PHOENIX (AZ Family) — A 19-year-old father shares his incredible story of survival and recovery he was shot on the job two months ago.

On Tuesday, Jamal Avery was released from rehab and reunited with his family.

“I feel grateful to God, just grateful that he brought me this far and allowed me to come home,” Avery said.

He has been on the road to recovery since he was shot on September 1st.

“I was shot in the shoulder. I was shot in the cheek and the bullet exited right here,” Avery said as he pointed to his temple.

Avery also had part of his skull removed due to brain swelling.

The shooting happened as he and his boss, Alan Whitworth, 48, were completing a construction job in Phoenix near 39th Sreet and Thomas Road.

“A man showed up with a gun and wanted to fight, but my boss was there and he intervened,” Avery said.

Police say Whitworth, who was engaged to Avery’s cousin, was shot and killed by 31-year-old Marquea Cato before Cato turned the gun on Avery.

Avery’s wife, Letecia, he witnessed the shooting while she was six months pregnant.

“I was scared that I might lose the baby, because at first I was stressing so much that I started having a lot of cramps,” Letecia said.

She said her unborn child is healthy and kicks frequently when Avery is around. Letecia thinks the baby can feel her presence.

The the suspect was arrested for several weeks after the shooting.

Avery and Letecia are still hurting for Whitmore and his family.

“I hope he was saved so he can go to heaven. I hope he had God in his heart,” Avery said.

Avery is also leaning on faith and family for his long road to recovery as he pushes himself to walk, eat and regain full strength in his right arm.

“It feels pretty helpless, but I will pray and hope that in God’s plans I make a 100 per cent recovery,” he said.

Avery secured his wife and 2-year-old son. Since Avery couldn’t work, they lost their apartment and could lose their car.

They stay with Letecia’s family as Avery goes to physical and speech therapy several times a week.

If you want to help the family, they have one GoFundMe page.

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