Talk about a big time comeback.  Talk about being given a second chance at life.   Talk about a testimony.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when Tim Johnson walked in the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Academy  for a news conference yesterday afternoon.  I have been in touch with his mother since Tim's horrific accident back in January. 

The young deputy was clearing an accident near Miller Park when a car hit him, and sent him flying head first into a concrete barrier.  His skull was cracked open.  Doctors told his family to expect the worst.  But after weeks in a coma, and two major surgeries, Tim Johnson is back in a big way.

His walk is a little slow.  His speech, halting.  But it is a miracle Tim is here.

The deputy graciously invited me and my crew into his Franklin home to talk about his recovery.  I think he had a smile on his face the whole time.  Why wouldn't he?  He was surrounded by his immediate family --- his wife and their two darling babies --- son Griffin who's 2 and one-year-old Ava.  Tim's mother Marilyn was there. Tim's brothers and sisters were there.  Extended family.  They all watched me carefully as I interviewed this man they all love, and are so protective of.   Can't say I blame them.  With all Tim's been through, I'd want to keep my arms around him too.

Tim told me he believes he is alive today, in part, to get the message out about the "Move Over Law".  Drivers in Wisconsin are required to move over one lane, or slow down when they see an emergency vehicle pulled to the side of the road.  The driver that hit Tim didn't do that.  And she nearly killed him.

Tim still has daily physical therapy sessions.  And his hope is to get back to his job as a deputy. 

I've never quite met anyone like this man, or his family.  If there was ever a lesson in dignity in the face of adversity, they could teach it.  

And they've made it their mission to turn their family misfortune into a message, that could save lives.

God bless them.