The Memorial Service

The memorial service for our special, amazing Caleb was wonderful. Brian shared such love and devotion and a beautiful tribute to his precious son, and Olivia spoke.yes.she.did. What a special, amazing, beautiful 8 year old girl. There wasn't a dry eye. She told everyone that Caleb was the best brother in the whole world, and that she knows he is in a better place, and that now he has two legs.

Caleb's teacher and principal told of how Caleb was loved by everyone and always made you happy by just being around him. They plan to do a special memorial for Caleb at his school. Jennie spoke, and shared her amazing love for Caleb and told how he just always wanted to make sure everyone else was doing ok and was happy. And Allyn spoke, sharing a pure testimony of the Plan of Salvation, and how Caleb exemplified charity and the pure love of Christ everyday of his short life. He really is our hero, and he is who we will look up to everyday until we can be together again.

After the service we let go of blue (Caleb's favorite color) balloons with little notes to Caleb attached to them.

We were surrounded with so much love from family and friends...it's really overwhelming to think about.
We truly feel so blessed.

While we were all praying for Caleb to be healed and get well, we also prayed that we would understand the Lord's will, and that Caleb would not have to suffer. I know that God is aware of us and that our prayers were answered. Caleb was taken so quickly, and he truly did not have to suffer any more. He was surrounded with so much love. On Tuesday we were making videos and laughing in his little bed, and three days later Caleb had passed from this life.
It still seems unreal. About an hour before he died, the nurse came in and gave him some medicine and Caleb just said, "thank-you" and smiled at her. Then she asked him if he needed anything, and he said, "I'll let you know" and smiled again. Such an angel. All of us had tears in our eyes and love overflowing for this sweet, amazing boy.

I know that right now Caleb is happy, smiling, giving kisses in heaven, and I know he's with his sweet mama again. 

I'm so grateful for the gospel. I don't know what I would do without it.

Here is one of the little videos we made... I love hearing his voice and his adorable laugh.

Memory Monday

 We spent days last week gathering pictures of Caleb to put into a slide show/video for his memorial service.
Brian's brother sent me these pictures... I had never seen them before. 

They brought me so much joy, remembering happy days from years ago.

precious. boy.

 I wanted to post Caleb's obituary... it is so beautifully written and shares a glimpse of this special, precious boy.

CALEB DE BECKER Our sweet angel, Caleb Alexander de Becker, nine, passed peacefully from this life Feb. 15, 2013. He was born May 7, 2003. He is the beloved son of Brian Alexander de Becker and Leah Dawn Schlauder, and the beloved brother of Olivia and Tiana de Becker. Caleb's whole life was filled with laughter, joy and silliness. He will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as the sweet little boy whose innocence and purity was parallel to the amount of love (and many kisses) that he constantly gave to others. Amidst the challenge of having a devastating disease since birth, he seemed to walk through life worry free. He taught the meaning of happiness with every laugh and shared sincere love with every smile. His heart knew no bounds in this life and will have no limits throughout eternity. He continues to touch our lives through his legacy every day. Caleb was a constant example of goodness and purity throughout his life. We have been blessed with the opportunity to serve him in what seems like such small ways. We never heard him complain. He only ever smiled...his sweet smile that taught all of us how God's grace can be shown in the life of a small child. In his short nine years, he shared more love than most will ever know in an entire lifetime. Caleb was surrounded by love to his last breath as he passed from this life to the next, where he is surrounded by his loved ones who have preceded him. Caleb, we love you more than all the stars in the sky. We so look forward to the day when we will reunite with you as a family forever. Caleb was preceded in death by his mother, Leah Dawn Schlauder; and great-grandparents, Colleen Huntington and Janet and Arthur Schlauder. He is survived by all of his grandparents, whom he loved and adored, Linda and Terry Shoemaker, Allyn and Linda Schlauder, and Hal de Becker Sr.  Caleb is also survived by his great grandfather, Jack C. Huntington and aunts and uncles, Hal and Karla de Becker, Jennie and Chad Slade, Ally and Steve Carter, Amber Schlauder, Amy Schlauder, Douglas and Jericho de Becker, Belinda de Becker, and Gavin de Becker; and his many cousins, who love and miss him very much, Taylor, Kaden, Jackson, Kate, Levi, Kai, Renaissance, Nastazja and Felix. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, 3050 Alta Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89107.

 

Brian's brother shared this with him...

"Sorrow carves out the heart so that it can contain more joy, and this is my wish for you."

Our Sweet Angel Caleb

Our sweet angel grandson, Caleb Alexander deBecker, passed away February 15th, surrounded by loved ones. 

Our hearts are broken, for we will miss him more than words can express. 

He was a light and hero to all who knew him or were touched by him. We feel it such a privilege to have this noble spirit bless our lives and teach us how to live.

We know that now Caleb is with loved ones who have passed on before, and cuddled up in the loving arms of his mother. We are so grateful to know that families are forever.

I'll write more about this sweet boy later, but right now I can't see to type...the tears are flowing.

We love you forever Caleb...