Dec. 12, 2008, is a day that will forever etched in the mind of 35-year-old Carrie Peterman. Just days after giving birth to her third child, the Edmore woman was tired and decided to lie down to catch up on sleep. Her 4-day-old son, Esten, had been up all night and so had she. But a 24-hour-period that started out just like any other soon turned into a day that forever changed the lives of every member of the Peterman family.

It’s been almost a year and a half since a logging accident changed Branden Peterman’s life forever. Peterman, 35, of McBride, was crushed by a falling tree on Dec. 12, 2008, just four days after the birth of his third child.

Nearly two years ago a logging accident left Branden Peterman, a Day Township firefighter and experienced logger, paralyzed from the chest down. Since that day, he and his family have spent months learning to adjust to their new lifestyle. Though the family continues to face daily trials, their faith and trust in the Lord, along with their love for each other, continue to inspire the community.