to manually empty my bowels every other day
using a suppository. Emptying my bladder and bowel is the toughest
part about being paralyzed, even tougher than not walking,” he said.
“In addition, I now have to use a shower chair to bathe. Although I
struggled with it at first, it takes me a little shorter amount of time to get
dressed,” said Dwight.
His mother Lisa said it’s still difficult to see her son in the situation that
he’s in, especially since his suffering could have been avoided.
Nevertheless, “I know God is in control. Therefore, I know Dwight is
going to be OK," she said.
commercial. “But I also view
the campaign as a way to
show my audience they can
overcome any obstacle, no
matter how dire.”
Although Dwight’s life has
been turned upside down, his
love for Tamika Chandler
remains intact. The two met
prior to the accident, during
his first year of teaching at
Laurel High School in Laurel,
Miss. On Nov. 17, 2007, in
front of a packed church,
which included his mentor
Pam Moore, the two
exchanged marriage vows.
“There’s truly something
special about Dwight that I
can not put into words,” said
Tamika. “He always manages
to make me smile even
during my angriest moments.
I just feel a sense of peace
when I with him. He’s truly
an inspiration to my life and I
thank God for him,” she said.
Dwight said Tamika vowed to
remain by his side long
before their wedding day. He
said she is very
understanding and doesn't
treat him as if he’s
handicapped. “Therefore,
when I'm in her presence, I
still feel like I'm walking and
standing tall,” he said.
This interview obtained
by chinika.com may not
be published,
broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed without
the prior written
authority of Chinika,
LLC.
Dwight acknowledged he’s learning new things every day, enabling his
belief that he can do anything a fully functional person could do. “God
has blessed me with great smarts, which makes it easier to figure out
things," chuckled Dwight.
He credited the people he met at rehab with playing a key role in his healing process, both physically and
mentally.
“I met people who could barely do anything for themselves, such as eating, bathing, combing their hair,
brushing their teeth and some even needed respirators to help themselves breathe. These are things we
take for granted,” he said. “I learned that any level of independence is definitely a gift because it could be
taken away instantly.”
Seventy-four-year-old Herman Posey was convicted of aggravated DUI in January 2007, a conviction that
carries up to 25 years in prison. Although an uninsured Herman nearly killed him and left a mountain of
medical bills for him to pay, Dwight incredibly advocated and successfully garnered Herman a reduced
sentence of eight years in prison, with 10 years post-release supervision. He said he wanted to give Herman
another shot at experiencing a good life.
http://www.chinika.com/site3/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=137[3/14/2010 3:40:51 PM]
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This interview obtained by chinika.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC.
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Dewight Owens
written by Heather Seals , May 19, 2008
I have learned a lot from Dewights story and i am inspired that he is a "living miricle"...i know that he is
a very strong man for pulling through what he has gone through. i feel for him and his family. And i am
thankful that he could come to our school this afternoon and gave us his story and inspired us all. I am
really moved by his story and that if everyone tries hard enough.. a miricle lies in us all.
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...
written by Janice Tumblin , May 13, 2008
I sat here with tears in my eyes reading Layne McLaurin's post. I know all to well the fear of coming up
on someone you know and believing or hoping it will never happen to you. You fought for Dewight
when he could not fight for himself. Your skills and compassion gave him the help he needed at the
time he needed it most. Know in your heart and mind that God put you there with Dewight for a reason
and I honestly believe that there is more to come from this story for all involved. Dewight seems like a
Godly and honorable man and I do believe that we will see great things from him in the years to come.
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Dwight Owens
written by LaKeysha Greer Isaac , March 21, 2008
I am pleased to see that Dwight is doing so well. We were patients on the same floor at Methodist
Rehab Hospital in October 2005. Despite the circumstances in which we found ourselves, Dwight never
wavered in his commitment to the program or in his efforts to uplift other patients. His hope and
optimism were an inspiration to me and to others as we sought our own path to healing.
Congratulations, Dwight!
