I’ve had several people tell me they haven’t seen an update lately and I realized I haven’t posted here in awhile. I’m so sorry about that! Quick update to get y’all caught up. Colt had surgery in July with his new ophthalmologist, Dr. Fowler. He repaired the broken bones his his nose and did some reconstructive surgery to his eye lids. Recovery was fairly normal. In September we took a much needed family vacation to Disney and made so many awesome memories! The end of last month, I noticed Colt’s eye draining a lot. When it got really red and swollen, I went ahead and took him to Memphis to be checked out. My  goodness, I’m glad I did. He had orbital cellulitis and was admitted to LeBonheur for 3 days to get IV antibiotics.

While in the hospital, Colt had a special visitor. Dub,is one of Colt’s baseball buddies. Around this time last year, Dub got sick and was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. He was so tough that we didn’t even notice Dub wasn’t feeling well😩. Dub’s family has prayed for Colt so much; and we have prayed for Dub equally as much. He’s doing better now that he’s getting treatment with the BEST, at LeBonheur.  He and Colt picked right up where they left off and had so much fun together in such a short amount of time. I hope they are lifelong prayer warriors for each another, just as his mother and I will be. I know Colt has some major prayer warriors on his team. We would appreciate it if you could also pray for our sweet friends.

Colt did well on his IV antibiotics, so we were able to go home with him taking oral medication. After about 1 week on that, his eye started looking bad again so they switched him to a different oral antibiotic and an antibiotic eye ointment. For the last two weeks he’s been doing pretty good, but I’ve noticed the drainage starting to increase again. Thank goodness we had an appointment for follow up today! 

Dr. Fowler said the reason his eye is draining so much, is because he has a sphere implant sewn in the socket, plus two conformers behind the eyelids. Basically, there’s a whole lot of foreign material crammed into a small space, and his body doesn’t like it. The hope is, the tissue surrounding the implant/conformers will scar around them, creating a space for a future prosthetic. The longer they have to scar down, the less likely the tissue will collapse around the implants. Dr. Fowler says he wanted 3-6 months. We’ve made it just over 3 months and Colt’s body is proving its time to move to the next step. I’m praying the socket is ready and this is just the sign from God that it’s time to move on. If we continue to leave the implants in place, it’s just setting him up for more infection. The plan is to remove everything and evaluate the socket sometime in mid November. If he thinks an implant still needs to be there, he may sew another sphere one in. He’s going to start the reconstruction of his lower eye lid at this time as well. Until then, he will start another antibiotic for 2 more weeks in addition to his eye ointment. Of course Colt is as happy as ever, and didn’t care to discuss anything except the Dallas Cowboys latest win🏈. Dak really made this boy proud! 

I've attached some photos from today, as well as photos from Colt’s latest hospital admission. I’m going to add some pictures from Disney and his last surgery into the gallery here. I want y’all to see the joy that’s within Colt; it’s the kind of joy that’s only present by the grace of God. I say it to someone nearly every day: “no one can steal that kid’s joy.” I couldn’t be more proud of him and the way he has overcome every obstacle in his way. As we come upon the one year mark, I keep reminding myself it’s only by God’s grace and mercy that he’s here with us today. If you aren’t a believer of Christ, PLEASE scroll back to the beginning of this page and read about the miracle that has taken place. PLEASE message me. PLEASE find someone who is a believer and let them tell you and show you how much our Lord loves you. He loves us so much, He sacrificed His life for us. He sacrificed His life for Colt. He gave him not only one chance at life, but He gave multiple chances. Thank goodness Colt has chosen the path that leads to heaven with his 2nd chance.  The peace that brings me is absolutely indescribable.  

Prayer requests: Please be praying for quick insurance approval for this next surgery, and for no further infection. While Colt is as cool as a cucumber, I’m anxious and ready to get this behind us. Thank you to everyone that has prayed for us and/or helped us. Our family is forever grateful for your presence in our lives and for your prayers. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.  1 Peter 1:8

❤️- Taryn