SAN ANTONIO – Eddie Moreno was happy to be home with family watching football this Thanksgiving.
Just 8 months ago, the 18-year-old was fighting for his life after being shot in a road rage incident this past March.
The former Alamo Heights basketball player was left paralyzed from the neck down when a bullet hit his spine.
He spent several months in a hospital intensive care unit recovering from the life-changing injury. Moreno was finally allowed to return home for the first time on Monday to a crowd of cheering friends and family members just in time for the holiday.
"It's a blessing. It's what I wanted," Moreno said.
The Moreno family wasn't sure if Eddie would be ready to come home in time for Thanksgiving. They were facing the possibility of celebrating the holiday away from the family home for the first time.
"It would have never been the same if it wasn't here so we're very thankful that we got him home," said Ryan Moreno, Eddie's younger brother.
Family members said they had so much to be thankful for this year. First and foremost, Eddie survived the shooting. Secondly, they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community that rallied behind them.
Hundreds of volunteers and local businesses donated their time and money to rebuild the Moreno home, making it more accessible for Eddie's wheel chair.
In addition to all the updates to the home, 3 families also donated a specially equipped minivan to the Moreno family to help Eddie get around. Ryan said his brother already has his first trip planned.
"He wants to go and see the varsity basketball games for Alamo Heights," Moreno said. "He wants to be there to support them."
As he continues down the long road to recovery, Eddie Moreno reminds us all to be thankful for the blessings in our lives.