photo by Wes Schultz
Tim and Tiffany Brown made several stops in Chattanooga on Wednesday to issue thanks to all who played a role in the remarkable recovery of their two-year-old son, Caleb.
Caleb was initially in a deep coma and not given much of a chance to bounce back after being flown by LifeForce Helicopter to T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital on Oct. 18. He had been struck in the back of the head by a boulder that dropped from the top of Fall Creek Falls.
The couple, choking with emotion at times during a press conference at Spring Creek Road Baptist Church, said several people helped bring Caleb back to life. They included Michael Taggart, who was standing nearby when the rock hit and who used his lifesaving training as he rushed Caleb to the top of the ravine.
They also included two physicians and a nurse who happened to be at the top of the ravine and who tended to Caleb as the helicopter made the long trip from Chattanooga.
The Browns also credited the medical team at Children's Hospital for saving Caleb on several occasions as it appeared his vital systems were shutting down.
After a stay of several weeks at Children's Hospital, Caleb proved to be a star patient at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta and was released earlier this week so he can be home with his two brothers in Nashville for Christmas.
Mr. Brown, a minister, said he believes God stationed those who helped save Caleb along the way.
He also said the prayers of thousands of people were a major boost to the recovery and the family's spirits.
Mr. Brown said Caleb has made great progress, but still faces a number of challenges ahead.
He said he will continue to update a blog at Helpcaleb.com until Caleb is fully recovered.
During the press conference, Caleb was making a variety of noises playing with several toys and a tiny microphone. It was delightful noise to the couple, who once wondered if we would speak again or be able to see or to walk.
He has been making great progess in all areas the family said. When he first got to the Scottish Rite facility he was at about a six-month development level.
The family stopped by to meet with doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital after the press conference, then they were headed home.
Mr. Brown said the couple's main base of support has been from Chattanooga.
His new friends include Jason McKay, a Ringgold resident who was camping next to the Browns and has become a close friend.
Mr. McKay said he had spoken with the Browns the morning of the accident and was still at his campsite when the accident happened.
He said when he heard about it, "I couldn't eat my supper. My heart just hurt for them."
Mr. McKay noted, "Caleb has made a complete turnaround. The doctors didn't give him much of a chance at first."
photo by Wes Schultz