The fishing pole was sitting in the corners staring a hole through Caldwell's heart. Caldwell considers himself a master fisherman, but this rod seemed impossible. As a 7 year old, Caldwell should not have to be so worried about perfecting anything, but Caldwell is not your average 7 year old. To many, he is consider an extraordinarily brave and strong young man.
At 2 weeks old, Caldwell was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, and at age 3 he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive-compulsive Disorder.
Caldwell's Sensory Processing Disorder was noticed when he was 2 weeks old when he was unable to swallow.
"We were hoping it was a medical problem we could just fix," said Kristin, Caldwell's mom.
But with some time they discovered it was much more than that. If Caldwell saw or touched food he would vomit. As first-time parents, Jeff and Kristin, had no idea the tough road they would have to endure.
Caldwell's weight was unhealthy for his young age because he was unable to keep food down. In an act of desperation to keep Caldwell from having to get a gastric feeding tube, Kristin would quietly go into his room and try to bottle feed him while he was asleep. He took the bottle because his senses were not aware of the food.
"It was so awesome," says Kristin, tears filling her eyes as she reminisces.
He began going to therapy to desensitize his mouth so that he could learn to eat. The first time he ever swallowed anything consciously he was 4 years old. It was a tough road, but their perseverance finally paid off.
"It was a long haul, but we learned to work with him as time went by," said Kristin.
Kristin and Jeff were so excited after Caldwell started eating and putting on weight, little did they know they still had hurdles to jump.
"At age 3 he was diagnosed with Autism, but we questioned that until we put him in preschool. I think that is when we realized he was different," said Kristin.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Some of its side effects include, having problem communicating with words, dealing with change, sensitivity to sight, sounds, textures, etc.
Emotionally, the Autism seemed to be harder to deal with than the OCD. With tears in her eyes Kristin explains Caldwell's situation in more detail.
"He wants so much to have friends and be able to do things. It's bitter sweet thing about Autism, is he is aware he is different. He knows he is different and that s hard to be different and know it," said Kristin.
A tear rolls down her tan cheek, as Caldwell rounds the corner of the barn, sweaty after finishing his riding session on the hot July day. This summer Caldwell came on days when no one else was here except the riding instructors. He was able to focus more with less noise and people.
Ellen took him into the library to visit Thumper, Storybook's favorite rabbit friend. As soon as he took Thumper into his small arms Caldwell's face lit up.
"He loves the animals at Storybook," said Kristin, "they seem to calm him and give him a sense of accomplishment, knowing he can hold them and take care of them on his own." "He is very intrigued by cats too, they're not mean to him. They don't push him likes kids do."
Despite all of these, seemingly misfortunes, Caldwell's determination, perseverance and wonderful supportive family and friends carry him through.
"We are so blessed right now, Jesus, thank you" said Kristin. "I think he's going to get better with time. Every day is a new day."
This positive outlook is another aspect that gives hope to Caldwell's bright future. Storybook's riding programs give Caldwell the opportunity of hope as well.
Caldwell first came to Storybook in November of 2010. Each time Caldwell gets ready to go to the Farm he is hesitant, but as soon as he gets out there, a different side of him comes out; a calmer side.
Caldwell's story is everything that Storybook is about. Patience. Determination. Perseverance. Equality. Hope.
Hope for children of all walks to be a joyful, worry-free kid, supported by loving individuals and animals!
Now do you see why he is so extraordinary?