Our week is rolling along as its usual speedy pace with preschool, a doctor appointment, work, errands, and the everyday chaos of life with little kids. But inside my heart is heavy with sadness. Caleb Adamyk, the son of our friends Steven and Jeannette, went to be with Jesus on Monday night. Caleb was born with Edward’s Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and doctors said he wouldn’t live a single day. He was a fighter though, and lived 29 months. You can read more about Caleb in our local paper here.
Steven and Jeannette have spent the past three years working to make sure Caleb had everything that could have possibly helped him. The way they loved their son has inspired many people. But they are grieving and hurting right now, and it’s awful to know they won’t get to see their son again until heaven.
It seems there are difficult circumstances all around these days. I’m about to fly north for the weekend to be with some close friends of mine from college, but one of them—my very best friend—is currently in a Chicago hospital. She’s been dealing with chronic head pain for the past four years and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. There are hard situations in my family too, and in many places around the world like Libya and the Horn of Africa.
Earlier today during my kids’ naptime, I was sitting at the kitchen table listening to a mini-sermon by Pastor Colin Smith. I was staring distractedly into space when this line grabbed my attention: “Faith factors in the ability of God.” He then said that faith is like a muscle we need to exercise. When we see things strictly through human eyes, we’re overwhelmed and our faith fades. But we grow in faith when we choose to believe in God’s goodness and power.
I can’t make sense out of devastation like Caleb’s death, or my friend’s relentless, pounding head pain, or the thousands of hungry children in Africa. But when I exercise faith, I don’t trust my limited understanding. Instead I remember that God is always working for the good of those who love Him no matter what we walk through in life. And when I find myself at a loss for what to do or say, God promises to guide me if I humble myself and ask Him for wisdom.
Sometimes when life is painful for people I love, all I do is feel bad. I say a quick prayer and go back to feeling bad. But what does that accomplish? I should be praying with faith, believing that God’s word applies to everyone in every circumstance.
How true that DAILY we get the chance to walk by faith and not by sight… so difficult to do! Thanks for your thoughtful post.
Mom, I’m always amazed that your blog is up every morning no matter what’s happening in your week. And you even made time to read mine! You are one of a kind.
studying for exams and came across your blog when reading about the syndrome – pray that the family has the patience and faith to get them through the pain and that God rewards them abundantly..
Dear Linnea, I am just coming across this post. Thank you so much for remembering Caleb. Life is truly hard at times….but through God’s amazing Grace and love, we somehow find a way to survive each day until we are all united again. blessings and love to you all
I think of Caleb often. He touched so many people during his life and he is such a blessing to the world! I’m happy to think one day you’ll have him back in your arms.