My son, Coleman, turned 7 years old today. He is going strong, but has had quite the journey up until this point. He has had 8 heart surgeries after being diagnosed in utero with HLHS congenital heart disease. He suffered a stroke during one of them and it was later determined he had a clotting disorder. During this journey, he was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. He started getting really sick back during the fall and was diagnosed with Celiac back in December, with the only treatment being a gluten free diet. He has been gluten free for over a month now and it has made a world of difference. He is going stronger than ever.
Last year me and him had the pleasure of meeting Catdaddy(Tom) and TRKYHTR(Joe). Coleman don't warm up to strangers very much, but he liked them ole boys. If he could talk, I know he would have asked why in the heck did that fellar come all the way from California to hunt these MS gobblers without a gun. Joe made it to the Memphis airport, but his Benelli SBE wasn't so fortunate. Fed Ex delivered it to my house later that night and I met them in town to give Joe his gun.
We met Preacher(Robin) for the first time at the hospital a few days after Coleman had the stroke. He went out of his way to come pray with us that dreaded day and I won't ever forget it. I met this group of men here on OG and they are some fine fellows. We are grateful for having the pleasure of meeting all of them.
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/nikilove28/005-4.jpg)
We have some stand up guys on this forum!
Them 3 are top notch for sure. Prayer for your family my brother. :cross2: :cross2: :cross2:
Thanks!!! Your son is one of my heros!!!!!!
Thats a good looking young man. My prayer for his continued well being. I bet those three men mentioned feel just as honored to have met your son as you were to meet them. They are some fine fellows.
They are great folks for sure!
:jesus-cross: for your son and family.
I can speak first hand to Joe, he is a fine Christian man who gives freely. Catdaddy and Preacher at at the top of my list of OG members I'd like to meet.
As for your journey with HLHS, autism, a stoke, I cannot speak first hand with my family, but being a Pediatrician, I have experienced the daily struggles families have to go through. A prayer from WV for strength and peace.
Also, would always be available to talk day or night if you need. I know you have wonderful surgeons, other specialists, and Pediatrician, but it might be nice for someone to be able to answer questions at 3 AM when you just can't sleep.
Jody the honor was all mine. You and your wife are sure enough angels. BTW I wish my gun hadn't showed up because I was looking forward to using that 870 of yours. Thanks again for offering it. You guys are awesome and I just wish I lived closer so I could have given that boy a hug on his B-Day. Prayers for you and all of your family. Happy B-day Coleman. You da man.
PS- That boy has grown a foot since last year. He looks great.
TRKYHTR
prayers from pa. for the family of the little fella and his family.i have 2 nieces and a nephew and no kids of my own and could never imagine life with out them. :jesus-cross:
They are some great guys, for sure. I'll be sending a prayer Coleman's way. Stay strong mentally and spiritually.
those are a fine set of boys... I had the pleasure of meeting preacher last year and catdaddy in Nashville.... as for you Rebel any time you wana go take Coleman turkey hunting I got some birds we can put him on...
Happy Birthday to Coleman!! He is a good looking young lad.
Joe, Robin and Jody are the kind of "fine fellers" I prefer to associate with. That is also why I am a loyal Old Gobbler fan===its chock full of "fine fellers"
Happy birthday, Coleman. You sure are a handsome young man!! You will never go wrong with a list of friends like that. They are Allstars. Continued prayers for you, Coleman and to your family.. :cross2:
Mike
Quote from: TeocTom on February 18, 2012, 08:58:27 PM
We have some stand up guys on this forum!
:agreed: Prayers sent for your son and family!
He looks great! What a fine looking young man, and happy birthday to him!
As for those three guys, you would be hard pressed to find more upstanding gentlemen anywhere!
God Bless you Coleman. May your day have been a special one!
Happy Birthday Coleman, From all of us at Old Gobbler !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is a trooper and a hero! You are right Joe is a true gentleman and I have heard only good things about the preacher and Catdaddy. Will be praying for Coleman and your whole family!
Jody, you couldn't have introduced Coleman to any better company, all of those guys are top notch.
HC
I think I can relate to what you were going through as coleman was growing up. I have a little brother who is diagnosed with autism and was very sickly as a baby. He spent his first 3 years of his life hooked up to a heart and oxgyen machine in the hospital. I can remember how sickly he was. He had to go through many open heart surgerys. He had a big hole right in the middle of his heart. His name is Seth. He is now 10 years old and stronger than ever. It makes you realize just how tough these little guys are. I have a love for my brother that I could never express in words and I am sure you feel the same about your son.
Prayers go out from PA to his progressing health
:jesus-cross:
Hey Jody
I met you last year in Miss. with Catdaddy, Joe, & Preacher . Happy belated birthday to your son , Coleman. He is a mighty fine looking young man. I will keep Coleman & the rest of your family in my thoughts & prayers. Take Care & God Bless :jesus-cross:
Ricky Burks