Cherie-ann Holt

A little update from me and my boys. I have now been discharged from hospital, although I’m not home yet. The most important thing is that I am back with my boys, because being together is exactly what we all needed. Physically, my boys are doing well. Emotionally and mentally, however, the trauma is beginning to come in waves, and I know it will take time to help them feel safe again. They are struggling with being around people in public, particularly my youngest son, who was punched in the head during the attack. Right now, I’m trying to hold their emotions and help them process what happened while also attempting to heal physically and emotionally myself. It is exhausting, and some days it takes absolutely everything I have just to get through. My leg is currently in a brace, and I am relying on a walking frame and wheelchair to move around, as well as a shower seat. My boys are helping me with things I should be able to do for myself, such as putting on my socks and brushing my hair. I am incredibly proud of how caring they have been, but it is also deeply frustrating and upsetting that such simple parts of our everyday lives were taken from us in a matter of moments. We are together, we are taking things one day at a time, and we are doing our best to find our way through the physical pain and the trauma left behind. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single person who has continued to support us, send messages, check in and surround our family with so much love. I may not be able to respond to everyone yet, but please know that every message is seen and every act of kindness means more to us than I could ever properly express.