Riverside Baptist Church is showing its support for a parishioner who fell victim to an assault over the weekend.
An early morning assault left 75-year-old Anne Widholm in critical condition on Sunday Oct. 8.
She was walking near the Little Rd. entrance to the Ganatchio Trail when a 21-year-old man attacked her. Widholm was likely picking up trash along the trail, something she did on a regular basis, according to Pastor Brandon Taylor.
"She would walk every day and pick up garbage and show kindness and love to the people in our community," he says.
While Widholm remains in the Intensive Care Unit, Taylor says the church, which is just up Litte River Rd. at Little River Acres Dr., not far from where the incident occured, is grateful she has been given a chance to fight for life.
“We want to thank everyone who was there for Anne, those who called 911 when they first found her, the dispatcher, the police and the first responders, the surgeons who operated on her and the doctors and nurses who are continuing to care for her," says Taylor. "Thank you for the care and love you
have shown to Anne and the Widholm family."
Widholm and her husband are very active at both the church and within the community, he added. Taylor says the church will chose to forgive, even in the face of such a violent act.
"In this difficult time we are looking to God for strength and grace and we’re seeking to respond with Jesus’ love and trust that by doing so that God will be honoured," he says.
Habibullah Ahmed, who goes by the name Daniel, has been charged with aggrivated assault. Windsor police Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate.