It has been way to long since my last update. Brett continues to make progress in many areas. He is half way through the fall term at
Sunday, October 21, 2007
October update - Brett on track @ Talladega
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Brett Cole update as of August 4, 2007 - Brett's back on the track!
Shortly after his accident six months ago Brett said he would ride again. As a parent I did not want him do anything that could cause harm but Brett is a very determined young man.
I would not have believed it if I did not see it with my own eyes. Last weekend Brett was back on the track at the Barbers Motor Speedway. He overcame some fear and trepidation and successfully rode his left hand controlled Hawk. (See the pictures…)
Brett was very meticulous in his preparations as he is in most things related to motorcycles. He first bought a small dirt bike, converted the throttle to the left side and began practicing riding. He practiced with and without the prosthetic arm. He then took the next step of riding off road with friend Mark Cambron. He finally was ready to ride the Hawk and I ran beside him as he tested his ability to control ride at slow speeds. (It reminded me of running beside a child as they learn to ride a bike.)
He purchased new safety gear and signed up for the upcoming track day. The rest is history! Brett plans to keep riding on the track but has no intentions of getting back on the road. After passing a new driving test, the State of
We received good news recently regarding Brett’s situation with
Brett has continued to work on and sell motorcycles. He made a nice profit on one bike and paid me back some seed money. We only have four motorcycles in the garage now and hopefully that will soon be down to three.
Stacey is now home from her summer camp lifeguard job. She and I canoed the
Coleen, Brett and I finally moved our church membership to Park Ave Baptist church in Moody. We are happy there.
We still await final settlement from Travelers Insurance. They have moved very slowly and have not yet agreed to a fair payment for property damages. We are grateful for the fine work of our attorney Leon Ashford as he represents us in this matter.
We recently learned that the women that hit Brett had yet another car wreck. She was also apparently arrested for selling drugs to an undercover officer. I pray that they will keep her off the road and that justice will be done.
Brett continues to battle episodes of pain. He had two nerve blocks during July and these seem to provide some relief. He works out three times per weeks and that also seems to help. A change in weather, barometric pressure or cold seems to cause the greatest discomfort. Despite the nagging pain, he seldom complains but Coleen and I grieve when he hurts.
We are thankful for the continued prayers and support for Brett and our family. The Lord has continued to show us His grace and power throughout this saga. We have witnessed miracles and the wonderful acts of kindness of friends, family and God’s people. Brett’s courage and determination is an inspiration to us all.
Feel free to share this email and/or visit Brett’s Blog at BrettCole.BlogSpot.com where I occasionally post pictures and videos.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Update as of July 1st, 2007
Dear Friends and Family,
Many of you ask about Brett on a regular basis. It is always appreciated and uplifting to know that so many people care. Our family is indeed grateful for all of the support, prayers and encouragement from all of you. We have seen God at work in so many ways that it is hard to count.
Brett continues to battle pain but he seldom complains. We do ask for continued prayer support for relief in this area of his life.
He remains focused on getting back on the track and riding again. He has equipped his Honda Hawk and a TTR125 with left handed controls and has possible plans for a track day in July. Right now he is riding the TTR125 without his prosthetic arm and he has moved the gas throttle over to the left side but the throttle works backwards. He will fix it later. Check out the video on the blog of him riding around the yard!
Brett has discovered the fun of pistol shooting and has been practicing at the pistol range. He is also improving his bowling game and continues to work out at the gym.
We traveled to Foley and Gulf Shores over the Father’s day weekend and visited with my parents. Brett went swimming for the first time since the accident. I think he liked it but he did describe a strange feeling of his shoulder floating away from his body. It was good to see him do some underwater somersaults!
Stacey is working as a lifeguard this summer at the Ponderosa camp near Mentone but she comes home on the weekend to visit. I can tell that Brett and Stacey have grown closer since the accident.
We are trying to return to a normal routine as much as possible and we are thankful that God has sustained us this far.
Feel free to share this email and/or visit Brett’s blog at BrettCole.BlogSpot.com where I occasionally post pictures and videos.
