The house that Brent built:
With a little help from his friends & family

Wanda Nichols Photo RAISING THE WALLS -- Under Brent's supervision the south wall of his new home is raised.

At first glance it looked like a scene from "America's Home Edition: Brownsboro Style" when volunteers gathered Saturday morning for a genuine house raising for Brownsboro High senior Brent Miller.

Since an accidental shooting accident in the fall of 2001 that has left the 18-year-old a paraplegic, Brent has dreamed of the day he could live independently.

"It's a big step for Brent," said Danny Cotton, neighbor and Union Hill Baptist Church youth pastor. "Independence; it will be fantastic for him. He'll be going to TVCC just like the other seniors. There's no pity, just proud to be his friend. What a thrilling way to be able to live alone when you graduate."

Cotton said he became involved in the project, when Brent's father, Glenn, said he wanted to build a handicapaccessible house for his son, but needed help raising the walls.

"Glenn started building, and it started happening," Cotton said. "He needed help. What better way for the community to get involved."

Wanda Nichols Photo CLAIMING HIS INDEPENDENCE -- Numerous friends and family members converged on the front yard of Glenn and Wendy Miller, in Brownsboro, Saturday, to build a handicap-friendly home for their son Brent Miller who was accidentally shot six years ago leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

Cotton offered the Circuit Riders Christian Fellowship motorcycle ministry from Union Hill. The original date, scheduled earlier this month, was "snowed-out," but the motorcyclists showed up ready to work, anyway.

Two weeks later, the sound of an air-powered gun combined with chatter and laughter filled the air as the morning clouds gave way to a bright, breezy day.

"We got lucky," Cotton said. "We got some professionals, Cecil and Randy Padgett. What a blessing! We were blessed with this weather, too."

Along with the Padgetts, and their wives and children, members of the Union Hill youth group also volunteered their energy to the project.

The 1,024 sq. ft. building will consist of two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living area, and a kitchen, all handicapfriendly, of course.

Brent didn't go the way many might have who have lost the use of their legs.

"Ever since he got shot, he's been an A-B student," Glenn said. "He didn't skip a beat. He was invited to join support groups, but said he didn't need it. I think he needs to go and give support to the others. "

At Brent's insistence, Glenn and Brent's mom, Wendy, formed the BAM Foundation to help others with spinal injuries. BAM are Brent's initials for Brent Adam Miller. Glenn felt BAM was a suitable name for the foundation because one day his son was healthy and BAM, the next day he was not.

Although they are still working on obtaining their non-profit certification from the state, the Millers have raised funds throughout the years through aluminum can collections, the majority of them coming from VFW Post #1799 in Tyler, and Brownsboro High School.

Last year, when a student in Tenaha, Texas suffered a broken neck while playing football, the BAM Foundation purchased a van for the young man. Last year BAM held a benefit for 9-year-old Tucker Thomison, who was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia in August and raised nearly $3,000. When a young boy in Tyler was hit by a car in December, employees of Trane, where Glenn works, and the BAM Foundation raised money for his family, and Brent donated his manual wheel chair. Several years ago the BAM Foundation gave 100 Easter baskets to a children's nursing home in Gladewater.

"All of these are funded through can collections," said Wendy. "It takes awhile to

build up funds, but it works."

Brent's good will toward

others has not gone unnoticed.

"He doesn't know what an inspiration he has been to others, " said Debbie Cotton, who works as a teacher's aide at the high school. "You never catch him in a bad mood. He'll make you smile."

With assistance from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Service, (DARS) Brent says he plans to learn to drive his 1997 Ford van once it is handicap equipped.

"We have to see if the van is mechanically capable first before the state will approve installing $80,000 worth of equipment," Glenn said.

This fall Brent will attend Trinity Valley Community College and begin earning a degree in computer graphics or architecture. Once he completes his basics there he said he plans to earn his Bachelor's degree from UT Tyler.

After that?

"It depends on what opportunities come my way," he said. "I might design blue prints or work for a construction company designing buildings."

While volunteers didn't get the building under roof by nightfall, they did raise and secure all four walls.

This Saturday, the work will continue.

"We need lots of help," Glenn said.

So grab your work gloves and head on out to 11950 CR 3300, just off FM 314, north of Hwy. 31, in Brownsboro.

"I appreciate this all I can," Brent said. "It's nice to know you've got good people all around you."

The Miller family would like to extend their gratitude to all who helped Saturday and to Piggy's, Too for donating lunch.