MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Clarksdale Police officer, who was shot in the face, continues on his road to recovery.
Cpl. Derrick Couch and his wife, Renita, spoke with WREG ahead of Couch being released from the hospital.
Couch’s family calls his recovery a “miracle.”
“I personally read every single letter to him that comes in from California, New Mexico, Vermont, Virginia, everywhere around the world. We are forever grateful for the prayers, the contributions, the words of encouragement,” Renita Couch said.
Many call Couch a hero. After 67 days of treatment and rehab, Couch said he agrees.
“I guess, the truth,” he said, chuckling.
He is finally heading home from Regional Medical Center.
Couch had a procedure involving his “bone flap” where part of his skull was removed. He also lost his left eye.
His days have been filled with speech, occupational and physical therapy. His movement is coming along.
Renita said even though his right side was affected, he is able to walk with a cane.
His speech is improving too.
“I can see the frustration with him sometimes, because when you’re used to doing something and got to relearn it over, I tell him, I say one word and he’ll finish it. I say, ‘The joy of the Lord…'”
Couch responded, “Is my strength.”
The couple’s faith, along with each other, has gotten to them to this point.
Renita never believed a bullet could take her husband from her.
“I just was being a wife and being there for him, like I normally am,” she said.
They look forward to returning home, eager for life to quiet down, but not before thanking the community.
“Thank you. Thank you for all the support,” Couch said.
Renita said there will be a benefit concert for Couch Friday at 7 p.m. at Ground Zero in Clarksdale.
Right now, two men face charges in connection with his shooting and the robbery of the Corner Grocery store. Both cases were bound over to a grand jury.