By Oakley                                             H.R. No. 1021
       74R13665 KMP-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The life of Matthew Brent Courtney, which had
    1-2  brought so much joy and happiness into the lives of others, ended
    1-3  all too soon with his death on August 5, 1991, at the age of 10,
    1-4  and his passing brought a tremendous loss to the family and many
    1-5  friends of this beloved child; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Born July 7, 1981, Brent was deemed to be at risk
    1-7  for sudden infant death syndrome, and he was closely monitored by
    1-8  his parents and doctors throughout his first two years of life; his
    1-9  family was overjoyed when he passed through this difficult period
   1-10  unharmed, and he was then blessed with a full and active life that
   1-11  inspired all who knew him; and
   1-12        WHEREAS, An energetic, outgoing, and wonderfully animated
   1-13  little boy, Brent captured the hearts of all around him; he
   1-14  displayed both good sportsmanship and athletic skill as an
   1-15  enthusiastic member of his baseball and soccer teams, and he had
   1-16  already formulated career ambitions of becoming a legislator, a
   1-17  lawyer, or a police officer; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, His career plans stemmed from another aspect of his
   1-19  personality, for Brent also was a perceptive and sensitive young
   1-20  man who was keenly aware of injustice in the world; his deep
   1-21  concern for his fellowman, especially families and children, had
   1-22  inspired him to become an agent of change and reform, and he
   1-23  undoubtedly would have succeeded in his many ambitions; and
   1-24        WHEREAS, There is no greater tragedy than the death of a
    2-1  child, for in children's young faces we see the hope and promise of
    2-2  our future; yet Brent's unique spirit remains alive in the hearts
    2-3  of all who loved him, and although his time here was limited, his
    2-4  compassion, his desire for social justice, and his capacity for
    2-5  love were boundless, and this legacy will never be forgotten; now,
    2-6  therefore, be it
    2-7        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
    2-8  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Matthew Brent
    2-9  Courtney and extend sincere sympathy to his parents, to his two
   2-10  brothers, and to all the friends and relatives of this special
   2-11  young man; and, be it further
   2-12        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-13  prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
   2-14  House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
   2-15  Matthew Brent Courtney.