Sometimes life isn’t fair. Sometimes life throws things at us that we should NEVER have to live through. And sometimes, we have those that can find a way to rise above the worst possible things that can happen to a family...the loss of a child, followed immediately by the loss of a grandchild.
This, my AR family, is precisely what happened to our very own Missy Caulk and Bob Stewart family. What would have broken most of us, has not broken this amazing family. Faith, and lots of it has gotten them through this gut wrenching time.
On October 14th, Jamie Caulk was in a horrible car accident in Nashville that ended up taking his life. Jamie is one of Mike and Missy Caulks 5 wonderful children and was just 27 years old. As most of you know, Christa Caulk married Bob Stewart last year. Bob lost a wonderful brother in law and Christa lost her brother. Thousands were praying for Jamie and asking for a miracle, but sometimes God has different plans. They laid their dear son to rest in Ann Arbor on October 25th, 2011. Almost one month to the day, they lost their precious granddaughter, Lillian Elizabeth, who was only 11 weeks old. Liilian Elizabeth was the daughter of Alyssa Caulk, Missy’s youngest daughter. She was laid to rest alongside her Uncle Jamie. Lillian is lovingly called Lillie Bear.
I first “met” Missy right here in AR, during the Makeover to Takeover challenge. I came to know her and love her as a very intelligent woman who is forward thinking, leading many of us into the future. Missy is a loving mother. Missy is an incredible Realtor and was one of the earliest members here in AR. She is loved by many and has earned that love and respect. Missy is good and it shows through her daily interactions and shows through her children. They are a beautiful family. Each and every one of them. Good. Good hearts, good souls. They love one another and lift each other up. They are also great lovers of God, which is what has gotten them through this terrible, terrible time.
As many have, I have been broken hearted since first hearing of Jamies accident and Lillie Bears passing. I’ve wept for them, I’ve prayed for them, I’ve “hoped” for them and “wished” for them.
A good friend of Missy’s, Carol Grubb, contacted Cyndee Haydon. She shared with Cyndee their plan to dedicate a park bench in a special place in Jamie and Lillie Bear’s honor. She asked Cyndee if she could help let all of Missy, Christa and Bob’s online friends know about it so we could also be a part of this memorial project. Cyndee stepped up, said yes, and now here I am. I’m thankful that Cyndee asked me to participate so that we can all help bring some happiness to the Caulks lives. Cyndee made a beautiful video for you to watch:
Many of us have simply felt helpless...I know this will all enable us to feel as if we have done something to bring smiles to the Caulk family. To make this beautiful memorial a reality, we need to raise $3000.00 That’s only $10 from 300 people. With over 200,000 members here in Active Rain, I know we can easily do this for them.
Below is a list of options that Cyndee has shared on her blog.
So how can you help?
3 Ways…
- Continue to pray for the Caulk family
- Help get the word out by sharing this post on Facebook, Active Rain, Twitter to those that know Missy, Christa, Jamie, Bob and all the Caulks or consider doing your own blog post
- Make a donation
How to Make a Donation (no gift is too small):
Make checks payable to “The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund”
Mail those checks to:
Carol Grubb
3647 W. Greenook Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48301
Or send a Paypal (as a gift so all funds go to them) to cyndeehaydon@gmail.com and put “The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund” in the memo
Along with your donation, Carol has requested each person’s name or names & email addresses because she will be giving the Caulk’s a card from everyone and she also wants to keep you informed of the details of the upcoming picnic / dedication that is being planned for early to mid-May when the bench is ready.
Thank you Cyndee for stepping up. Let’s all rally around our AR family members and make this memorial a reality. Happy New Year to all of you.
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