By Allie Jones
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,'” Jeremiah 29:11. Centennial senior, Levi Parker, has lived by this bible verse since he was 15.
We’ve all heard the saying “boys will be boys.” This Centennial senior took that saying to a whole new height. Literally.
After breaking all his ribs on the right side of his body, collapsing both lungs, puncturing a lung, bruising his heart, and fracturing four vertebrae, Parker has made an incredible comeback.
What started out as a fun day with the boys ended in a tragedy. Parker and his friends were out riding four-wheelers and jumping hills. After barely making a big jump, Parker went for it one more time, even though all his friends advised him not to.
But, as they say, “boys will be boys.”
Parker went for the jump, cutting it short, and didn’t make the landing.
“Well when it first happened I was dead I was actually dead, Ryder said he was looking at me and calling my name but I was laying there lifeless feet away from him,” said Parker.
But, Parker’s book of life didn’t end there.
“Until all of a sudden God decided ‘Iit ain’t Levi’s time yet,’ and gave me breathe,” he continued, “and I remember laying there after I did looking up and praying talking to God and laughing in my head because I was just like well I guess this is as good as any other way to die.”
Parker’s friends tried to convince him that he needed to call his parents, but being scared to tell his dad that he wrecked the four wheeler, Parker didn’t allow it.
Instead, he sat and talked to God.
“I remember praying saying I am sorry for all I have done and that I didn’t know what to do,” said Parker, “but then I swear I felt a hand touch me and I got life back in me.”
Parker then told himself to “stop being a sissy” and get up to see the situation.
Somehow, he did get up, turned off the four wheeler, but then crumbled back to the ground.
Parker’s road to recovery was not an easy one. He went from being an adventurous, daredevil, wild teenage boy to a boy who was centimeters away from being paralyzed, stuck in bed.
Parker’s hospital experience was one he does not want to remember.
“I wish I would have died not having to experience those days in the hospital,” said Parker.
But when he could finally leave, it was a huge relief.
“I was so happy I remember that day walking out in my brace being so happy,” said Parker.
And that’s where his story continued.
Parker continued on with his life, not letting his injury sideline him.
Yes, there were some limitations, but he never let them stand in his way.
“I just kept doing what I could to become the Levi everyone and I knew: the adventurous kid,” said Parker, “I was, and just kept always, telling people that I am so lucky and thankful that God spared me that day.”
Fast forward almost three years later, and you would have no clue what happened to Levi.
As a senior, Parker has three varsity athletic letters. He loves hunting, fishing, spending time with friends and family, listening to country music, hiking, kayaking, playing video games, and riding his dirt bike.
Parker lives everyday to the fullest. When he’s around, it’s hard to not be smiling and happy. He’s always positive and never looking on the negative side.
Levi Parker is a true inspiration to everyone.
“Enjoy the time you have, you never know when it will be gone,” said Parker.
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