“Still Standing” seems an odd title for a book about a guy in a wheelchair. But it makes perfect sense once you meet author Dwight Owens.
After being paralyzed in a wreck caused by a drunk driver, the Hot Coffee native turned his personal tragedy into a platform to empower others. Today, the former teacher is a motivational speaker who mentors the newly disabled, counsels youth in his community and speaks out about the dangers of drunk driving.
“Disability is a setback, not a life sentence,” says Owens, who credits Methodist Rehab staff with helping him realize his potential.
“Their philosophy is tough love, with the emphasis on the tough part,” Owens says. “They taught me to push myself as hard as I could to get as far as I could.”