What Love Can Do…

I feel like I can do better. So much better. Today, I saw with my own eyes what love can do. But it’s not just any love. It’s Caleb love. It is big. So big. It is vulnerable. It is precious.

When Caleb came into the world, it changed. For the better. I really cannot imagine a world without him. The way he loves people, and connects with them, is unmatched.

Disabled. Handicapped. Those words have been used again and again to describe our boy. And I get it. Physically he cannot do what most people can do. Academically he cannot do what most people can do. Relationally, he is so far beyond all of us. There is really no competition at all.

It has always been. Caleb’s ability to connect. But I have been thinking hard. Really hard. Back to the beginning. Even in the midst of my own personal turmoil during those early years, it became impossible to miss. Of course Ryan and I felt the connection. We assumed it was that way for all new parents. Now I’m not so sure. I am starting to realize that Caleb showed us what connection really is. Or what it can be. Then, there were the grandparents. They felt the connection too. But again, he was the first grandchild on both sides. We all missed that he was actually teaching us something new. Something amazing.

As the Lord began to open my eyes I began to see that Caleb was making connections with people all around us. Without words at first. And he was making his way deep into their hearts. And he has stayed there. Then, in God’s great provision, he saw fit to give Caleb words. He could say what he felt in his heart. I remember when he first started saying “I love you.” He said it to Ryan and I. To his siblings. To his grandparents. To his aunts and uncles. But it didn’t stop there. He said those 3 big words to his teachers and therapists. He said them to his friends. But it wasn’t just the words. It was the heart. He gives all the love in his heart every single chance he gets. If you have experienced it, then you know exactly what I am talking about. And you have no idea how happy I am for you. And for me.

June 2, 2021. Caleb turned 16. And you guys showed up. So many people came to our house to wish Caleb happy birthday in person. There were medical professionals, therapists, grandparents, friends, neighbors, teachers. There was even a grand finale. Nick (see my post “A Caleb-sized Hole” to learn more). Nick rolled up at 6:05 in his big loud diesel truck coming straight from work. He had “Caleb 4-6” written on his hand so he wouldn’t forget. Perfection.

I know with all my heart that was just a fraction of the people that Caleb has impacted. I got so many calls and texts yesterday wishing Caleb a happy birthday. I got notification after notification from WordPress saying blog views were off the charts. I know you were looking for Caleb. All of you wanted him to enjoy his special day. And boy did he ever. Thank you so much for caring. You all mean the world to him.