KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Heading back to school can be an exciting time for families. For Ralph Yarl's mother, her son's return to class is a miracle.
In his first week back, he's making the same decisions any teenager faces.
"This shirt, Ralph has like 10 of them. He was probably wearing one like this on April 13, and he'll probably wear one of them next Tuesday with shorts, sweatpants and a shoe he's worn for the past three years," said Cleo Nagbe, Ralph's mother.
Over the past four months, the world has gotten to know the teen.
"He will not be the person to say, 'If accommodations were needed'. He will be the one to say, 'What can I do to get these accommodations off?'" his mother said. "That's the kind of person he is."
Ralph's aunt, Faith Spoonmore, said it's miraculous to see where her nephew is at in his recovery.
The 17-year-old was shot in the head while attempting to pick up his siblings. He mistakenly arrived at the wrong address.
"After April 13, there's no Ralph driving the boys anymore. That conversation is just heavy," Nagbe said.
But what Ralph's mother said is not tough is the decision for her son to return to Staley High School for his senior year. She said she expects it won't be like any other first day as his classmates will be sure to welcome him back with open arms.
While Ralph mostly keeps a low profile, he has handled the stress of being recognized worldwide with grace — "Ralph is Ralph," his mother said.
His family told KSHB 41 while he is preparing for his senior year, Ralph has also been anticipating seeing his accused shooter, Andrew Lester, in court next week.
"As far as the trial, it hasn't started yet," Spoonmore said. "It's like you've been on a practice run for the race, and the race hasn't even started yet. I feel like the race will be the most testing."
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