When Jacksonville Police Officer Elyse Hand approached Bobby Michael Dennis, Dennis grabbed a rifle and started shooting.

Dennis, 64, reportedly shot Hand and her K-9 the evening of November 2, as The Dallas Express reported. After a statewide manhunt and a $10,000 reward, police captured him on November 5.

While Dennis’ escape with the law has ended, Hand’s journey toward healing has just begun. She shared her story on Facebook on November 16.

“I am so incredibly blessed and thankful to be alive,” Hand wrote. “I have full faith and trust in my God and know that all of this happened for a reason and is a part of His plan for me and this will be my testimony. And that is how I am doing okay.”

She said she was shot twice, struck by two .566 rounds – one of which is in her right arm, and the other of which went through her leg. She has undergone two surgeries. 

Her leg has a “wound vac,” which helps the healing process for large wounds. Hand said this is “helping close the chunk of my leg that is missing.”

Meanwhile, the shooting severed her right arm’s Ulnar Nerve, which controls grip and fine motor skills, by 85%.

“I have no feeling or movement in my right arm, hand, or fingers,” she said. 

Her K-9, Renzo, was also shot. He went through two surgeries and is now recovering well. Hand said her friends are watching him while she recovers. She said this has helped “tremendously.”

“All that to say, I have received so much love and support,” she said. “It’s heart warming and has made me feel so incredibly loved and supported.” 

Hand believes in the “power of prayer,” and asked specifically for the “spontaneous return of function in my right arm and hand. And that I get no infections in my leg,” she said.

She thanked people for the prayers, donations, support, and love. 

“I’ve got a lil boy to chase around and although a momma is going to figure it out, it’s a lot harder one-handed, weak hand at that,” Hand wrote.

Hand said the battle does not fall upon herself or others, and called people to ignore those who cannot comprehend right from wrong.

“Right is right. Wrong is wrong,” Hand said. “And evil will be paid for in the end.”

Soon after the shooting, Hand posted a video from the hospital with her son.

“I have no words… Thank you God for letting my son have his mom,” she wrote. “I can’t even begin to thank each one of you for your support. I am in awe.”