Snellville Welcomes Aimee Copeland Home

A little over four months ago, the Copeland family was just another family from a quiet Atlanta suburb. Today, they have inspired hundreds of thousands of people across the globe.

The city of Snellville welcomed Aimee home this evening to show their love and support. earlier this year, resulting in quadruple amputations.

“Is she not everything I told you she was?” asked her father Andy as he introduced her.

Her sister, Paige, stood close by, happy to finally have her back home. They’re all a little worn out, but the best part is “chilling out together and just talking,” she said.

Aimee took the time to thank everyone from the stage on the Towne Green, and for the prayers and good energy she said she’s felt coming her way.

“I came to see how well she’s doing,” said Snellville resident Myra Corbitt, “and to show her support.”

During a press conference earlier this evening, Mayor Kelly Kautz presented Aimee with the keys to the city for her strength, determination and faith. She is now an official “hometown hero.”

“You’ve been such an inspiration to us in Snellville,” said Mayor Kautz.

Aimee took the time to on her life over the past few months, including Pulte homes, architect Rob Ponder, general contractor Casey Moon and Tommy Hill, the mastermind behind the pondless waterfeature in her backyard.

“They say it takes a village,” she said, “and in my case that it's never been as true.”

While Aimee has inspired so many people, she drew her own inspiration from her peers in the rehabilitation facility. Seeing the struggles they all experienced and the positive attitudes they displayed kept her going and showed her how truly blessed we all are. She hopes to share what she has learned with others one day soon.

While there were moments when she lost her ability to see the bright side of things – only for about a week, though – she recognized that what you think about the most, you become. Although she has her struggles, which include phantom pain and sharp, sudden nerve pain, losing her positive attitude and giving up was never an option.

, she said that she is the same person with the same life, just a few extra challenges. She still plans on graduating with her graduate degree on time, and considers herself a pioneer in the field of wilderness therapy for amputees.

“The human psyche is embedded in our environment,” she explained.

She believes in traditional psychology, but also that our environment effects us deeply. Taking wilderness therapy to amputees in order to help them cope with emotional issues is her primary goal.

Her strength, endurance and grace were on display this evening as she met, and hugged, every single person who stood in line to greet her.