I LIKE TO SEE YOU IN BLACK

I LIKE TO SEE YOU IN BLACK

When you hear of heroism and house fires you think of pulling someone from a burning building, putting yourself in harms way to save the life of another. What I witnessed on April 10, 2007 in West Buncombe County at 4 Mountainview Road can only be explained as compassionate heroism. This act of courage can only be implemented from the heart. I saw young 21 year old Ben Woods cradle 63 year old Brenda Waddell in his arms after helping her from the burning house. I said to myself, what a courageous young man. Holding a human with 3rd degree burns, look her in the eyes, see and hear her agony, watch her skin fall from her body, be calm enough to assure her everything will be alright, and help is on the way, keep her talking to prevent grave shock, can only be accomplished by an extraordinary person. I asked myself, could I perform the same task? Maybe so, but it would be easier to abstract the person from the flames.

The young generation today is no different than when I was 21 years old. At 44 I remember the 80’s well. The heavy metal T- shirts with cut out sleeves, jeans with holes in the knees, and tethered pants legs for most would spell trouble, but rarely did. Inside was a good person. No different today. The graphic T’s are just replaced with a solid black shirt. The torn blue jeans are now black. The draping chains are more decorative than my faded out greasy hats I wore.

To judge a person by their dress or appearance is only for the shallow minded. I know this for a fact. I know the man in black, I know Ben Woods. To judge this book by its cover is sinful. The young man in black is the man that saved another persons life.

The next time you see a young adult dressed in black don’t be too quick to judge their heart and bravery. It could be your life they save next.

THE BOOKIE
ASHEVILLE, NC