LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Wednesday marks six months since a road rage shooting on I-65 put a six-year old Louisville girl in a wheelchair.
Despite being paralyzed in what her family calls her accident, Onyx Sands doesn't see herself as confined. Instead, she smiles, while talking about the experiences she and her mother, Chyna, have had over the last six months.
Those include popping wheelies in her new pink wheelchair.
"It didn't take me that long to find out I could do that," Onyx Sands said.
Since the shooting, Onyx and Chyna have been working on their new routine and new way to live.
"Ever since my accident I can't use my legs pretty much, but I can use my wheelchair. But I can't walk myself around anymore," Onyx said.
In July, Onyx was riding in a car with her father when they became involved in a road rage incident with a group of motorcyclists.
Someone started firing into the car, one of the bullets severing Onyx's spine.
"It's frustrating because prior to her accident, we were fine. We had our routine. Everything was perfect for us. And because of the actions of someone else, for no reason at all, our lives are changed," Chyna Sands said.
"I think about how unfair it is all the time," she said. "We didn't ask for this and she definitely didn't deserve it."
Metro police arrested three people in connection to the shooting -- Jonathan Rivera, Shelby Bisconer and Edward Sark, the man police say shot the bullet that injured Onyx.
Chyna and Onyx are still dealing with the after effects of the shooting, both physical and mental.
"Because of that Onyx has PTSD," Chyna said. "We spent New Year's together and she had a break down. The gun shots sent her into a fit, but that's not her first time doing that."
Onyx gets stronger every day, while going through therapy and rehabilitation and learning to use her wheelchair.
The family works their schedule around the stretches and exercises Onyx needs, and around frequent medical visits. Chyna said Onyx's mobility is improving and she's getting better at getting in and out of her chair.
Chyna said they know not every physical challenge will be easy, but Onyx is doing an amazing job.
As for her own healing process, Chyna said she began to move into a place of acceptance a week or two after Onyx left Frazier Rehab.
"Where I am now versus where I was when it first happened is completely different head space and I think that that just came from time," Chyna said. "So we're at our six-month mark now and I'm hoping by our year mark and moving forward that we're back to normal for us."
Since the incident, Onyx has gotten involved with Louisville's Future Healers program, shared her story with others, and learned about other children in similar situations.
RELATED: 'Her entire life is changed': Mom of 6-year-old shot in I-65 road rage incident shares her story
"It's mind blowing, how many children are in similar situations to this. If you do a Google search on 'six-year-old shot' so many stories pop up," Chyna said.
Chyna said she doesn't people to feel sorry for their family, and that they still feel blessed.
"We are taking it day by day and we're rolling with the punches," she said.
Earlier this week, Onyx started back at school in person for the first time since July, with her ever-present smile on her face.
"I don't know, I'm just always happy," she said when asked how she stays so cheerful.
"I’ll tell you she’s very resilient. She hasn’t given up yet and I don't foresee her ever doing that," Chyna said.
The three people charged in the shooting are all due back in court in January, with a tentative trial date set for February 13th.
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