This month we are going to spread a little cheer by bringing some very deserving middle and high school kids a BIG surprise!! Come with a kind heart ready to make handwritten notes and interact with the kids or make something heartfelt while you are there.
Stop by from 5-6:30pm at the community center at 1226 NE 33rd St. OKC, OK 73111. Anything from the sites below (or a store that sells these) are graciously accepted! Also, they feed a large number of kids each week so boxes of snacks will also be appreciated!
https://www.circuitscribe.com/
https://www.elenco.com/
Class Matters provides science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) exposure to socially and economically disadvantaged youth in Oklahoma City.
Since 2010, Class Matters has engaged at-risk mid-high school and first-year college students with the goal to improve the high school graduation rate, college enrollment, sustainability and life choices after college graduation.To learn more about Class Matters, visit their website at http://www.class-matters.org
Viewing entries in
2019
***IMPORTANT***
-Must be 12 or older and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to participate!
-Any food brought into the sanctuary MUST be vegan!!
Don’t toss out those carved pumpkins just yet! Bring your elbow grease, gourds (sorry, only those that aren’t painted or that you would eat, ha) and any items you’d like to purchase to support Oliver and Friends Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (20217 N Indian Meridian, Luther, OK 73054) on November 9th from 12-4!
We will be helping repair fencing, winterizing shelters and anything else we can do to be nice! Bring work gloves and dust masks if you have them. Volunteers will need to be at least 12 and sign a waiver to participate but we would LOVE to give the volunteers and staff some handwritten notes from the kids!
Notes may be mailed to:
The Caleb Effect Foundation
P.O. Box 31951
Edmond, OK 73003Wish List:
http://a.co/7jS9CtI
All volunteers please read this!
https://oliverandfriends.org/visit-us
Download and sign waiver here:
https://bit.ly/2PNFggx
Not familiar with Oliver and Friends? Learn more:
https://oliverandfriends.org
Halloween was always a day full of fun for our little family and we think Caleb would love making it special for other kids as well! Join us from 5:30-7:30 pm at the J.D. McCarty Center (2002 E. Robinson St. Norman, OK 73071) to write notes of love and supply new costumes or neon bandanas to kids with developmental disabilities. All sizes and varieties are appreciated.
The J.D. McCarty Center serves children from birth to age 21. Their services are tailored to meet the unique needs of children with developmental disabilities and are designed to improve their skills, confidence and promote independence.
Learn more at:
https://www.jdmc.org/
September’s Nice on the 9th is for our beloved seniors! RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of Central Oklahoma provides transportation to medical appointments for low-income seniors in need. With your help we are going to be sending them with a goody bag as well!
Bring something from the list below or simply come write a few notes or have the kids color pictures.
We will be in the Training Room at Sunbeam Family Services (1100 NW 14th St, OKC, OK 73106) from 5:30-7:30pm.
Needed items include:
-Gripper socks
-LARGE PRINT word finds/coloring/playing cards
-eyeglass wipes
-chapstick
-lotion
-snacks
-travel Kleenex
-small notepads/pens
-handmade notes/coloring pages of love
-anything else you think an elderly person may enjoy
As usual, you don't need to be local to participate! Find a senior in your area to spoil and introduce someone to The Caleb Effect!
Caleb would be heading to his first day of kindergarten this year. We can't send him with a superhero backpack and fresh mohawk haircut but we CAN make sure his love radiates through the halls of schools near and far.
We have decided to make August 9th an annual school supplies drive! From 6-8pm at India Shriners (3601 NW 36th St, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112) we will be collecting for one local elementary, middle and high public school who struggles to have the supplies they need to learn. We will also be drawing for four $50 gift cards to be gifted to one public kindergarten, elementary (grades 1-4), middle (grades 5-8), and high school teacher (grades 9-12) for their classroom (no matter where they live)! To be entered they must like The Caleb Effect Facebook page, comment with the grade they teach, and share this post.
As we do with every event, we will be including handwritten notes of encouragement. Bring your littles (or bigs) to come draw a picture or two and tell kids and teachers how much they rock. Come and go or stay and visit and don't forget to share this with a teacher!
The three schools benefitting this month are Hilldale Elementary, Wheeler Middle School and Douglass High School. Wish lists below!
