By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
When Congress designated a Thursday in November as a day of Thanksgiving in 1782, no thought was given to Joey and Tori Wyatt. But every day has been Thanksgiving in the Wyatt home since late last year.
On Dec. 15, 2006, the father and daughter were flown by helicopter to a hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in a scrapyard explosion near the McLellan community just north of the Florida state line.
The two were flown by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., following the accident. Joey was treated for first degree burns, while Tori was treated for second degree burns. Tori was later transferred to UAB Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Joey was released from Sacred Heart so he could be with his daughter during her recovery.
Tori Wyatt, who was 7 years old at the time of the accident, said she is thankful for the prayers she knows went up on her behalf.
Pam said she knows that prayer makes a difference and because of that, Tori's recovery has been complete, and what she describes as miraculous.
Joey Wyatt's injuries took a little longer to heal than those of his daughter. Pam credits the extended healing time to fatherhood.
Joey Wyatt is thankful to be alive, but is more thankful for the full recovery of his daughter.
Joey Wyatt also expressed thanks, not only for the well being of his child, but also for the expressions of concern shown by those around them.