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Boy severely injured by tree returns to kindergarten

WALTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Walton County boy who was severely hit by a tree last year returned to kindergarten Friday for the first time.
 
"I can walk by myself now … I don't need that wheelchair anymore," said Tristen Wilson as he walked with his mom and sister, Anslee, into his first day of kindergarten at Buford Elementary School.
 
After a warm greeting and visit with the office staff, Tristen headed down the hallway to his kindergarten classroom.
 
"We're back! I'm coming to school today," Tristen said as he walked into the classroom.
 
The eager 6-year-old made a beeline to the head of the class. He was ready to get started and make up for lost time. And who can blame him?

"I never thought that we would be at this day," said Dana Wilson, Tristen's mother.
 
On Aug. 9, 2013, Tristen fell into a coma after a rotted tree fell on him and Anslee. 
 
Anslee broke her leg and Tristen endured months of hospitalization and physical therapy.
 
 Tristen had to learn how to talk and walk again. It's a journey Wilson says has been surreal.
 
"Remembering back to that moment where we had nothing, to walking in school five months later," Wilson remembered.
 
Tristen still undergoes physical therapy twice a week to sharpen his motor skills.
 
"To watch him want it so bad is amazing, too," his mother said.
 
"We're very excited to serve him and see how far we can take him with his academics knowing what he's been through," said Principal Melanie Reed.
 
It's been more than any little boy should have to go through, but the family is forever thankful for all the people, and prayers who helped Tristen get back up and going.