He can’t address the courtroom right now, but he can address the state of Alabama.
At the moment, Civil Appeals Court Judge Matt Fridy is not able to do his work on the court. He, his family and friends pray that it will change soon.
Flat on his back in a hospital bed, he is able to continue his Christian witness.
On Thursday, Fridy released his first public statement eight days after suffering a major heart attack. He credited God’s grace, his pharmacist/wife and his medical team for saving his life and putting him on the road to recovery.
Partial statement as follows:
“As a pharmacist, my wife Kimberly was quick to identify the seriousness of my chest pain, and because she called 911 when she did, we avoided a very different and unpleasant outcome. I will be forever grateful to the Pelham Fire and Rescue first responders, the emergency room staff, and the HeartSouth and Shelby Baptist cardiac critical care doctors and nurses whose skills, talents, and knowledge ensured that I survived.”
“Countless Alabamians across the state, ranging from close family friends to complete strangers, have sent messages that they are praying for my recovery, and I know that the surprising progress I have already made is a direct result of God’s grace. My heart may have been temporarily weakened, but my will is strong, my mind is sharp, and my determination to heal and help raise our five children is mighty.”
Fridy asked for prayers to continue so he may return to his judicial duties as soon as possible and continue working on behalf of the citizens he swore an oath to serve. His family asks for no visitors during his early recovery.
The 49-year-old is a former two-term state representative from Shelby County and former chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party.
“Roughly 805,000 heart attacks occur in the U.S. each year, so my experience is not unique or any more important than millions of others who have survived and recovered," he outlined, adding, “I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah 17:14, which tells us: ‘Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.’”
While he is not citing the law at the moment, he is still quoting scripture.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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