Wink from Heaven: Glimpses of Caleb's Funeral Services (Part 1)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Glimpses of Caleb's Funeral Services (Part 1)

It has been a year since Caleb passed away and my heart hasn't been ready to share images of that tender time until now. As I have looked back on the past year I know the Savior hasn't left my side for a single day. He has carried me on hard days, strengthened me when I felt broken, and wrapped me in His arms when I needed to cry.

I have an image in my mind of me following Caleb's casket down the isle the day of his funeral. Caleb in his full stature was walking on one side of me, and my older Brother Jesus Christ was on the other. I know they were there for me on that day and that they will both continue to be there every single day.

14 comments:

Amy said...: Oh, these pictures make me cry. I've been thinking about Caleb so much this month. I've been wishing I could be there with you guys. I've thought of Caleb almost every day this past year. I miss him so much!; February 13, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Jennie said...: What sweet and tender pictures. Thank you for sharing them. I remember that day well. I was so touched by your strength and the love of your family. Even after death, Caleb continues to teach. Much love to you, my friend!; February 13, 2013 at 11:29 PM
The Kings said...: Such beautiful photos. It looks like such a beautiful service.; February 14, 2013 at 1:00 AM
Janene Baadsgaard said...: Such beautiful pictures of a tender day. I love you April.; February 14, 2013 at 6:17 AM
Debbie Briggs said...: We love you and thanks for sharing you can still feel the spirit when looking at them I cried because it was so strong; February 14, 2013 at 7:59 AM
Debbie Briggs said...: Thanks for sharing. When you look at those pictures you can feel the spirit. It made me cry because it was strong. We love you all.; February 14, 2013 at 8:01 AM
Ashley Baadsgaard Worthen said...: These are so tender and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing these, they really touched me. I'm sure it wasn't easy. I love you!; February 14, 2013 at 2:41 PM
Heidi said...: We love you and your family so much, you are an example of strength, courage, faith and love. Receive a big hug from the Hurtado´s family. Thanks for being such an awesome family and for your example.; February 14, 2013 at 9:36 PM
shirlgirl said...: April--Thank you for sharing something so very personal to you and your family. My heart breaks for you. The love shown for Caleb in these pictures is unquestionable. I'm sure it was hard for you to post these. Love and hugs.; February 14, 2013 at 9:38 PM
Junior said...: sending love and hugs along with many prayers; February 14, 2013 at 10:43 PM
arianne said...: It's been a tough year for all of you. I hope you feel we love you.; February 17, 2013 at 7:16 AM
Nicholle said...: Your beautiful words continue to inspire me! Thank you for sharing these tender pictures!; February 17, 2013 at 9:14 PM
Lees Everything Homemade said...: thanks for sharing April...what an inspiration. Love you!; February 18, 2013 at 8:32 AM
Hartley Family said...: Tomorrow it will be a year since our son Lincoln passed away and I remembered that Caleb passed away exactly one month before him. I read your tender blog entries and cried. I love the ways you've found to honor Caleb's life and celebrate the amazing person he is.; March 9, 2013 at 4:37 PM

Prayer for Caleb

(written by Caleb's Grandma in her weekly column -2008-)

In my family we have a secret code to communicate our love for each other when we are out in public. We wink. When one of us is about to perform or speak, we look for a family member’s face in the crowd. Then we wink at each other. Closing one eye and winking is our secret code for saying, “I love you. You can do it. You’re wonderful.”

About three years ago, my grandson Caleb was born into our family. He must have known before birth that he would never be able to speak to us because he was born with one eyelid permanently closed. So, he is always “winking” at us, always communicating, “I love you. You can do it. You’re wonderful.”

Caleb has one eye lid permanently closed because he is missing one of his eyes . . . and he is also missing his brain. All the doctors said he would die soon after birth. They were wrong. Caleb is three years old. He is a medical miracle. The doctors say he can’t see, hear, speak, think or move. Those who know and love Caleb understand he has his own unique way of experiencing the world and communicating his love to those around him.

After Caleb was born the hospice people told us to buy a burial plot and continually warned us of his imminent death. We soon learned you can not live well in a state of fear and sadness. We decided we could spend Caleb’s entire life anxious and scared he might die at any moment, or we could celebrate each day we were blessed to have him with us. In the beginning, my daughter April celebrated Caleb’s birthday every week instead of every year with balloons and cupcakes because we simply did not know how long we would have him with us. We stopped the cupcakes after we gained ten pounds, but the celebrating goes on.

We all prayed for a miracle when we first learned about Caleb’s condition. We got one. Caleb’s birth, life and mission have had a deep and lasting impact on our lives. His spirit, eternal identity and most of all the loving, individual relationship he has with each of us is truly a miracle. Because of Caleb we know that each of us has a divine purpose and that the physical body is a sacred gift we should never take for granted. We better understand the worth of a soul and the resiliency of the human spirit.

Caleb’s five year old brother Matthew said, “Grandma. The doctors said Caleb was going to die, but he didn’t. That’s the first miracle I ever saw!”

Sometimes Caleb’s baby brother Mitchell pulls out his feeding tube while they hold hands riding together in their double stroller. Sometimes the only intervention that can get Caleb’s heart rate up is when his older brothers Josh and Matty crawl in his crib, hug him and sing, “I am a Child of God.” ...If you have a moment please offer a prayer for the little boy who has never been able to utter a single word and yet has taught everyone who knows and loves him – all the secrets of a rich and meaningful life.