The boy who was hurt in the Boston Marathon bombings is back home in Martinez - returned on Tuesday, the day before his 12th birthday.
A note on the door of the Hern family home on Wednesday thanked everyone for being so supportive, but asked for peace and quiet until Thursday, when the family said they would speak publicly. A big welcome sign also hung on the family garage.
Aaron Hern was injured on April in the Boston Marathon blast - he was waiting for his mother, Katherine Hern, to finish the race.
Surgeons had to remove shrapnel from his leg, and he remained in Boston an extra week as a precaution.
No one else in the group, which included Aaron's father, Alhambra Valley High School football coach Alan Hern, and Aaron's sister, Abby, 10, was injured.
Last week, the Herns went to the bombing site on Boylston Street. They were met by a flood of reporters, including a still photographer from the Associated Press.
"It's a little hard to do things I used to," Aaron said, speaking to WHDH from a wheelchair in Boston on Thursday.
RAW VIDEO: "It's Hard to Do Things I Used To"
Still, his parents were grateful.
"I can't say enough about how amazing the staff at Children's Hopsital was," Aaron's mother, Katherine said, with an emotional pause.
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In addition to hospital care, Aaron also received well wishes - and visits - from Michelle Obama and members of the Oakland A's.
A "recovery fund" has been set up for Aaron, who is a popular sixth-grader at Martinez Jr. High, although when he will return is unclear.
Anyone wishing to donate money to assist with Aaron's recovery can deposit cash in the "Aaron Hern Recovery Fund" at any Wells Fargo Bank branch.
The fund was set up by Katherine Burcell Chapman, a family friend. Donations to the fund will help pay Aaron's bills.
His school made a video for him that was posted on YouTube last week.
It's a heart warmer for sure (posted below):