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Dwight Owens
written by Layne McLaurin , March 19, 2008
Dwight has always been the type of guy that no matter what, he was smiling. In the classroom or on the
football field he was the type of guy that you wanted to be like. Very smart in the books and a force to
be reconed with on the field ! After Dwight's wreck it changed me . My worse fear being in the medical
http://www.chinika.com/site3/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=137[3/14/2010 3:40:51 PM]
Chinika.com - Parallel Lanes of Highway 84
field was that one day we may arrive to an accident and it be someone i know. You never really think it
would happen though. On Aug.5 2005, five years after we stood on the football field together and
laughed and cheered that we had finally made it,we meet again on hwy 84 . This time it wasn't the way I
wanted to my friend. Words cannot exspress what was goin thru my mind that day. Dwight was in very
very critical shape at the scene.In route to the hospital his condition got worse. As soon as we arrived
at the hospital Dewight coded so we went to work. He was down what seemed like forever and the
doctor said hes been down to long, just to long. I was doing chest compressions at that time and he
said lets check for pulse. everyone stood back and by the Grace of GOD he had one.Five mins from
that point Dewight began to try to fight with us a little as we were getting him ready for transport to a
Higher Level Of Care. I leand down and said loudly Dewight can you hear me? he knodded his head. I
briefly explained to him what had happened and told him with confidence Your Gonna Be Ok! With his
eyes still closed he knoded and SMILED ! THANK YOU DEWIGHT OWENS FOR HELPING ME TO BE
THANKFUL FOR EVERYDAY! Layne McLaurin
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Dwight Owens Says "I Do" to Life, Love, DUI
Campaign
I
n spite of his heartaches and pains, Dwight has vowed to live his life to the fullest. He’s also pledged
to put an end to alcohol-related collisions, which kill one person every 30 minutes within the United
States alone, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
From schools to churches to jails, Dwight’s “Before You Drink and Drive, Think of Dwight Owens” campaign
has inspired thousands of people. “I want people to get a first-hand look at the consequences of getting
behind the wheel when they are intoxicated,” said Dwight, who is currently featured in a Mississippi Attorney
General Office’s crime prevention commercial. “But I also view the campaign as a way to show my audience
they can overcome any obstacle, no matter how dire.”
Although Dwight’s life has been turned upside down, his love for Tamika Chandler remains intact. The two
met prior to the accident, during his first year of teaching at Laurel High School in Laurel, Miss. On Nov. 17,
2007, in front of a packed church, which included his mentor Pam Moore, the two exchanged marriage vows.
“There’s truly something special about Dwight that I can not put into words,” said Tamika. “He always
manages to make me smile even during my angriest moments. I just feel a sense of peace when I with him.
He’s truly an inspiration to my life and I thank God for him,” she said.
Dwight said Tamika vowed to remain by his side long before their wedding day. He said she is very
understanding and doesn't treat him as if he’s handicapped. “Therefore, when I'm in her presence, I still feel
like I'm walking and standing tall,” he said.
This interview obtained by chinika.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC.
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Southern Miss Marketing & PR - Southern Miss Grad Strives to Curb Drunk Driving (with photos)
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Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Contact Chinika Hughes - Hood, 601.266.5568
Hattiesburg- At age 23, University of Southern Mississippi business technology education graduate
Dwight Owens had already mapped out his road to success along with the age he’d plan to retire.
But his plans came to a screeching halt on Friday, Aug. 5, 2005, on Hwy 84 in Collins, Miss., as he nearly
became the 372nd Mississippian to die in an alcohol-related car accident. Former high school classmate
Layne McLaurin was one of the first paramedics to arrive on the scene.
“We found Dwight in the car with his legs hanging over the steering wheel and the rest of his body lying on
the passenger seat,” said McLaurin. “When we made it to Covington County Hospital, Dwight coded and
we began CPR. It seemed like he was down forever. I can remember everyone preparing to give up when
doctors finally found a pulse.”
Owens was transferred to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss., where he remained on life
support for nearly 48 hours.
Medical records showed that Owens’ kidneys were badly bruised, a large hole was discovered in his
diaphragm and his liver was found lodged into his chest. Owens also suffered several broken ribs, a torn
shoulder and a broken back. With his spinal cord severed in two places, the Collins Middle School football
coach and teacher would somehow pull through but awake to the news that he was permanently
paralyzed from the waist down.
“I was in total shock and in excruciating pain,” recalled Owens who admitted to never drinking a sip of
alcohol. “For days, I would try to move but nothing happened.”
“For the last year, I have been in the healing process with several hospitalizations, and the guy who hit me
was uninsured, leaving me with outrageous medical bills that seem impossible to pay,” said Owens.
In spite of it all, Owens said he’s been working very hard in rehab, trying to get in shape and become
more independent. He credits fellow patients, family and friends for providing him a dose of courage along
with a new perspective on life.
“While in rehab, I have met people who could barely do anything for themselves, such as eating, bathing,
combing their hair, brushing their teeth, and some even need respirators to help them breath. These are
things we take for granted,” said Owens. “I’ve learned that independence is definitely a gift. It must not be
taken for granted because it can be taken away at any time.”
The aspiring motivational speaker is currently sharing his miracle story with area youth in hopes of curbing
alcohol-related accidents which killed 16,885 people last year according to Mothers Against Drunk
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=314[3/14/2010 3:38:08 PM]
Southern Miss Marketing & PR - Southern Miss Grad Strives to Curb Drunk Driving (with photos)
Driving.
Owens said he is determined to help lower the number of fatalities, plus save others from the trauma and
heartaches he’s endured.
Sharon Rouse, an assistant professor in Southern Miss’ Technology Education Department, said her
former student has proven many times over that he can accomplish whatever he sets out to do.
“If you ever need an example of what humanity should aspire to be, think of Dwight. He is a fine young
man, an excellent role model,” added Rouse.
Owens said while he does have his fair share of unpleasant days, he will always remain optimistic about
his future because he knows that things could have been much worse.
