It is difficult to sit back and hear people coming to judgment on my son-in-law Tim Scannell without reminding people of the truth. A petition for a harassment restraining order has been filed, and that is all that has occurred. The petition has not been proven, and many of the allegations are simply untrue. Tim would never do anything to hurt anyone, and we all know that about him.
This past year, since the attempt on Tim’s life and his near death— all in the service of this community—has been a nightmare for Tim and our entire family. Tim has naturally been suffering from extreme anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder. He has not gotten back to the Tim I know and remember, but, being the good man he is, he is doing everything he can to get the treatment that can help him. Abandoning him and judging him for his failings is cruel, unfair, and harmful to all of us.
I know a man who has been a wonderful father. I know a man who had been a devoted and loving husband. I know a man who helps others. I know a man who has a difficult job. I know a man who had to fight for his life. A man who thought he was dying and yelled out to the world “tell my wife I love her.”
I know a man who struggles with depression, whose world got flipped upside down. I know a man who had a nervous breakdown, a man who said strange things. I know a man in intensive therapy who wants to set the world right side up again. A man who needs compassion.
A man I hope through compassion, therapy and understanding will make a complete recovery.
Bonnie Swanson
Grand Marais
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