Shawns broken face

After much encouragement from many wanting to help, here we go…

Shawn was indeed attacked at work. A group of employees were in disagreement about paperwork protocol regarding Shawn’s department. Shawn had the final say, and many agreed with that. One did not. Shawn went to his office to move forward. Moments later the man followed continuing to argue. Shawn, sitting down at his computer, did not expect he would get violent and attacked him before he could stand up or defend himself, knocking him unconscious immediately and continued to hit him over and over in the head until our angels Poly and Chris came to help. Poly pulled him off, and the guy got loose and still continued to hit Shawn while he was unconscious. Poly again pulled him off while Chris attended and protected Shawn. Immediately they rushed him to the hospital. The man was a good work friend and we still are at a loss as to why he would do such a thing to this extent and Shawn, being the lover he is, is sad for him and his family.

Shawn has extensive head trauma to the left side of his face, a broken jaw, misplaced molars, nerve damage and feeling across the left side of his face and head. Surgery to realign and remove teeth, debris and tissue was successful but as the doctor put it… was “hamburger inside.” He’s in so much pain but we won’t deny the amount of mental trauma this has caused. Prayers and patience are the answers. This will take time.

My heart is broken in a thousand pieces over this. I know there is a lot of anger towards the man, but Shawn and I can’t help but encourage people to keep in mind this man has a family. They are victims too as his life and their life have drastically changed as well as ours. I ask for prayers for both our families and grace during the recovery. I can’t help but thank God over and over my husband is alive.

As for saying thank you, I don’t even know where to begin. Family and friends have stepped up in so many ways. Outsource has truly shown they are family as well. The stress of the extra unknown with his work has all been rest assured and covered right down to every CVS receipt. I myself have missed a lot of work, taking the time to care for him and I don’t regret a single second. We’ve gotten a bit clingy for each other and I’ve gotten pretty good at understanding his grunts.

Many many people love Shawn and are asking… “what can I do?” The Amazon was great and we thought of a few simple things like water bottles and dry erase markers. The only other thing I can think of to help is a nice place to sit outside, soak up the sun and talk with friends. I want to give Shawn nice safe places he can enjoy socializing.

He also JUST put money down on a bike. He’s been looking so very forward to this and is still talking about it. It’s his little light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t want him to give that up.

I know it’s not emergency things, but mentally this has been a complete struggle for not only him but our family. There’s no obligation whatsoever. Keeping positive and looking towards the future is all we can do.

All this isn’t fair. It’s been the hardest thing to experience and I’m at a loss at how to fix it. Personally, I’m angry, sad, scared …. And I think Shawn and the kids feel the same. So many questions, but the biggest one… “why us?!?”

Aside from that… the love… the tears from the support has been overwhelming and intense. Shawn has waves of emotion every time he gets a call or text lifting him up “having his back” “loving you” “anything you need” “you out of all people didn’t deserve this” “you’re an amazing kind giving person… who would do this to such a teddy bear.” Messages from all over the country that have worked with Shawn over the past few years. I will tell you… it lights his spirit… you’re keeping his glow glowing… and with you, and the lord… we will get him through this.

Shawn has a very hard time with his phone for too long and struggles responding. I help him when I can, just know he hears you… and loves you so much.

We love you so much. -Taryn, Shawn, Wyatt, Layla and Waylon.