MARIANNA, FL 2/10/2012 -- "It's a blessing to be here. I thank the Lord that I'm here every day," said store clerk Troy Groth.

One look at the Big Star Liquors store surveillance video from January 18th and you can see why Groth is happy to be alive.

"I'm grateful to the Lord," said Groth.

Groth was working that night when two men tried to rob the store. Marianna Police said Hakhelius Moore, 18 years old, walked inside and immediately pulled out a gun. Groth instantly reacted with his own weapon and the two men exchanged fire.

"Whenever I sit there on my computer I always have my gun," said Groth.

It ended with the suspect running out of the store and Groth with gun shot wounds to the arm and neck.

"When you were making that 911 call, what was going through your mind?," asked WCTV's Bryan Anderson.

"I honestly believed that I was dying," said Groth.

Groth spent more than two weeks in the hospital. He was released Sunday February 5th and went back home with his parents where a nurse comes by weekly to check on his condition.

During Thursday's interview, Groth also opened up about the man charged with his shooting.

"I would pray to God that Mr. Moore would hopefully get the help he needs in prison and be rehabilitated," said Groth.

Having gone through such a traumatic experience, Groth said it's helped him appreciate all that life has to offer.

"I thank God to be here and I'm thankful for my friends for helping me through this difficult ordeal," said Groth.

Groth said this was the third time he was robbed in his nine years at Big Star Liquors. He said he's not sure if he'll go back this time.