It may have been the most beautiful drawing Josie Lou Ratley's parents had ever seen.
Sure it was simple and maybe even toddler-esque, but the three flowers painted in water color proved that the 16-year-old girl that was on the brink of death after a brutal beating is working her way back to her old life.
Intimate moments showing Ratley's remarkable improvement over the past few months were captured in a few candid photos the Ratley's family shared with NBC 6 Monday.
In one, Ratley holds up a water color painting she made herself, which would not have been such a hope-inspiring moment for the once budding artist if not for the circumstances.
On March 17, then 15-year-old middle school student was nearly beaten to death by high schooler Wayne Treacy outside of her middle school in Deerfield Beach. Treacy, who was mad over some text messages Ratley allegedly sent, stomped on the girl's head repeatedly, sending Ratley into a coma that would last nearly a month.
When she finally awoke, Ratley was a shell of her former self and her mind had been reduced to that of an infant. She could remember no one and had lost the capacity to eat, drink, read or write. She couldn't recognize colors or letters.
Doctors said the severe brain damage had taken a terrible toll on Ratley and she might never be the same energetic girl again.
Fast forward a few months of excruciating and intense physical, emotional and mental therapy, and Ratley appears to be on the fast track to a normal life.
Last month, she surprised everyone by attending fundraiser in her honor. But the new pictures show Ratley's progress goes beyond just smiling for the crowd.
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Before the attack, Ratley showed she had skills in the arts and was constantly drawing. It's that love for art that may be helping the teen battle through the learning obstacles that she must now hurdle.
She still undergoes therapy during the bulk of her waking moments, but she is getting better daily, family members and friends said.
Ratley's recovery is nothing short of a work of art.
