NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
A Nashville family is asking for prayers to help their loved one heal. Police say 52-year-old Theresa Lawton was hit by a drunk driver back in January. Family members say she is now out of the intensive care unit but remains at Vanderbilt hospital.
As each day passes, more prayers fill a Facebook page for Lawton. Her daughter, Amber McDonald says, Lawton is a woman of strong faith and often prayed for others.
"Her job is and her calling in life is praying for other people," McDonald said. "So I'm very surprised and very humbled and very appreciative for the people that have come out and prayed."
Those prayers are helping McDonald and her stepfather get through each day. Three weeks ago Lawton was hit by a car as she crossed the street as she headed to church.
"This world is one day at a time when you are in this situation," McDonald said. "So those little things are just the highlight."
McDonald says some of those highlights are hearing her mom's first words after weeks in the ICU.
"She was able to mutter out words 'amen,' 'Jesus' and 'hallelujah,'" McDonald said.
Lawton was badly injured and suffered brain trauma. Police say the driver who hit Lawton, Gregory Capps, had already lost his license and he was drunk. While he sits in jail, Lawton continues to fight surrounded by those who love her most.
"She told me she loved me and she told me that she was not going to let anything happen to me," McDonald said.
McDonald plans to do the same for her mom and best friend.
"Your life is never the same after something like this," McDonald said. "We're destined to make this a positive for other people and for her."
Lawton is expected to remain at Vanderbilt for two months. McDonald says once she leaves she'll continue to get care and therapy for several months to come.
A grand jury will decide what happens next for Capps. He faces charges of felony vehicular assault and driving on a revoked license.
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