Update! 03/04/2010
 
Hey everyone! Time for a new update! I'm doing well. I'm getting back into therapy. Just light cardio for now. The week of March 15th, I am going skiing again! This time we are going to Tahoe! Hopefully I will get to see some friends from Beale. After that, at the begining of April, Jessica and I are going on a trip to Houston to tour NASA. We are really excited about that. I also got some new wheels for my wheel chair. They are power assist wheels that will help conserve my shoulders. Since I had shoulder surgery November 2008, I already have weakened shoulders and transferring and wheeling all day is really hard on them. The power assist wheels allow me to still get cardio from wheeling, but make things like going up hills easier. After I get back from skiing I will be able to get back to walking. Walking again is a long process. I encourage you guys that read the website, that if you have questions, feel free to ask me and I will do my best to answer them!  While I'm gone on my ski trip, I will be getting a roll in shower installed in my house. I'm very excited about that! It will save a lot of work on my shoulders since right now, I am lowering myself in and out of the tub. I plan on posting pictures from this ski trip on the website. Thanks everyone! I'll update after the ski trip!
 


Comments

Patti

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:45:08

Hello Sr. Airman Read,
I told you a long time ago that even tho' I am a stranger to you, you are in my heart forever. I meant it and I still pray for you and think of you so often. I knew the gall bladder surgery was in Feb but I didnt know when. So I was praying all during the month that it would go well, whenever it was. Verry glad to hear it is all behind you now! Also very glad to hear all the improvements to your house and chair. Have fun skiing and be sure to post lots of pictures! You're still our hero...Stay strong!

PS. What does V/r mean in your sign-offs?

 

Terry DeBrow (Colton's Grandmother)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:28:08

Colton you have changed my outlook on life forever. As I travel through airports and encounter delays, rude people, and all the other inconveniences of daily work and travel that bring on frustration levels that make people angry and explode; I take a deep breath and think of you.

I figure that if you can get to where you are at: playing basketball, snow skiing, traveling, etc., in your wheelchair, I can certainly deal with a few delays without disabilities. You have given me and ALL MY FRIENDS new meaning to that old saying, "make lemondae out of lemons"... you are making flavored lemonade out of your lemonade.

We are so proud of how far you have come in a short period of time! Love you, Nanny and Papa...

 

Dwayne and Barbara Mercer

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:19:18

Colton we appreciate your updates and are pleased with the course of events in your on going recovery. Once again we are reminded of our own blessings when you tell us of things we take for granted such as getting in and out of the shower. Each day we pray that God will continue to bless and look after you, Jessica and your family as you continue your road to recovery. Please continue your updates as time and events permit.

 

Lt. Buettner

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:54:52

Colton, keep up the hard work! Have fun on the skiing trip and keep up the work on your recovery. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

 

SSgt Heather Rodgers

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:06:29

Colton,

Hey kiddo, I hope that maybe you could come this way while you are in the area. or maybe you could let us know where you will be so we can come see ya! We miss you and think about you all the time. Also, I don't know when you are going to be in Houston but Adam and I are planning a trip there the 1st week in April. Would love to hear from you (Adam would too but you know him he's not too sociable) :) you're doing great and we are all so proud of you! keep it up!

 

Sgt Rob Garcia

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:06:32

Glad to hear you are getting recreation. I have been shopping my book around and tried to sell it to Air Force Recruiting Command, and various publishers. If I can get a buyer, Ill be sending money to your foundation. No promises but I am trying my hardest to help. Thanks for inspiring me.

 

Carrie Turner

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:21:30

Just wanted to leave a message and say how happy I am to hear you doing so well. Hope you enjoyed Tahoe, it's been beautiful lately! =)

 

jackie martel

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:11

just want to let you know i've still been thinking of you and am still amazed by your strength and will! i have 2 kids in basic training right now, so i'm hoping your experience has at least set higher standards for future situations. I know that doesn't help, but I also know that you understand how to find the good in things. keep being strong, keep happy in your marriage. i'm wondering what was ever determined with your job... not to be nosy, but i'm really hoping they found a job for you still - after all to have gone through basic training, tech school, training, then the surgery - seems like they need to make up somewhere. you're blessed in ways that you never knew - friends, family and total strangers all love you and care about your future and the future of your family. Also i'm wondering if Jim Maclaren ever got around to share his experiences with you? God Bless.

 



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