Prayers Answered: Natalie On the Mend

The Durand toddler found beaten, burned and abused in a case authorities called the worst they'd ever worked, is at home and on the mend. It all began on February 15th. Natalie's paternal grandmother, Shannon Hart, told Uplift Shiawassee last week:

"Natalie is recovering very well. She has amazed us. She is out of the hospital and in temporary custody while her dad completes all the steps CPS would like him to. She has a cast on her left arm from her wrist to her shoulder and she also has a cast from just under her ribs all the way to her ankle on both legs. She is unable to walk or crawl at this time. She still will have a long way to go as far as recovering and she will have to go through some physical therapy and things like that. Her spirits are great tho. Her father and our whole family are so thankful for all the support from the community for Natalie. It has been amazing."

Signs that read "Pray for Natalie" can still be seen throughout the city of Durand.

Meanwhile, Natalie's mother, Abigail Rae Springs, and Springs' alleged boyfriend, Derrick Wardell Mason III, were bound over to circuit court on Tuesday March 21st, in connection with the case.