I hope everyone is having a great summer and we wish a happy Fouth of July. We are thankful to live in America and for our freedom. God bless you.
Many of you ask about Brett on a regular basis. It is always appreciated and uplifting to know that so many people care. Our family is indeed grateful for all of the support, prayers and encouragement from all of you. We have seen God at work in so many ways that it is hard to count.
Brett continues to battle pain but he seldom complains. We do ask for continued prayer support for relief in this area of his life.
He remains focused on getting back on the track and riding again. He has equipped his Honda Hawk and a TTR125 with left handed controls and has possible plans for a track day in July. Right now he is riding the TTR125 without his prosthetic arm and he has moved the gas throttle over to the left side but the throttle works backwards. He will fix it later. Check out the video on the blog of him riding around the yard!
Brett has discovered the fun of pistol shooting and has been practicing at the pistol range. He is also improving his bowling game and continues to work out at the gym.
We traveled to Foley and Gulf Shores over the Father’s day weekend and visited with my parents. Brett went swimming for the first time since the accident. I think he liked it but he did describe a strange feeling of his shoulder floating away from his body. It was good to see him do some underwater somersaults!
Stacey is working as a lifeguard this summer at the Ponderosa camp near Mentone but she comes home on the weekend to visit. I can tell that Brett and Stacey have grown closer since the accident.
We are trying to return to a normal routine as much as possible and we are thankful that God has sustained us this far.
Feel free to share this email and/or visit Brett’s blog at BrettCole.BlogSpot.com where I occasionally post pictures and videos.
I hope everyone is having a great summer and we wish a happy Fouth of July. We are thankful to live in America and for our freedom. God bless you.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Brett on TTR125
Brett has equipped this TTR125 with left handed controls. He has also similarly setup his 1989 Honda Hawk in anticipation of an upcoming track day.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Update on Brett Cole as of June 14th 2007
Dear Friends and Family:
Brett continues to make good progress. His phantom pain episodes have become less intense and infrequent. He has become very adept at doing things with only one hand.
His overall health is improving and he is on a regular workout schedule at a local gym. Brett’s attitude and outlook remain positive.
One of the highlights of our trip was a visit with Dug Smith of Roseville, CA (near
Brett was also released to drive by Dr. Alonzo and he has had several solo trips in his truck. Brett is a cautious driver and always checks in with Coleen whenever he reaches his destination. I consider this a major step toward his independence.
Our attorney (Leon Ashford) has done a great job representing us. I would highly recommend him. We received good news that the insurance company of the driver of the SUV has agreed to pay the policy limit for personal medical expense liability. Although it is not much money, it helps salve some of the wounds. It is also somewhat of an admission of their fault.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
From his mother’s heart...
From his mother’s heart:
Brett had a wonderful time at his birthday party at 29 Dreams - as did we all. Thank you again Tim and Kathy L. for everything. Brett was not in much pain if any. I would like to thank all of you who came to be with him. I know some of you would like to have come but just could not make it, but I thank you for your thoughts. Many of you brought gifts for Brett and we were all grateful for that (although it was not necessary) we thank you all. He received some really nice shirts, money, gift cards, peanuts, cards, and I don’t even know what else. Some of the cards were hilarious! His aunt Beverly even bought him a new motorcycle (need I mention it was a toy motorcycle). I would especially like to thank Mr. Will Ratliff and his sweet wife Carolyn for coming by the party. That meant so much to all of us.
Brett has been feeling so good lately, but it seems that the rain upsets his comfort. Last night, at the weekly FBR meeting, he was in a lot of pain. Usually if he feels bad he can hide it. But last night he hurt so badly he could not pretend that he didn’t. He could not hold his head up, but I told him that his friends understood. He had driven us out there, but I had to drive us home as the tears rolled down my cheeks. The next morning the ground was wet so we figured it must have been the coming of the rain that affected his pain level.
God is so good to always give us what we need even before we ask it of him. I just feel the need to share some of the ways God has blessed us. (These are not in any particular order).
