Just Wiggle Your Toes

Kevin Brooks was involved in a drunk driving accident that paralyzed him from the chest down and killed his childhood best friend, Brendan. 

During the early days of his stay in the hospital, Kevin’s parents didn’t tell him about Brendan’s death in fear that it would cause Kevin to want to give up. Eventually over time, Kevin learned about Brendan. Not only did he have to live with the fact that he killed his best friend, but for knowing that he’s never going to be able to walk again. He’s going to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair because of something he chose to do. Brendan’s family forgave Kevin and supported him in his recovery. 

As sad as the accident was, I don’t know if I would be so easily to forgive, but I understand Brendan’s parents in why they forgave Kevin. Brendan chose to get in the car that night knowing that there was alcohol involved. 

Kevin became a motivational speaker and started during presentations around North America talking to students about the impact of drinking and driving. He wants to use his story to inspire people to not do what he did. It's one of those presentations where he said“Just Wiggle Your Toes.” and it stuck with him. Now it’s part of his story since wiggling your toes is something we take for granted. 

I saw Kevin’s presentation when I was in high school. We share a personal connection with Brendan since I grew up with Brendan’s sister. Brendan’s family are absolute sweethearts, especially his parents. Brendan’s sister always had my back growing up. 

Brendan’s dad was my brother’s godparent for his confirmation while my mom was Brendan’s sister’s godparent. They were in the same class. He was going to be my godparent for my confirmation, but due to something unexpected, he wasn’t able to. 

No matter how much time that goes by, every June around the anniversary of the accident, I think of Brendan and his family. A life gone too soon because of a decision that could of been a different one if someone talked him out of it.