Editor

RIDGEWAY- Your 21st birthday is a time for looking ahead to your adult life, reflecting back on what’s gotten you to this point.

Surrounded by family and friends, former FCHS Griffin football player Brian Moore did just that this past weekend.

Moore was critically injured and partially paralyzed in a June 26 accident in 2007.

The strength of character of this former Newberry College Indian and former Fairfield Griffin has been awesome to behold, and an inspiration to those people around him.

At his birthday party, Moore provided a glowing report on his own health and strength.

“I feel wonderful. I’m loving spending time with my family, I’m doing a lot of reading and messing around on my computer. I’ve also been spending time with God, getting closer with Him.

“And I’ve been spending time with my fiancee, Tangela Mclean,” he said.

Brian continues to undergo physical therapy, and says that is going well.

“I’ve been working lot with my hands. I fed myself two weeks ago,” he announced.

Perhaps his best accomplishment in recovering his health was two months ago, when Brian says he stood on his own feet.

“Now, we’re working on getting my blood pressure regulated, where I can stand up more,” he said.

“You know that my favorite phrase is: Anything is possible.

“And anything is possible, if your mind can conceive it, it can be done.

It’s all a fact of believing in your heart, with no doubt. Not just believing, but knowing in your heart.”

Brian might almost be talking about his own situation when he adds: “there are going to be ups and downs, I guarantee you, and everything’s not always going to look peachy, but things always work out. Good things come to those who believe.”

On the eve of his 21st birthday, Brian reflected a little on his accident and how lucky he was to be here.

“It’s a blessing. I’m very happy to be here; I could have very easily not have been here, but I’m blessed to be here,” he said.

Brian says his fiancee has been by his side, doing anything she can to help him, and “that’s a very vital part of this building of life that I’m building. She’s one of my cornerstones, and I’m very blessed to have her,” he said.

Tangela says of Brian that he’s very laid-back, but believes that he can do anything he sets his mind to.

Coach Reggie Shaw was Brian’s strength coach at FCHS and is now coaching at Ben Lippen. He stopped by to wish Brian well and say a few words about this young man.

“Brian’s attitude is one of never-quit. It inspires me to be around him and talk with him,” Shaw said.

The circumstances of his accident have only “improved on what was already a strong spiritual maturity,” said Shaw.

“He knows that God is in control of everything, and he’s turned his life over to God. I think there’s hope and confidence in that. I have no doubt that he’s going to walk again. That would be an awesome sight.”

Brian’s mother Virginia Brown says that he inspires her on some days as well.

The family continues to try and seek funds for a specially-outfitted vehicle that Brian can be transported in.

If you’re interested in helping the family of this remarkable young man, you can send your donation to :

Brian Moore Rehab Fund

Wachovia — 101 N. Congress Street, Winnsboro SC 29180