FROM ZERO TO A HUNDRED

An autobiographical account of a police officer’s recovery from paralyzing injuries suffered in the line of duty.

Roy always wanted to be a cop. He grew up in a dangerous neighborhood where the police “reminded [him] of superheroes,” and unlike many other boys his age, he stayed out of trouble. Specifically, he pursued his interest in baseball with a stint in the minor leagues, and later achieved his dream of becoming a police officer in Houston. By his early 30s, he’d received several meritorious service awards, was making good money, and was happily raising his first child with the love of his life. Life was good—but that changed in an instant when a routine traffic stop turned into a harrowing, high-speed chase, resulting in catastrophic spinal and brain injuries. Roy called it déjà vu: Seventeen years before, he’d been in an auto accident and “narrowly escaped death….I wasn’t sure if I’d be so fortunate again.” Paraplegic and unable to care for himself, Roy “was at zero, the lowest point of any measuring scale,” despite the support of family, friends, fellow police officers and others in the community. However, when the hospital assigned him a young, seemingly angelic roommate named Damian, Roy found new hope and strength in the friendship, and a series of success stories followed: Roy won a legal battle to secure disability benefits, recovered the use of his legs enough to complete his first footrace, and returned to Lakewood Church, where he learned to let go of his resentment. Overall, this is a delightful memoir—well-organized and cogently written, personal and engaging without being maudlin, and inspirational without being preachy. The author introduces each chapter with a Bible verse that reinforces the chapter’s main point, and his stories offer hope and instruction, particularly for readers facing similar challenges. Roy’s voice reflects a rare, refreshing blend of humility, wisdom, encouragement and gratitude, undoubtedly born of his strong faith being tested by adversity.

A fine memoir that offers an inspiring reminder of the qualities one needs to overcome life’s greatest challenges.