The downtown #Durham gas explosion was one year ago today.

Two people were killed.
More than two dozen were injured.
The impact is still felt daily for so many people.

This is Richard Meyers. He was driving a Carolina Livery bus that was right by the blast. It caused a traumatic brain injury that impacts him daily. He has fatigue, headaches, ringing in his ears & memory loss, & his vision & nervous system are affected, too. He asks for prayers.

Meyers says shortly after the explosion, workers’ comp denied his claim. His family has been struggling financially ever since. He says he recently went back to work part time.
Due to #COVID19, he was laid off.
He asks for financial help, if you’re able: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bull-city-bus-driver-recovery

Meyers said at the time of the explosion, he didn’t know if he’d live or die. “I said two things. I said I love you Jesus. I love you Gina” (his wife).

I have talked to Meyers several times since the explosion, and am always struck by his positivity. I asked him how he does it.
“I’m a man of faith. I love Jesus. I know he preserved my life in this for a reason.”

Meyers says before the explosion, he had a dream to start a fishing ministry, taking people with disabilities out on the water. “I have, I think, a new appreciation and maybe a different connection for that vision. And I’m hoping down the road I’ll be able to do that.”