A young man, who was shot and seriously injured, has given an account of his terrible experience and how the incident, which has permanent consequences, affected and changed his life. He gave the heartrending story at the launch of the National Anti-Violence Campaign at the Rodney MacArthur Auditorium on Friday evening, January 24, in the presence of a large audience.
Randy Hodge and his wife readily agreed for his account to be published in The Anguillian. The full text is as follows:
“My name is Randy Hodge and I am a victim of gun violence in Anguilla. On 12th February 2012, I was shot which left me paralysed from the waist down. Before this tragic incident, I was employed at the Cap Juluca Hotel for seven years. I was the sole provider for my grandmother who resides at the Senior Citizens Home. I played a very active role in my daughter’s life – Priness Rashonda.
“Shortly before I got shot I found a love for diving and spearfishing. I considered myself to be a very independent young man. But now, I am totally dependent on any and everyone for everything, both physically and financially. Every aspect of my life has changed.
“I miss standing in the shower to bathe. My eating habits had to change. I can’t eat too much solid foods. I’m back to the baby stage of puree or soft foods, so to maintain good bowel movement I have to drink a lot of water to avoid getting urinary tract infections. To go a little deeper, it’s tough not knowing when I want to urinate or use the toilet. Sometimes I feel useless and frustrated not having that option to feel. This I have to face everyday. It’s not pleasant for me or my loved ones. Even my dress code had to change. I can’t even wear my favourite boots because my feet get swollen.
“My every need has now become someone else’s financial burden. I am forced to survive on a disability pension that comes nowhere close to covering my monthly expenses. As I speak, this chair that I’m sitting in is a borrowed chair from the Anguilla Red Cross. I’m at that point where I have to seek financial help from you, the general public, and the government of Anguilla. So these senseless acts of violence not only affect the victims and their families but also the nation. We all suffer the consequences.
“Right now I am focused on recovering my body’s ability to function as I did before I was shot. My prayer to God is for Him to do another miracle for me and raise me up again. The day that I survived those four bullets, was my first miracle, so I know He’s still working on me. I have suffered much and have endured great hardships. I’ve been through a lot of negative things, and have deep scars from emotional wounds – but I won’t let my past determine my future. I don’t hold any feelings of bitterness or resentment. I’ve let go of those hurts and pains and have forgiven the people who did me wrong.
“I stop trying to figure out WHY? I have managed enough faith to say ‘God I don’t understand it, but I trust You. I am going to trust you to make something good out of it, because You promised that all things work together for my good.’
“So this is my plea to you the listening public. Parents, be an active part of your children’s lives. Know who their friends are because as the saying goes –You are known by the company you keep. Be your child’s best friend so when they come up against peer pressure, they will have a safe place to turn to. Instil good values in them. Teach your children to be kind to others and be honest. Teach them to forgive – to let go and let God…Remember charity begins at home.
“I thank you for listening.”
Editor’s note: Randy and another person were shot and injured outside the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre in the early hours of February 12, 2012. He was treated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Anguilla and was sent to Panama for further attention.
