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.