Five years later: Aurora theater shooting victim, his father speak

Caleb Medley was shot in the face by James Holmes five years ago. Things are starting to settle down for Caleb Medley and his father Otis Medley.

“Physically he’s just getting stronger and better and his speech is getting better,” Otis said.

While progress has been made, July 20, 2012, won’t be forgotten.

“Nothing can prepare you for it,” Otis said.

“I keep it in my mind. I’ll never forget it,” Caleb said.

Otis remembers getting the call from Caleb’s wife Katie.

They were watching “The Dark Knight Rises” premiere together when James Holmes started shooting.

“I remember pretty much everything she said. Well, she didn’t say it, she screamed it. But nevertheless, it was right after things had occurred and we didn’t understand and I had to try to calm her down,” Otis said.

Caleb was fighting for his life in Aurora, his brain seriously damaged.

“When we brought him home he was essentially bedridden,” Otis said.

But things have dramatically improved over the last five years.

Caleb and Katie’s son Hugo was born just a few days after the tragedy; he’s now almost five.

Their second son, Oliver, was born in February.

Caleb’s love for movies hasn’t changed; he says his favorite superhero is Batman.

Caleb can stand for a few minutes, write his name, type and strangers understand about three out of every four words he says.

Otis is thankful for the bond that got the family through the last five years.

“Without family and without our faith, I don’t think we could have done as well as we did,” Otis said.

Their hearts continue to pour out to other victims and their families. Otis said there is some peace knowing Holmes is behind bars. But never wants people to forget the massacre happened.