She was ready in January. But no, April Ross needed another surgery.
Then in June, Ross had surgery on her right arm. Most recently, she had surgery on her left hand.
Finally this month, it was time. Nearly a year-and-a-half after being shot multiple times and paralyzed by her estranged husband, Ross returned to her job as a prosecutor in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
“I am not waiting until this is completely healed,” Ross said from her office this week. “To me, this is a new beginning.”
In April 2014, Ross had filed from divorce from her husband, Tranard McConnell, and he had been served with papers. He had never been violent with her, but something changed with McConnell. On April 25, 2014, Ross was in a car with a co-worker when McConnell fired multiple shots, hitting his wife in the face, arm and back.
Much of what followed is a blur for Ross. But she knows she was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where she underwent several surgeries to save her life.
“I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for everyone who touched me that day, physically and spiritually,” Ross said.
From Grady, she was transferred to the Shepherd Center. Nearly three months later, she was able to return home. Initially, Ross relied on her family for even the simplest tasks, like brushing her teeth or hair. Now, she’d much rather do it herself.
She’s still in rehabilitation and will need more surgeries in the future. But like any good prosecutor, Ross is determined and stubborn. The shooting changed her life, but she is a survivor.
“My goal is to get back as much independence as I can, and live my life and pursue my dreams,” Ross said.
For her family’s Thanksgiving meal, Ross is responsible for a broccoli casserole and macaroni and cheese. A friend will serve as her “sous chef” to help make the dishes. Cooking by herself is one more thing on her to-do list, Ross said.
“I’m looking forward to driving soon,” Ross said. “It’s one thing at a time. I’ve got a lot things on my checklist.”
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