Justice still fitting even after 14 years
Paul Walker is a man of great strength and determination. He has fought through a gunshot wound which claimed his ability to walk. And he persevered through more than a decade of uncertainty, never knowing if the person who took so much from him would ever be brought to justice.
For years, it appeared solving the early morning robbery in which Walker was shot was not going to happen. It looked like justice may never arrive.
That uncertainty ended Thursday morning when Roger Dale Tackett was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the robbery that left Walker confined to a wheelchair. After more than 14 years of doubt, Walker was finally granted a degree of legal closure.
Fortunately, Walker says he was able to put personal closure on the case years ago. Instead of hatred and bitterness, Walker says he holds no grudges against Tackett or anyone else who may have been involved in his shooting.
“I got over the bitterness years ago,” said Walker after watching Tackett receive his sentence. “We’re actually living now. The Lord has blessed us.”
Walker’s uplifting attitude should serve as an inspiration to all of us who have so much good fortune. It’s easy to take an everyday task such as walking for granted. But for those who have lost that ability it makes some of the simple chores, like reaching an item from a cabinet, a challenge.
Walker would have needed no excuse to quit working after the shooting. Without the use of his legs, he faced obstacles he never before had to encounter.
But Walker not only continued working, he continued to log long hours at his business, Walker Tire and Alignment. He battled through adversity when many people probably expected him to throw in the towel.
We can all take a lesson from Walker’s work ethic, determination and forgiveness. We can also be thankful he was finally able to see justice served.