Paralyzed N.J. Boy Has Big Dreams
NEWARK, N.J. (CBS 2) -- He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, doing what kids do.
Tajzir Wilson, 12, was riding his bike in broad daylight when he was shot. Now, after the Newark resident has gone through therapy, he shared his story for the first time with CBS 2's Christine Sloan.
It certainly has been a long road to recovery since the day when Wilson was caught in the crossfire.
"I was on my way home from football practice," the young victim said. "I was playing with my friends and some guy started shooting."
The bullets pierced his neck, leaving him paralyzed.
"It still hurts when you touch it," he said.
But he's getting better, with help from his mother, Alberta Gordon, who carries him on her back because she can't afford to put handicap accessible ramps in her home.
But Wilson is working hard every day in therapy and has bigger goals.
"My goal is to walk again," he said. "Take care of mother, instead of her taking care of me."
It was 3 p.m. when Wilson was shot on the sidewalk as he rode his bike in the summer of 2007. It started with two women arguing – and then gunshots.
"They took away his childhood," said Gordon. "He should be playing little league baseball…but he can't do that."
The seventh grader will be facing the man who shot him in court this month – and he's got plenty to say.
"I just want him to trade places with me for a good year," said Wilson. "So he can see what it feels to be me."
Despite his anger, Wilson is trying to get past the resentment and depression.
Wilson loves video games and reading, and sees a bright future for himself.
"I want to work for Microsoft, in Game Studios," he said. "And meet Bill Gates, and the President."
And that's not all.
"I want to play for the New York Giants," Wilson said. "I know I will."
Gun shot victims or not, it seems many could learn a lesson from the young boy.
"Don't give up," Wilson said. "Keep trying…never say never."
Wilson credits his recovery to his therapists at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.