1. Before Brett’s accident, God sent Mark C. to talk to Brett about a different career choice.
2. He led us to a church where the Pastor and the people truly have a heart for others. Our pastor, Donald Jennings, came to the hospital the night of the accident and stayed with us until about 3:00 in the morning. He was the first one back the next morning with a basket full of goodies. If ever we needed a pastor to sit with us and pray with us it has been through all of this. Keep in mind that he and his wife had just had their third son. Needless to say a huge thank you to his wife, Laura, for letting him minister to us at this time in their lives!
3. In January, God gave me the desire to read my Bible through in a year. (That has helped me so much!)
4. He had Brett to become friends with Dr. John O. a super guy – not to mention a friend of the Chief of Staff at UAB.
5. He had Dr. Alonso (the best orthopedic surgeon in B’ham) to be the doctor to operate on Brett. He also had many other very good doctors and nurses to care for Brett while he was in the hospital.
6. David was on his way to New Jersey and God saw to it that he was able to catch a flight back to B’ham within about 30 minutes.
7. God arranged for us to be able to stay in the hotel next to UAB the whole time Brett was in the hospital. Because of family, friends, and our church we never had to pay for one night!
8. He spread word quickly to so many friends and family the night of the accident that Stacey and I did not have to sit alone in the waiting room. We were surrounded by many friends that first night and every day and night after.
9. He gave me my dear friend Candice and her daughter, Emily, who came to my house and cleaned it from top to bottom and washed all of our clothes and brought clean ones back to us at the hospital. She and her husband also own a medical company and they brought Brett a TENS unit late one Friday night.
10. He gave us friends and family who brought food, snacks, change, magazines, lotion, antibacterial lotion and wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes, etc., etc., etc., to the hospital for us.
11. He gave us our friends the Rays who have called or sent cards everyday to let us know that they are still praying for Brett. Many of our friends continue to call and check on Brett as well.
12. He made us to be financially sound enough that I do not have to work.
13. He placed David in a company that has a wonderful owner and great people to work with. (The company also has great medical benefits - thank the Lord for that!)
14. He gave us friends that would help us and support us through these tough times.
15. He gave Brett a very strong will. (It was hard to deal with when he was young.)
16. He gave us as parents the kind of love for Brett that is unshakeable.
17. He gave Brett a sister that loves him dearly.
18. He has opened doors to the world of prosthetics that we had no idea existed.
19. God has opened a door with a fitness club for Brett to work with Chris L. (owner and great guy) who is a personal trainer. His business is not just a business – it is a ministry.
20. God gave Brett a great attitude. (When he is hurting, it is hard to see.)
21. He gave Brett his life!
Brett lived through this horrible accident. With his brachial plexus torn and his nerves ripped, his collar bone, clavicle, and scapula removed, his arm gone, and even some of the muscle in his chest removed, Brett survived! Brett lived to celebrate his 18th birthday! Through doctors, nurses, friends, and prayers of saints, God gave us this great blessing!
God gave us all the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, His Son. May we all always be mindful of how good God is.
There are so many other things that God has done for us – so many that I have probably forgotten most of them by now. God led our pastor to preach a sermon that was so hard to hear, but so needed in our lives. You can listen to this sermon – it is probably one that everyone needs to hear.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=donaldjennings&keywordDesc=Park+Avenue+Baptist+Church
Look for the (May 6th sermon).
I never thought I would see so many of God’s truths become so real in my life, but my ways are not His ways and my thoughts are not His thoughts. Praise God for that! I am so thankful that He is in control.
God Bless You All!
Coleen
Brett had a wonderful time at his birthday party at 29 Dreams - as did we all. Thank you again Tim and Kathy L. for everything. Brett was not in much pain if any. I would like to thank all of you who came to be with him. I know some of you would like to have come but just could not make it, but I thank you for your thoughts. Many of you brought gifts for Brett and we were all grateful for that (although it was not necessary) we thank you all. He received some really nice shirts, money, gift cards, peanuts, cards, and I don’t even know what else. Some of the cards were hilarious! His aunt Beverly even bought him a new motorcycle (need I mention it was a toy motorcycle). I would especially like to thank Mr. Will Ratliff and his sweet wife Carolyn for coming by the party. That meant so much to all of us.
