One year ago, I was a victim of a vicious, violent assault in Boston. Only my family and a few of my closest friends were privy to this; but on this anniversary, and as my testimony, I want to share with you all just how great God truly is.
On the afternoon of March 31st, 2017 I was on to the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, and as I proceeded to the routine shortcut through the Copley/Prudential Mall; only steps away from my destination, someone came up behind me and bashed me in the head with a brick. I didn’t know the extent of my injury, as I cradled my head watching blood fill my hands and pour through my fingers, incoherently I managed to make my way into to the mall where I passed out. Slightly conscious, I recognized the EMT’s were diligently working on me as I heard these last words, “he’s going into shock” I was rushed to a local hospital, where I underwent emergency brain surgery. Here I suffered my first stoke, slipped into a coma, and was ultimately placed on life support with the expectation of not recovering. During the attack my ID was stolen so therefore the hospital couldn’t initially identify me; and I had no way of telling them. Somehow my last name became a point of reference and the hospital began to search the patient database for possible relationship matches. One of my sisters, a prior patient was finally located. She in turn notified the rest of my family who rushed to my bedside. While in the coma I was pretty much aware of my surroundings. I heard the voices of my family members, whom ever was talking to me, and praying for me. The one thing that will stay with me forever is my son crying, “wake up dad. Please we need you.” I wanted so badly to respond to everyone but couldn’t. I even heard when the priest entered my room to give me my last rites. He asked my family if I believed in God, and after they’d given consent, he began to pray over me.
Two days later I awoke from that two week long coma to face a long difficult road to recovery. I had to learn how to perform basic functions all over again; how to walk, to speak, to feed myself, and to provide personal care. With God’s grace, the help of Boston Medical, my loving and caring family and friends I made a full recovery. I am here today because of favor, nothing less than his mercy. After one of the most difficult years of my life I’ve found a way to be thankful. The universe teaches us that suffering can be our greatest source of transformation, so I take nothing in this life for granted; and thank God for second chances.
In my transparency I’m being made whole. In my undefeat, I’m being made stronger. I don’t ever want to be defined by my tragedy, injuries, or pain. I felt it fully then and I release it today. Because he brought me from near death, God said I have a whole lot of living to do instead; and today I get a chance to live it more abundantly. My life is truly a message of hope.
Marcel Bell
#IAmGold