DALLAS (BP)–The sole survivor of a March 15 attack on five Southern Baptist aid workers in Iraq is recuperating better than doctors had expected and sent a personal message to be read at graveside services for her husband.
Carrie “Niki” McDonnall underwent surgery March 24 in a Dallas-area hospital for nerve and skin grafts on her left hand and will begin physical therapy for the hand next week, according to family spokesman Van Payne. She lost most of three fingers on that hand during the attack.
Her doctors are “very pleased” with her progress and moved her to a private room that same day, earlier than they had expected, Payne said.
McDonnall and her family said they had been deeply moved by the expressions of support and promises of prayer they have received from people all around the world, Payne said.
They also wanted the family of her late husband, David, who died in the attack, “to know their hearts are with them” as they attended a graveside service for him in his hometown of Lamar, Colo., the spokesman said.
“Carrie sent a message to them that included Scripture verses and remembrances of her life with David, to be read at the graveside by her sister,” he said.
McDonnall also has been in telephone contact with the family.
Commemorations for the other three victims of the March 15 shooting include a March 24 funeral for Karen Watson in Bakersfield, Calif., and a March 25 service for Larry and Jean Elliott in Cary, N.C.
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