“God brought me back from certain death, and I am blessed to be able to tell others about my testimony
and the power of God,” he said. “And with God’s help and my willpower, I know that I will one day walk
again.”
University of Southern Mississippi graduate Dwight Owens, 24, is on a mission to walk again and end
alcohol-related accidents which killed 371 Mississippians in 2005. Paralyzed in a 2005 car accident
caused by a drunk driver, Owens is now sharing his inspirational experiences with youth across the state
in hopes of sparing them from the same heartaches he’s battling to overcome. (Submitted Photo)
Click to enlarge
University of Southern Mississippi graduate Dwight Owens, 24, escaped death as a drunk driver plowed
into his 1998 Chrysler Sebring convertible last year on Aug. 5 while driving on Hwy 84 in Collins, Miss. The
http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=314[3/14/2010 3:38:08 PM]
Southern Miss Marketing & PR - Southern Miss Grad Strives to Curb Drunk Driving (with photos)
former Collins Middle School football coach/teacher was left paralyzed from the chest down and is now
sharing his near-death experience and grueling recovery with youth across the state in hopes of curbing
alcohol-related accidents. (Submitted Photo)
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and researchextensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering
individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development,
Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and
innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional
campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at
www.usm.edu .
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Leader Call - Curbing drunk driving
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Published December 05, 2006 08:59 am -
Curbing drunk driving
USM graduate speaks to area teens about his near fatal accident
Photos
To the Leader-Call
HATTIESBURG — At age 23, University of Southern Mississippi business
technology education graduate Dwight Owens had already mapped out
his road to success along with the age at which he planned to retire.
USM graduate Dwight Owens, 24,
escaped death as a drunk driver
plowed into his 1998 Chrysler
Sebring convertible last year on Aug.
5, while driving on Highway 84 in
Collins. The former Collins Middle
School football coach/teacher was
left paralyzed from the chest down
and is now sharing his near-death
experience and grueling recovery
with youth across the state in hopes
of curbing alcohol-related accidents.
Laurel Leader-Call
But his plans came to
a screeching halt Aug.
5, 2005, on Highway
84 in Collins, as he
nearly became the
372nd Mississippian to
die in an alcoholrelated car accident.
Former high school
classmate Layne
McLaurin was one of
the first paramedics to
arrive on the scene.
“We found Dwight in
the car with his legs
hanging over the
steering wheel and the rest of his body lying on the passenger seat,” said
McLaurin. “When we made it to Covington County Hospital, Dwight coded
and we began CPR. It seemed like he was down forever. I can remember
everyone preparing to give up when doctors finally found a pulse.”
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Owens was transferred to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, where
he remained on life support for nearly 48 hours.
Medical records showed that Owens’ kidneys were badly bruised, a large
hole was discovered in his diaphragm and his liver was found lodged into
his chest. Owens also suffered several broken ribs, a torn shoulder and a
broken back. With his spinal cord severed in two places, the Collins
Middle School football coach and teacher would somehow pull through
but awake to the news that he was permanently paralyzed from the waist
down.
“I was in total shock and in excruciating pain,” recalled Owens, who
admitted to never drinking a sip of alcohol. “For days, I would try to move
but nothing happened.
Business name or type...
Laurel, MS
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Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Laurel, MS
“For the last year, I have been in the healing process with several
hospitalizations, and the guy who hit me was uninsured, leaving me with
outrageous medical bills that seem impossible to pay,” said Owens.
In spite of it all, Owens said he’s been working very hard in rehab, trying
to get in shape and become more independent. He credited fellow
patients, family and friends for providing him a dose of courage along with
a new perspective on life.
“While in rehab, I have met people who could barely do anything for
themselves, such as eating, bathing, combing their hair, brushing their
teeth, and some even need respirators to help them breathe. These are
things we take for granted,” said Owens. “I’ve learned that independence
is definitely a gift. It must not be taken for granted because it can be
taken away at any time.”
The aspiring motivational speaker is currently sharing his miracle story
with area youth in hopes of curbing alcohol-related accidents, which killed
16,885 people last year, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Owens said he is determined to help lower the number of fatalities, plus
save others from the trauma and heartaches he’s endured.
Sharon Rouse, an assistant professor in Southern Miss’ Technology
Education Department, said her former student has proven many times
http://www.leadercall.com/Teen/local_story_339101747.html[3/14/2010 3:44:41 PM]
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Leader Call - Curbing drunk driving
over that he can accomplish whatever he sets out to do.
“If you ever need an example of what humanity should aspire to be, think
of Dwight. He is a fine young man, an excellent role model,” added
Rouse.
Owens said while he does have his fair share of unpleasant days, he will
always remain optimistic about his future because he knows that things
could have been much worse.
“God brought me back from certain death, and I am blessed to be able to
tell others about my testimony and the power of God,” he said. “And with
God’s help and my willpower, I know that I will one day walk again.”
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