After surviving a nearly fatal fall, one toddler is demonstrating his strength beyond his years. TJ Thompson fell 15 stories from the balcony of the Enclave Apartments in Silver Spring on May 15 when he was vacationing with other family members. He amazingly survived after landing in the bushes.
The young child, who will soon be three years old, is currently learning his numbers and how to walk once more.
“He’s definitely a miracle baby,” TJ’s grandma, Janiel Thompson, told WUSA.
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TJ sustained bruised lungs, a laceration to his liver, a broken leg, and torn ligaments in his neck. He was unable to walk for several weeks while wearing a cast.
His grandmothers, Janiel and Whitley Thompson, said he still has nightmares and flashbacks to the fall.
“One time, he was sitting in his wheelchair, and I guess he thought he was going to fall. You could see the fear in his eye,” Janiel said.
“Seeing his struggle, seeing that he couldn’t, even though he is still in good spirits, he can’t really be mobile as he was at first,” Janiel added.
According to loved ones, they had to start over from scratch, treating him like a newborn.
“Then we had to start the potty-training process over. He’s supposed to be potty trained by now. He was doing so good with it, and then it just came to a halt. So, it’s been difficult,” Janiel explained.
TJ is still afraid to put weight on his leg, so he has been using a wheelchair and a walker. Even his grandmothers have concerns.
“You’re scared that, you know, if he falls the wrong way or if he hits it too hard, if he does fall or jump, he could re-fracture it and the six-week process and the cast starts all over. But for him, he’s just been a kid,” Whitley said.
The family said they’ll know next week if his leg is recovered enough to begin physical therapy.
However, Whitley told Fox 5, “Honestly, he hasn’t missed a beat especially now that he’s out of his cast. Hasn’t missed a beat. Still the same energetic, loving, sweet little boy.”
Janiel and Whitley made an Instagram reel to tell friends and family about TJ’s fall in the weeks that followed.
Still, TJ is more interested in this weekend, which marks his third birthday. He resides in Prince Frederick, Calvert County, with his paternal grandmother and her wife.
The toddler has a sister named Star, who is one year old. Throughout the day, she keeps him smiling and squealing with excitement.
