We received a call from Cody's dad, the morning of Tuesday, August 4th. He told us that Caleb, Cody's younger brother, had passed away on Monday, August 3rd. We were able to fly to California the day we found out. For those who did not have the priviledge of meeting or knowing Caleb, he was a wonderful person. He graduated to heaven at the age of 25 and was just a few months younger than me. He was like the younger brother that I had always wanted to have. I only knew him for a little over 3 years but, I was blessed to have known him for the time that I did. Caleb fought a battle for 10 years with addictions to alcohol and drugs. Even though I miss him dearly, I am comforted in knowing that he is at peace and experiencing great joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Caleb had so many gifts and talents. He had everything that you would want in a friend. I will always remember how funny he was. He always had a quick wit and it seemed to take no effort at all for him to make us all laugh. He was one of the funniest people I have ever met. He was also very kind and loving. He would greet you with a warm smile and a hug and would always tell you he loved you before he said good-bye. He was also very appreciative and considerate, never forgetting to show how thankful he was. He was easy to talk to and a great listener. It didn't matter who he met: a prince or a pauper, he was able to talk with the person and make them feel comfortable and valued. He was a simple person in that he didn't need many material things like the most expensive clothes or furniture or cars. He valued the important things like family and friends. He had a great love for music and I always enjoyed listening to him play the guitar. He also had a love for the outdoors and would go flyfishing and camping with his dad.
Cody got to go snowboarding with Caleb in December. Caleb was having painful knee problems, but Cody felt the Lord say that he would heal his brother's knee if they went snowboarding. So on Cody's birthday, Caleb was still experiencing pain as they drove to the ski resort. But once they starting snowboarding Caleb was healed and felt no pain! He didn't experience pain in his knees after that! The last time we saw Caleb was while we were in California in May. Cody got to go camping and kayaking with him. Cody said it was one of the best times he had with Caleb. Looking back I am so glad that we got to see Caleb the times that we did this year while we were in California. I think it was the hand of the Lord letting us share those memories with Caleb, before he took him home.
If Caleb didn't know it while he was here, I know he now knows how great and vast the Father's love is for him. I was blessed to get to be a part of his life for the time that I did. And I will continue to be blessed by the memories that are shared about him in the years to come. Even though I miss him, I have the joy and promise of seeing him again when the Lord calls me home.
Caleb had so many gifts and talents. He had everything that you would want in a friend. I will always remember how funny he was. He always had a quick wit and it seemed to take no effort at all for him to make us all laugh. He was one of the funniest people I have ever met. He was also very kind and loving. He would greet you with a warm smile and a hug and would always tell you he loved you before he said good-bye. He was also very appreciative and considerate, never forgetting to show how thankful he was. He was easy to talk to and a great listener. It didn't matter who he met: a prince or a pauper, he was able to talk with the person and make them feel comfortable and valued. He was a simple person in that he didn't need many material things like the most expensive clothes or furniture or cars. He valued the important things like family and friends. He had a great love for music and I always enjoyed listening to him play the guitar. He also had a love for the outdoors and would go flyfishing and camping with his dad.
Cody got to go snowboarding with Caleb in December. Caleb was having painful knee problems, but Cody felt the Lord say that he would heal his brother's knee if they went snowboarding. So on Cody's birthday, Caleb was still experiencing pain as they drove to the ski resort. But once they starting snowboarding Caleb was healed and felt no pain! He didn't experience pain in his knees after that! The last time we saw Caleb was while we were in California in May. Cody got to go camping and kayaking with him. Cody said it was one of the best times he had with Caleb. Looking back I am so glad that we got to see Caleb the times that we did this year while we were in California. I think it was the hand of the Lord letting us share those memories with Caleb, before he took him home.
If Caleb didn't know it while he was here, I know he now knows how great and vast the Father's love is for him. I was blessed to get to be a part of his life for the time that I did. And I will continue to be blessed by the memories that are shared about him in the years to come. Even though I miss him, I have the joy and promise of seeing him again when the Lord calls me home.
