A second chance at life | KVII

Excerpt

A.J. Reed tried to commit suicide when he was younger, but now he travels the country talking about why not to do it.

A second chance at life | KVII

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 03:27:46 GMT — A.J. Reed, 22, tried to commit suicide back in 2000. Since, he has traveled the country to share his story.

Reed said he thought he had problems growing up, between his parents TM divorce and running with the wrong crowd.

"After being locked up in Juvenile Hall and being labeled a bad kid, I felt alone and isolated. I thought I would always be a bad kid and there was no hope for my future," Reed said. "Since the pills didn't work the first time, I attempted suicide with a 12-gage shotgun on December 9, 2000."

Reed said he did not remember much, but what he was dealing with before was minor compared to the road ahead.

The recovery process required baby steps, and Reed said thanks to his family and a newfound faith, he shifted gears.

"Eventually I knew what I was supposed to do and I could deal with being blind because I was so happy to be alive," Reed said.

Throughout the years, Reed has found a purpose in his life.

Whether it is on a national stage, like Oprah, or a local stage, like

Amarillo South, he shares his story.

"I knew I had something to share. I hope I can offer hope, or help people learn from my lessons," Reed said.

Matthew Newman is a junior at Amarillo High School and he has seen Reed speak at least twice.

"Every time it hits home and it gets you thinking about things that you never would before," Newman said.

But this is a first for eighth grader, Trey Alvarado.

"What he said changed me because I see how things can go wrong and how

God can work in your life and change you completely."

Reed's testimony speaks loud and clear, despite the stares or comments.

"I wont get angry or upset. I simply share with them and tell them what happened and in doing so, they actually break down their barriers," Reed said. "We just don't know where the Lord will lead us."

Right now, Reed is working on getting a guide dog.

In April, he plans to head up to Oregon for training.

• REED, Aaron James