Love, Faith and Hope is Stronger Than Anything Life Has to Throw at the Halstead's
I felt compelled to write this story for several reasons, the first reason being little Tripp himself. He is a precious little boy who has the will to survive bigger than anything I have ever seen before. This little boy is stronger than all the superstars of the WWE. His heart is bigger than any Disney animation movie and his soul is blessed with the prayers and love of almost a million people who watch his experience of healing daily via his Facebook page updates.
I felt compelled to write this story because this little boy lived in and was injured in a day care center in Winder, GA. I found about about Tripp because I lived in Winder, GA for 12 years before I moved to TN and still know people in the community. It was not that long ago that I used to drive my granddaughter Ashlee to a local daycare/nursery school in that very same town.
Tripp has Traumatic Brain Injury as a result of the aftermath of unusual weather conditions from Hurricane Sandy which violently and viciously attacked the place I was raised and called home for 398 years. Long Island, New York. I watched and listened as that same hurricane caused havoc for several of my family and friends and devastated local communities there.
Little Tripp was playing out in the yard at his daycare center and a huge branch that was very high up in a tree snapped and fell on his head because of these weather conditions. The impact crushed several areas of his skull which caused the traumatic brain injury.
I have watched and prayed with thousands of people daily for the survival of this beautiful little boy. The near fatal accident occurred on October 29, 2012. Tripp was not expected to live but live he did. After 10 surgeries, he has defied the odds and continues to make progress daily.
Another coincidence and connection to this little guy for me is I cheered him on when he was released from the hospital on March 29, 2013, which was five months after the accident and my birthday.
I cried as his mother posted her status updates about having him home. In fact, I look for her status updates daily. All of this has been happening during Tripp's second year of life.
I watch as this little boy learns to live again. It seems he is going through the first year of his life just as he did a newborn. He is now making eye contact with people; he is becoming familiar with faces and is starting to make communication sounds just as a new born would.
My husband had a stroke on Christmas night of 2009. I bring this up only as it relates to brain activity. What the doctors told me was that as an area of the brain is injured or killed, another area of the brain can kick in and take over. I believe we see that happening with Tripp.
Tripp has an amazing support system. He has the most loving parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The community has gathered around this little boy and lifted him up. A wonderful group, Sunshine on a Ranney Day came aboard and helped the Halstead's remodel a foreclosed house the family needed to be closer to other family members while they work on Tripp's recovery. The home the family previously owned was not able to be remodeled to accommodate Tripp's needs and it was just too far from family members. Additional family support is very much needed and appreciated while the family gets used to this new life of recovery with Tripp. The local news covered the home remodel reveal and it was very touching. Sunshine on a Ranney Day is a wonderful organization and if you are reading this article, you should check them out. Their Facebook page ishttps://www.facebook.com/SunshineOnaRanneyDay
Little Tripp continues to improve and with this boys heart, soul and support, I'd say the sky is the limit. In doing research I discovered that this little guy was born either right on his parents wedding Anniversary or right close by it which looks to be September 12th and September 15th, respectively. So this article is just in time for us to wish Tripp's parents a Happy 6th Wedding Anniversary and most especially to wish the little man, Trippadoodle, as his Mom calls him a Very Happy 3rd Birthday.
An e-book on Tripp's story was released on Amazon at: http://amzn.com/B00F0SCRZI and in only a few days, over 2000 copies have been downloaded which is wonderful. You know the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child? Well it takes a whole lot more than that to raise a special needs child. While Tripp is special needs now, I believe in my heart and soul that he, one day will be able to live a normal life again. I also believe that there is a learning lesson in everything that happens. Tripp's horrible accident has brought out so many wonderful things in so many people. Tripp himself has shown the world that anything is possible with love, support and the sheer will to live. I will continue to pray for this little boy and his family. Let's all continuing praying and look for the happy ending to the Miracle of Little Tripp Halstead. You can follow Tripp's journey at:https://www.facebook.com/TrippHalsteadUpdates
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-story-little-tripp-halstead-miracle-12318018.html?cat=25
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