NEW YORK -- Just weeks after being stabbed in the head, a New York City police officer is released home from the hospital.

Dozens of fellow officers applauded as Officer Eder Loor, 28, was wheeled out of Mount Sinai Hospital Tuesday with his wife by his side.

Loor's doctors said he is still weak and will begin a new physical therapy program next week.

Before his official release, Loor thanked the medical staff who helped him with his miraculous recovery.

"I'm still not normal but it's great that they helped me out so far, making me happy to be alive," Loor said.

"He said, 'What am I going to do when I get home.' And I said, 'Grab our daughter and just thank the Lord because it's a special day.' He's coming out of the hospital and it's her birthday. That's all she wanted for her gift," said Loor's wife, Dina Loor.

Loor was stabbed on April 17 when he and his partner responded to a call of an emotionally disturbed person in East Harlem.

The officers approached Terrence Hale, 26, to take him to a hospital. That's when police say Hale stabbed Loor in the temple, penetrating his skull.

Doctors say the tip of the blade used in the attack nicked a blood vessel inside Loor's brain. They said had it gone any deeper the officer could have suffered speech damage or paralysis.

Hale is charged with attempted aggravated murder, assault, and weapons possession.