Today is a bittersweet day. I have been struggling if I wanted to write about the significance of today on the blog or not . Today is the anniversary date of Colton's near drowning accident. After much contemplation, I decided that if I help open one readers eyes about the importance of supervision and water safety then maybe at least one child will be saved from a near drowning accident of their own.
Each year around this time we think of that day where our world changed. Each year on this date I think of that little boy who refused to give up. Each year we rejoice in our blessing that Colton is x years strong.
May 13, 2011 two year old little Colton was found outside face down in the swimming pool. He was completely unresponsive. He had no heart beat. He was literally gone. The EMS team saved his life by getting his heart started again. Against all odds he fought his way back. Every day we thank God for his strength and stubbornness. He truly is an angel. Only 4% of near drowning victims survive past the first week and our boy here is three years strong.
Most people think that when you drown you either die or you wake up your same old self thinking "phew that was a close one." Did you know that every minute that you don't have oxygen going into your brain it causes significant brain damage? As the minutes went by while Colton was in that pool, losing oxygen, his brain was getting more and more damaged. The brain is truly a remarkable thing. We know so much about the brain but in reality, we are still so confused about how it really works. Every single brain is different and every single brain reacts differently to damage and the healing of that damage. Once one of your brain cells dies, it's gone forever. Once you have a traumatic brain injury your brain doesn't function the same. Simple bodily functions such as breathing or swallowing can be impossible without help. Even purposeful movements can become impossible without the help of medication or therapy. It can take months to see the results of the damage and years to regain control if it can be regained at all. Your muscles sit differently, move differently, and react differently because they are being controlled by a damaged brain. Even the appearance of your face changes. It takes practice, therapy, time, the right blend of handfuls of medication, amazing doctors, even more amazing caregivers/ parents, tons and tons of love, encouragement, patience, and so much more just to even maintain the new normal of this amazing healing brain. It's always a balancing act of blends when it comes to a traumatic brain injury.
My intention of this information was not to focus on the traumatic brain injury but more on the prevention of drowning itself. After all, May is Drowning Prevention Month. I just wanted to help you realize that surviving the near drowning alone is only the beginning of a long, dark, yet beautiful and colorful journey.
Colton has taught me so many things in his five years of life. I know the true meaning of love, joy, and strength because of him. Over the last three years he has taught me even more patience than I could have ever even imagined and shown me more genuine love without speaking a word. I have seen this little boy hurt more than I have seen anyone in my life. I have seen him live in the hospital for extended periods of time, have surgery after surgery, tests after tests, blood work, poked and prodded on every visit, casted, and the list goes on and on. He still fights on and he is still such a stubborn and sassy goober. He is our miracle. He is our gift and our teacher. He is our Colton.
Drowning is 100% preventable. Drowning. is. 100%. Preventable. Did you know that drowning ranks 3rd in accidental death in the US? Little boys from the ages of 1-4 statistically have the highest drowning rates. 56% of accidental drownings happen in swimming pools. Someone can drown a foot away from you surrounded by a number of people or like Colton, all by himself unaccompanied. It is no one's fault and at the same time it is everyone's fault. All that matters is it is preventable. Everyone can prevent this. I beg you to spread the word on how easy it is to drown and how much easier it is to prevent drowning by just watching closely. Pay attention. It only takes two inches of water for a child to drown. Protect your children by fencing off your pools. Protect your children by locking that sliding door out to the pool. Protect your children and yourself by just giving your undivided attention.
A few years ago on my sad days I used to think of the life that Colton could have had If the actions of that day were different. If that lock was on the sliding door before he tried to push it open or if he had his caregiver's undivided attention ... Colton wouldn't have to try so hard and put up with so much just to be. I used to think of how unbelievably smart he was at two and what it would have been like to see him surpass typical milestones past the age of two. I wonder what his giggle would sound like? Or what it would be like for him to say my name again in his sweet little voice.
Instead I get to see this miracle boy who beat every odd that was against him. This little person who in the process of learning how to reteach his brain certain things, ends up teaching everyone around him. I see that stubborn boy who got so angry on his birthday because he couldn't see me on our Skype call ( just hear me) that he threw a giant fit and stayed that way for ten minutes until he saw me and greeted me with a grin. He is the purest embodiment of love and perseverance. He teaches us to love without limitations and encourages us to grow. He shows us to always try harder no matter what. He has helped show us this beautiful community of Special Needs advocates, friends, and incredible little people who always see the simple joys amongst life and in the chaos of the medical hysteria. He teaches us that even when we don't think he is listening and you say something he doesn't like, he's really listening, sassing you, and now you're in trouble. He is a symbol of hope for me and he doesn't even know it. All he knows is I am his Erin and he is my Colton and we love each other fiercely. He doesn't know that he's the cool kid and that he's a such a big deal. (Shhh don't tell him, we are already dealing with the fact that he knows he's handsome.) In fact, poor Tasha gets " Colton's Mom" more than she gets "Hey Natasha!"
He is such a simple happy boy with such complex needs. He is Colton. He is five years old, he loves football, his brother pup annoys him, he sasses his mom, he loves hanging with his buddy Ricky, he loves books, stickers, glow sticks, adores music and his musical pinwheeling buttons, has a cutie girlfriend and some pretty awesome friends who share his passions and his struggles. Colton is your typical five year old only he's a survivor. Today means three years strong. Today is a gift with the symbols of strength and hope. Today we show off another year of our Superboy living his life to the fullest and giving love every wheel of the way.
I love you so much my little love! Thank you for being you.
Always,
Erin
Use Colton's incredible story as a lesson. Better yourself with the knowledge and help spread the word that drowning can be prevented. Most of all, share your undivided attention and help prevent it firsthand.
Drowning is 100% preventable.
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