Today is my son’s 25th birthday. I am so grateful that he has reached this milestone. God has come through on the promise he gave me when Caleb was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor: “The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.”
I’m also grateful for the person Caleb is, for the young man who continues to work part-time and go to school part-time, reaching for his goals. He’s come through so many difficult times with a great attitude, a desire to make something better of himself and a smile that makes this mother’s heart do an extra thump.
He was a happy child, even when sick. He would throw up and announce, “Thar’ she blows!” An early talker and reader, he passed all the kindergarten tests with ease. When the other kids were asked to name an animal, they said, “Kitty or doggie or tiger.” Caleb answered, “Chameleon – they change colors, you know.”
Junior high and high school were difficult, but Caleb made it through. He focused on his music, winning an award as the fastest drummer, and marching in step with the FreeState band. He helped me around the house and left notes to encourage me. One note hangs on my kitchen cabinet. Caleb wrote it after I lost my job, “I know you don’t like roller coasters, but God is taking us on one. I’ll hold my hands up the whole way, and we will be okay.”
The Stage 3 cancer was a blow, but Caleb marched through his chemo and radiation treatments with ever-increasing courage. Even now, he uses his scar as a conversation-starter and refuses to wallow in self-pity. He understands how fragile life is and how precious each moment can be. He is looking forward to finishing his degree in criminal justice and securing a great job – hopefully, near the beach in California.
Someone recently asked me who I admire. I answered, “My son. I admire my son.”
Happy birthday, dear Caleb, and many more.
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