A Waseca police officer continues to make improvements, six months after being shot and injured in the line of duty.
Officer Arik Matson was shot on January 6, 2020, while responding with other officers to reports of a suspicious person behind a home.
Six months later, Matson has undergone two surgeries, and faces another in the coming months, according to a CaringBridge post Monday by his wife, Megan.
"In the last 6 months Arik has slowly but surely struggled and put up a fight to regain his daily capabilities back that we all take for granted," Megan Matson wrote. "His touch, taste, smell and hearing are all at different levels some more intense then others use to be. He is able to walk on his own at times for short distances (never alone). He often finds himself needing the help of a assistant more then not."
Matson is currently at his fourth hospital since the shooting, at a facility in Omaha, Nebraska.
"Arik's memory is all there. His appetite is back. He is able to write letters back and forth with his daughters weekly," Megan Matson wrote. "Arik wants nothing more then to be home with his family and friends. But understands this is going to be a long road to recovery and is grateful for all the letters, care packages, phone calls, text messages and encouragement he has been receiving throughout this all."
Faith has been an important factor in Officer Matson's road to recovery.
"Healing is both a physical and emotional journey," Megan Matson wrote. "Arik has found out that his faith has been put to the test this season. He has asked God in his darkest times, 'is this the plan you have had for me all along?' In this time of unknowing he sits in silence and listens to Gods voice. I have faith in the unknowing and trust Gods plan."
