Merry Christmas Eve everyone!
This time of the year is typically spent reflecting on the past year--our experiences, our businesses and our loved ones (not necessarily in that order). This year has been a whirlwind for most of us and for many, we've shared in the losses of dear friends and family, making this time of the year especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones.
My dear friends, Missy Caulk and Christa Stewart-Caulk are healing from two very tough family losses this year--they lost Christa's amazing brother (Missy's son), Jamie and Missy's precious granddaughter, Lillie Bear (and Christa's niece), both within a month of each other.
Carol Grub, Cyndee Haydon and a few of our other friends have started a project, “THE JAMIE & LILIAN CAULK MEMORIAL PROJECT” for our friend and fellow ActiveRain member Missy Caulk and her family. The project is focused on placing a memorial bench in the Caulk family's favorite spot, in honor of their family members, Jamie and Lillian. We're raising funds to purchase that bench and would love for as many friends of the Caulk family to join us in the dedication in 2012.
Despite the amazing family unity and strength that the Caulk family has, they still need our prayers for comfort and strength.
I have known Missy since I started blogging on ActiveRain in 2007. She welcomed me with open arms and we quickly became 'virtual' friends until rooming together last year at NAR/RainCamp/REBar Camp in NOLA--in real life! Prior to NAR, I had flown to Dallas for ActiveRain Camp, where I also met Missy's lovely daughter, to whom I immediately connected!
Spending a week with them gave me such a warm feeling--their family unity is something that we just don't see these days. I believe each of Missy's boys and her other daughter, Alyssa, phoned her several times while we were together and Christa was with us as much as she was with Bob during the week!! The love and connection knows no bounds in the Caulk family; they're truly a wonderful example of what 'family' truly is.
There's no time like Christmas Eve to reach out to this wonderful family and offer your love and support for them. After all, that IS what we do here in the Rain, right? Please help us spread the word about “THE JAMIE & LILIAN CAULK MEMORIAL PROJECT” focused on dedicating a memorial park bench in Jamie and Lillie Bear’s honor.
How can you help?
- Continue to pray for comfort and strength for the Caulk family.
- Help get the word out by socially sharing this post or re-blogging for those who know the Caulk family--OR, write your own blog post about it.
- Make a donation
How to Make a Donation:
Make checks payable to "The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund"
Mail checks to:
Carol Grubb
3647 W. Greenook Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
*Be sure to write "The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund" in the memo of your check.
Or send a Paypal gift (as a gift so all funds go towards the fund) to: cyndeehaydon@gmail.com.
PLEASE leave your name(s) & email address(es) to be included in the Caulk's card from everyone who participated. We'd also like to keep you informed of the details of the upcoming dedication ceremony that is being planned so that hopefully you'll be able to attend as well.
Thank you SO much! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
This is from Cyndee Hayden. Thanks, Cindy & Carol for spearheading this--your hearts are pure gold!
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
This is a wonderful thing you guys are doing for the Caulk family. They must feel so good to have so many people coming together to support them.
Debe, I have never met Missy but I know she is one special lady. What a wonderful way to reach out to this family. I have suggested to get the word out. Thank you for this post. Have a very Merry Christmas!!
What a nice gesture. Such heartbreak for this wonderful family.
Debe - My heart continues to go out to the Caulk family.
Janie: I do hope it lifts their spirits and helps them heal even just a little bit--we love them so much!
Tammie: Re-blog to your readers--the more the merrier!
Melissa: Carol and Cyndee came up with the idea and I'm so glad that it's going full-speed ahead now.
Michelle: Me too--every single day.
I can't even imagine the loss they are feeling. I will definately send a check for their bench..
By the way Debi, Enjoy your holiday with your family! Merry Christmas to you!
Thanks SO much for highlighting this, Debe. I do not know the Caulks except from their presence on AR but cannot imagine going through the year they have. My donation is made and I hope the bench becomes a reality soon.
Bruce.
This is so wonderful. The loss that this family has experienced is just unconceivable. I am on my way to Ann Arbor (home) for the holidays, and will spread the word through the locals as well. On my way to the donation page, via paypal.
ps- I think the zip code is wrong on the address. Ann Arbor zip codes are: 4810......3,4,5,..etc
Thanks, Cindy - I made the correction! And, thanks everyone for your wonderful comments, thoughts, prayers and contributions--MUCH appreciated.
Debe, This is wonderful of you Debe. I will respond appropriately a bit later or tomorrow as I am still trying to get things finished here at home. Thank you for being so gracious. Wishing you and your entire family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! If you speak with Christa, Bob or Missy, please extend my sincere condolences to all. It is so sad that Missy has to deal with yet another loss after the tragic loss of Jamie and right at what would otherwise already be a difficult holiday.
I simply can't imagine what this Christmas is like for the Caulk and extended families. Our faith tells us that all things that happen are meant to be, but living your faith when you lose a child....it's all you can do, but it must be so difficult right now.
This is really thoughful, and I'm sure they will appreciate it. You ladies are the best.
I have been praying for them and will continue to keep them in my prayers! Will get that in the mail on Monday!!
Debe,
I cannot even imagine going through what Missy and the Caulk family has gone through. Come Monday my donation will be on the way.
Definitely a very worthy cause. How much is needed for a park bench?
Thanks everyone! And, thank you so much for the re-blogs and helping get the word out.
John: Our goal is $3,000. Anything will be greatly appreciated--there is no minimum!
Debe - This is a wonderful idea and something that will hopefully help Missy and Christa and family just a little bit.
Debe, it's on my list. What a wonderful thing to do.
Thank you so much for putting this together. I have thought of Missy often and didn't realize that she had suffered yet another tragedy. She and her family are in my prayers and I plan to support the memorial.
Having the things that've happened to the Caulk family this year are just unimaginable. My thoughts are with them.
Waht a wonderful thing to do for a friend. . I was thinking how difficult this Christmas must be for them. .
Debe: I had no idea that Lillian passed away too! I knew about Jamie and the tragedy of his death--but this little angel!
I truly believe in Devine Intervention--I also believe that there are beings who come here to our reality to guide and to give "measure" to our capabilities as human beings....the measure of loss in the Caulk family is enormous and in that enormity, we are all given a gift: In sharing the sadness of these unimaginable losses, we get to see how we measure up to the way that Life and God "Giveth and Taketh away"....My life is different, just knowing about these losses. I have had my share of family tragedy and it is not easy! I have found that there is always a "Gift" in the loss of a loved one--I pray and believe that the Caulk Family has found the Gift in their very large loss!
Hello Debe:
My post earlier this morning touched on a similar subject of how this can be a sad time of year for those who lost someone close to them. Your post helps keep that spirit alive
Debe - this is a great post that I am going to reblog for those who don't know what is going on!
Thanks, everyone! i hope you all had a wonderfully Merry Christmas and thanks for thinking of the Caulks this Chirstmas day. (Thanks for the donations and for the re-blogs too!)
Debe,
Love this suggestion! God bless those who lost a family member or close friend this year. What a great way to support them. I'm in.
All the best, Michelle