NORWOOD -- Despite a series of ups and downs, Spc. Matthew Cooke is on his way to recovery, his mother, Diane Frappier, said last week.
Frappier and her husband, Jerry, recently returned home to Norwood after spending two weeks with their son, one of the wounded from the shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, on Nov. 5.
"Matthew is still in a critical care unit but not intensive care," Frappier said. "It's been a rocky road with lots of ups and downs, especially fighting infections. He's free of any right now, and we think he's on the road to recovery."
Cooke took three shots in the back of his right shoulder as he tried to assist a downed comrade. One bullet grazed his head while another did extensive internal damage, including nine injuries to his colon after the bullet fragmented.
He endured a lengthy surgery on the day of the shooting, one that saved his life, and several subsequent procedures, and doctors are telling Frappier that they expect her son to recover from his injuries. But more surgery is ahead, with considerable recovery time.
While Cooke's emotions mirror his physical condition, he had a particularly good day recently when he received a shoebox full of get-well cards and good wishes. The 30-year-old enjoyed the moment as his wife, mom and two sisters read the cards to him, one by one.
"I want to thank everyone for thinking of Matthew and sending their best wishes," Frappier said. "His receiving those cards made his physically good day a really special day."
Since his initial surgery and time in intensive care, Cooke has been moved to Darnell Hospital on base at Fort Hood.
Good wishes may be sent to Spc. Matthew Cooke, Darnell Hospital, Room 307, Fort Hood, TX 76544.
