Since Labor Day weekend of this year, my life has been irrevocably altered. In many respects, my life has been impacted in a negative way, but at the same time, I have come to realize how very lucky I am.

So, during this holiday season, I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who were so helpful on my road to recovery and rehabilitation.

Since my injuries occurred, there were many friends who made themselves available to help care for me. From the simplest gesture to the largest, I thank everyone for their generosity. Thank you for the calls, gifts and the prayers that I know helped me make it through this time. I especially appreciate the friends who opened their homes to me, drove me to doctor and rehabilitation appointments and to my continuing medical procedures.

And, finally, I thank people, total strangers, who donated gifts while I was recovering.

I am not originally from this area, and have no immediate family here. But I am blessed with the family of friends I have found in this community.

I have many weeks ahead of rehabilitation, but with such positive support, I will continue to progress.

To each and every one of you, I thank you.

Jim Milbrath, Auburn

Editor’s note: The author was injured in a machete attack Aug. 29 at Morton’s Builders in Auburn. A former employee was charged with the attack.