SCOTT JONES: ‘Love carried me out of my fear’

Scott Jones laughs as he holds a ‘Don’t BE Afraid’ picture. In a Jan. 1 Facebook post, Jones noted that 2013 was one of the hardest years of his life and is thankful for all the love and support he has received. FACEBOOK

Scott Jones has noted in a Facebook post to his friends, family and supporters that 2013 was a tough year.

“This year was one of the hardest years of my life,” he wrote. “It was also one of the most enlightening and emotionally profound.”

Jones, a community-minded musician and choir director, was heading from a bar following an art opening to another downtown bar when he was stabbed in the back and left on the street.

“After the attack on October 12th left me paralyzed, I didn't know what to do,” wrote Jones. “I was scared of what my life was going to be like. Initially, all I could feel was my fear. I was so angry at my situation, and the man who attacked me. Some days it was hard to breathe.”

Police arrested Trenton native Shane Matheson within a day of the stabbing. He has been was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. He hasn't entered a plea yet and has elected to go ahead with a preliminary hearing, which will take place Feb. 19 and 20 in Pictou provincial court.

Things changed for Jones when he started to get support from across the country.

Then love started to pour in around me - and it poured hard! People were so, so helpful- visiting, sending messages, donations, bringing food, organizing events,” he wrote. “There is something so beautiful about human beings trying to help other human beings in need.”

The Don’t BE Afraid awareness, which started on Facebook in November 2013, is an example of people trying to help out Jones. Created by Charlotte Marchesseault of Montreal, the page uses ‘Don’t BE Afraid’ signs and messages to, according to the Facebook page, dissolve the fear surrounding homophobia and promote a deeper level of acceptance of all human beings.

“I can't adequately explain what my heart felt during that time. It was as if every time someone would visit me, or call me, or send a card, or organize something, I could literally see love surrounding me in my hospital bed,” wrote Jones. “I could feel it, hear it, and breathe it. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's true. The love that poured in enveloped me and carried me out of my fear. I was, and continue to be, overwhelmed by the response.”

As of Jan. 2, the post has received 152 shares, 418 likes and 26 comments. The message was also translated and posted in Spanish and French, in recognition of the international support Jones has received.

“Although it is unimaginable to me to be able to articulate a thank you big enough for what I experienced, I hope you all know, no matter what your part was in my recovery, you have helped me and I am so grateful for it,” wrote Jones. “I am in awe of the human experience. I am in awe of all of you and your potential to love and care for those in need.”

An update posted on Dec. 11 on supportscottjones.com noted that funds raised to date for a trust fund for Jones currently stands at $133,000.

john.brannen@ngnews.ca

On Twitter: @NGNewsJohn

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