Still conscience but partially paralyzed, Diaz managed to quickly radio for help. DeSalvia, however, was already dead when Diaz, a 29 year - old graduate of Florida State University, realized what had happened. "It is the most painful, fearful experience in your life to be shot," he said. "At first it feels like a mild pinch since your body is in the fight or flight syndrome. After the adrenaline wears off, it feels like a combination of an electrical shock and getting stabbed with an ice pick." One and a half years later, Diaz is in the process of proving his doctors wrong by learning to walk again and increasing his strength. The bullet that struck Diaz in the head, grazed him, while the other seven gunshot wounds caused mostly temporary paralysis to his legs. There is still no feeling in his feet.

With physical therapy continuing daily, Diaz said he feels better, and looks better. His weight is now 174, up from 140 after the period of hospitalization. In just the last few weeks, Diaz has put on 15 pounds. His daily regimen includes lots of weight lifting, muscle-memory training, tweaking various motor movements and trying to perfect his walking. Last week, Diaz was doing well enough to stand up using only a cane as he accepted an award during a luncheon sponsored by Easter Seals of Orlando for his work with the charity.

The man who shot Diaz and DeSalvia, a south Floridian by the name Emmanuel Jimmy Saint Nattis, is in state custody awaiting State sentencing. The State is seeking life without parole or the death penalty. Saint Nattis was convicted in a federal trial of conspiring with four friends to rob a pawn shop in Orlando, robbing the store and then shooting the police officers three days later. The conviction also included possession of a firearm and using a firearm in a robbery. Sentencing for the State conviction is set for October 8 in West Palm Beach.

Meanwhile, Diaz' psychological and spiritual healing have been almost as remarkable as his physical recovery. With the help of two parish priests, a supportive victim assistance program of the Orlando Diocese and his parish, he has worked through what happened and has begun to find new meaning to this tragic event. "It's been hard and long nights, a lot of tears and a lot of agonizing moments, but I have moved forward and I really have peace in my life," Diaz said by phone from his home in Winter Park. Christians ask God every day for forgiveness and it would be hypocritical not to forgive others, he said, saying that it's unhealthy to live with pent up anger and bitterness.

"I have been very blessed; and the Lord has been good to me, and the least I can do for Him is to do some soul searching and forgive this guy," Diaz added. "Saint Nattis made a mistake. He has to be held accountable. Fortunately, he was caught, tried and has to take responsibility for what he did. If I were a bitter person, I think it would have hindered my healing." Saint Nattis will never be a free man, and Diaz takes some comfort in that fact. He leaves the rest to God and the criminal justice system, which he said he trusts will prescribe a just punishment. As for the possibility that the perpetrator may get the death penalty, Diaz, who grew up in Puerto Rico, has not spoken publicly whether he supports the capital punishment option. However he said he believes he can complete his own healing and leaves the rest to the courts. "I forgive him for what he did," Diaz said, "but it's not my job to forgive his sins…It's in God's hands.

Whatever punishment Saint Nattis receives in October, Diaz said as a police officer that believes the law is paramount in society…he hopes God gives the Justices the wisdom to do the right thing. "We have to trust that God allows us to make the right decisions," he said. "I will be at peace with whatever decision they come up with." Diaz said he has always been a "God fearing man," but he believes he has been given a precious second chance. "How many people do you know, he asks, who were shot eight times, paralyzed from the waist down at one point and started walking again?" "I believe God has a plan for me, the least I can do is to show my love and respect for Him. Forgiveness, it can be hard but it's the right thing to do!

Tom Tracy is the State Bureau Chief who writes from West Palm Beach, Florida for The Florida Catholic Newspaper. This article appeared in - part in The Florida Catholic Newspaper August/September 2001.

MY DAILY PRAYER

Lord, you have enriched me with the strength of your word. You have opened my eyes, mind, and heart to see the wonders you have created. You have blessed me with the gift of communication to share your divine message. Holy Spirit, help me to understand the power of these gifts, and teach me to use them wisely. Amen.