Brett has been feeling so good lately, but it seems that the rain upsets his comfort. Last night, at the weekly FBR meeting, he was in a lot of pain. Usually if he feels bad he can hide it. But last night he hurt so badly he could not pretend that he didn’t. He could not hold his head up, but I told him that his friends understood. He had driven us out there, but I had to drive us home as the tears rolled down my cheeks. The next morning the ground was wet so we figured it must have been the coming of the rain that affected his pain level.
God is so good to always give us what we need even before we ask it of him. I just feel the need to share some of the ways God has blessed us. (These are not in any particular order).
1. Before Brett’s accident, God sent Mark C. to talk to Brett about a different career choice.
2. He led us to a church where the Pastor and the people truly have a heart for others. Our pastor, Donald Jennings, came to the hospital the night of the accident and stayed with us until about 3:00 in the morning. He was the first one back the next morning with a basket full of goodies. If ever we needed a pastor to sit with us and pray with us it has been through all of this. Keep in mind that he and his wife had just had their third son. Needless to say a huge thank you to his wife, Laura, for letting him minister to us at this time in their lives!
3. In January, God gave me the desire to read my Bible through in a year. (That has helped me so much!)
4. He had Brett to become friends with Dr. John O. a super guy – not to mention a friend of the Chief of Staff at UAB.
5. He had Dr. Alonso (the best orthopedic surgeon in B’ham) to be the doctor to operate on Brett. He also had many other very good doctors and nurses to care for Brett while he was in the hospital.
6. David was on his way to New Jersey and God saw to it that he was able to catch a flight back to B’ham within about 30 minutes.
7. God arranged for us to be able to stay in the hotel next to UAB the whole time Brett was in the hospital. Because of family, friends, and our church we never had to pay for one night!
8. He spread word quickly to so many friends and family the night of the accident that Stacey and I did not have to sit alone in the waiting room. We were surrounded by many friends that first night and every day and night after.
9. He gave me my dear friend Candice and her daughter, Emily, who came to my house and cleaned it from top to bottom and washed all of our clothes and brought clean ones back to us at the hospital. She and her husband also own a medical company and they brought Brett a TENS unit late one Friday night.
10. He gave us friends and family who brought food, snacks, change, magazines, lotion, antibacterial lotion and wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes, etc., etc., etc., to the hospital for us.
11. He gave us our friends the Rays who have called or sent cards everyday to let us know that they are still praying for Brett. Many of our friends continue to call and check on Brett as well.
12. He made us to be financially sound enough that I do not have to work.
13. He placed David in a company that has a wonderful owner and great people to work with. (The company also has great medical benefits - thank the Lord for that!)
14. He gave us friends that would help us and support us through these tough times.
15. He gave Brett a very strong will. (It was hard to deal with when he was young.)
16. He gave us as parents the kind of love for Brett that is unshakeable.
17. He gave Brett a sister that loves him dearly.
18. He has opened doors to the world of prosthetics that we had no idea existed.
19. God has opened a door with a fitness club for Brett to work with Chris L. (owner and great guy) who is a personal trainer. His business is not just a business – it is a ministry.
20. God gave Brett a great attitude. (When he is hurting, it is hard to see.)
21. He gave Brett his life!
Brett lived through this horrible accident. With his brachial plexus torn and his nerves ripped, his collar bone, clavicle, and scapula removed, his arm gone, and even some of the muscle in his chest removed, Brett survived! Brett lived to celebrate his 18th birthday! Through doctors, nurses, friends, and prayers of saints, God gave us this great blessing!
God gave us all the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, His Son. May we all always be mindful of how good God is.
There are so many other things that God has done for us – so many that I have probably forgotten most of them by now. God led our pastor to preach a sermon that was so hard to hear, but so needed in our lives. You can listen to this sermon – it is probably one that everyone needs to hear.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=donaldjennings&keywordDesc=Park+Avenue+Baptist+Church
Look for the (May 6th sermon).
I never thought I would see so many of God’s truths become so real in my life, but my ways are not His ways and my thoughts are not His thoughts. Praise God for that! I am so thankful that He is in control.
God Bless You All!
Coleen
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