Posted on 12/14/2009 6:53:32 PM PST by ButThreeLeftsDo
The father who helped his daughter to recover bit by bit from a devastating gunshot wound, died on Sunday.
WCCO has covered several stories about Vernice Hall, an innocent girl shot two years ago. The family was told she wouldn't recover but her father never gave up on the daughter he called "Star."
This weekend though their story took a terrible turn. Steve Hall collapsed on a relative's couch and died from internal bleeding. They believe it was caused by a bleeding ulcer.
"I just don't understand it. I'm shocked, I don't understand," said his wife, Latice Hall.
Their family has been through so much since Vernice was shot. Until now, Steve was always there. He was the voice of her fight, and she was his "Star."
"He knew she was going to recover," said Latice. "And he was there for her."
Patience and passion were two of his virtues as Star made slow, but steady progress. WCCO-TV saw them just eight days ago, celebrating her return to the family's church, the Shiloh Temple.
At the time, he said, "she's still not walking and talking yet, but through the grace of God, that will come."
In fact, she has come a long way since that September night in 2007, when a shooter fired into a crowd in Vernice's yard. She was shot in the head. Police said it was probably gang-related. A teenager was heard bragging about it later, but no one has been convicted.
The Hall's lives were changed forever but not their faith, or Steve's strength and devotion to his daughter.
"He loves his kids. His kids are his life," said Steve's daughter Temeka.
"If more could walk his walk, I tell you, I think we have a better society," said Shiloh Bishop Richard D. Howell.
Star is now 14 years old and is in ninth grade. She still can't talk, but amazes experts with her continuing progress.
But the one person who was never amazed was her father.
"Trying to work with Star," he said last Sunday. "And wait on that day for her to start playing basketball again and running around and all of those things. Cause I truly believe that's gonna happen. I truly believe that's gonna happen."
Steve's family said he didn't complain about ulcers or belly pain. That just wasn't his way.
Below are details about a fund set up to help his family at Shiloh Temple.
Steve Hall Memorial Fund Donations can be made to the following location: Steve Hall Memorial Fund c/o Shiloh Temple 1201 West Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411
Steve loved his Star...
This is just awful.
Big prayers for the family.
Tragic and sad. My prayers are with the family.
This man will be with his daughter one day. Of that I’m sure.
Some guy brags about shooting her yet hasn’t been arrested. I think it’s time for the Star Chamber.
Welcome O Lord, the heroic soul of this brave loving father into Thy heavenly kingdom, we humbly pray Thee in Christ’s name.
(tears)
Oh, dear. Sad story.
Now that’s a man.
This story has been in the fore since day one. Her dad never, ever, gave up on her and her recovery.
And now..
I’m in tears and I wish I could do something..anything to make this never happen again.
I really have to go, now....
She was HIS star....now her dad will be HER star and will still inspire her each time she looks to the heavens and sees that bright shiny star. She will work harder now for her dad. He gave her the basics and she has all she needs to continue on to pursue the things he said she would.
God bless this family. They have had enough on their plate. I’m wondering though if someone had been bragging about it...how come they didn’t bring him in and question him to get to the bottom of this? Sad, disgusting and evil.
It does really tear one up doesn’t it? Seems the bad guys always win anymore. The devil is alive and well and there are many out there more than willing to do his bidding.
I just hope to live to see justice in this world....
I can’t explain them either. They are way out there and the lives they live at least in front of the camera are just outrageous.
However,for so many other things.. we don’t always see justice in our liftimes but...I DO think justice will prevail.
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