He was born  nearly 15 years ago, weighing less than 2 pounds at birth: he was a tiny peanut of a baby.  He spent the first three months of his life in an incubator in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at our local children's hospital, fighting with everything he had; amazingly, he survived without much incident, which was a huge answer to our prayers.

At the age of six, he started kindergarten, a year behind his classmates, but Colton was determined to make good and try to do the best he possibly could.  It wasn't easy, but despite being diagnosed as being hyperactive and having dyslexia and dyscalculia, Colton managed to make it through school.  Come fall, he will be in the ninth grade.  His birthday is on July 4; he is a young firecracker determined to make his mark on the world.

Other than his learning difficulties, Colton is as healthy as they come.  He's a bit shorter than average, looking more like ten than nearly 15, but don't tell Colton he can't do anything: he's been proving people wrong ever since the day he was born!

We are extremely proud of Colton.  He knows how to get what he wants in life.  He plays football and baseball with his friends and is already enjoying a busy, action-filled summer packed with swimming,  hanging out with his buddies, playing sports, going to the beach (we live near Galveston, Texas, so the beach is a regular hangout for us), going on picnics, and making plans for the fireworks and Independence Day celebration.  He doesn't need his mind really to enjoy what he does in lfe.  

Add to this, serving as a youth usher at church and telling others about Jesus Christ, and helping out with the church's food ministry once a month.  And on the Friday before the food minstry, he helps feed and encourage our area's homeless and poor population.  Colton has always had a servant's heart; he loves telling others about Christ.  (Colton accepted Christ into his heart when he was 10, five years ago.  Another one of his dreams is to be a pastor.)

Having Colton as our son has been a learning experience for us.  He has proven that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  In his case, that is most certainly true .  It is exciting to see what the future holds for our son; he is definitely a blessing in our lives!