"I just can't believe it. I just go through my times when I cry then I think about all the good things that he's done," said mother Vanessa Adams.
Just days after their son Michael was shot and killed outside a Nacogdoches restaurant, Vanessa and James Adams can't help but think of all that was lost.
"I personally can only hope to be a fourth of the man my son had become," said James.
Michael Motte was not just a loving son, the eldest of four kids and father of two kids of his own, he was on a path to a great future. Motte was a star athlete from a young age and he was known as much for his talents on the field as well as his classroom academics.
In college, he aspired to be a pro football player, who as of just two weeks ago, had promised to come back to Houston to teach local kids.
"He was coming back to pay back to the community that was a part of his life. What a loss," said former high school teacher Linda Sherrard.
Motte was gunned down early Saturday morning as he left a Nacogdoches BBQ restaurant. His mother drove from Houston to see her son, but it was too late.
"Because so many people were coming in, I was like, I just want to see my child and I still have yet to see my son," said mother Vanessa Adams.
Motte was also part of the prestigious fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. On Facebook, his brothers have established a special memorial for him.
In the meantime, the man accused of killing Motte, Nickevett Carey, remains behind bars. Motte's family says they forgive him.
"I forgive him because I know that's what Michael would want me to do. It's very hard, hard because he took something from me that can't be replaced. He took our angel," said James.
Family members also say that Motte will be remembered for being a great volunteer which they say began at an early age.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday.
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