Hilldale Elementary
-Elmer's glue sticks
-16-count Crayola crayons
-24-count Crayola crayons
-8-count Crayola washable markers
-Plain pocket folder with or without prongs
-Kleenex
-Baby wipes
-Crayola watercolors
-Pointed or Blunt 5-inch student scissors
-Play-Doh
-#2 wood pencils
-Large pink erasers
-5"x8" plastic school box
-Wide-ruled composition notebook
-4-pack black dry erase markers
-70-count wide-ruled spiral notebook
-150-count package wide-ruled notebook paper
-Yellow highlighter
-Colored pencils
-Ear buds
-Pencil bag
-2" three-ring binder
*A few core items are also listed for OKC Public Schools but they have a new way of purchasing supplies at wholesale prices. In order to maximize our impact and help as many children as possible, we are collecting funds to purchase supply kits in bulk. To donate for Wheeler Middle School and Douglass High School go to this special link to help them purchase via this link! http://weblink.donorperfect.com/calebfoundation
*Wheeler Middle School
Kleenex
Clorox wipes
Expo markers
Hand sanitizer
http://weblink.donorperfect.com/calebfoundation
*Douglass HS
Kleenex
Clorox wipes
Expo markers
Hand sanitizer
http://weblink.donorperfect.com/calebfoundation
-Going to camp is something many kids get to experience. However, most with special medical needs are unable to attend. July's Nice on the 9th is a patio party at Children's Hospital where we are going to be collecting supplies for Camp Cavett and writing letters of encouragement!
-About Camp Cavett:
Camp Cavett's founder, Mr. Danny Cavett, dreamt of joining all pediatric patients battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses together to learn from each other. From this vision and two successful camps under his belt, Camp Cavett was born! Now there are 200+ campers and 150 volunteers!
https://cavettkids.org/camps-more-1
-Bring supplies from the wish list below to Children's Hospital from 6-8pm and help kids concentrate on being a kid! We will be on the patio just inside the old emergency room entrance. The patio is off NW 13th and Everett (South on Everett). You can pull through and drop off items or park in the metered spots (free after 5pm). If you want to stay for the whole time, please park in the garage on the west side of the hospital and we will be just outside of 1J. See pictures below.
Wish list (those with *** are in high demand):
***$5 gift card prizes
Aloe vera gel
Band-Aids
8oz bottled water
Bug spray
Cardstock-brights
Clorox wipes
Deodorant
Dermoplast spray
Extension cords
***Gatorade
Hand sanitizer
***Hobby Lobby gift card
***Lifejackets
Paper towels
White printer paper
Spray glitter
***Spray-in hair color
***Sunscreen spray
Tampons & pads
Thin markers
Toothbrush
Travel toothpaste, body wash, shampoo
***Walmart gift card
Water shoes
Turn south on Everett and you will see this…
The hospital is open! We will be on the patio of this building.
See all those tables ad chairs? We will be there having a patio party!
-UPDATE!!
We had to cancel this event due to lightning and flooding. Rescheduled for Saturday, July 13th (same times)!
————-
Whether you've never casted a line or fishing IS your lifeline, come join us for Nice on the 9th benefitting Fifty Cal Fishing in memory of Dan Housh. We will be hosting a morning of low-key fishing and fun from 8am-noon at Crystal Lake (6901 SW 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73128).
-A little about Dan:
Dan was a Vietnam Veteran who served his country in the U.S. Navy. He loved his family, his faith, and fishing! When Dan passed away from Pancreatic Cancer last October, donations were generously sent to The Caleb Effect in lieu of flowers. We thought it would be fitting to host a day of camaraderie on the water and be Nice on the 9th to Veterans served through Fifty Cal Fishing.
-Fifty Cal Fishing uses fishing as an outlet for Veterans and first responders to fight PTSD on the water and help prevent PTSD-related suicide.
https://fiftycalfishing.com/
https://kfor.com/2018/06/06/war-veteran-helps-other-wounded-warriors-with-fishing-trips/
We think Dan would love knowing his life is still being remembered and celebrated in this way.
------------------------
Other helpful info:
-A limited quantity of fishing equipment will be available but bring your own chair/gear if you have it.
-We will be writing notes of appreciation to Veterans who will be participating in future Fifty Cal Fishing outings.
-Prizes awarded for the biggest and smallest fish (and possibly a few others)!
-Fun activities for even the smallest kids!
-OKC Kayak will be on hand from 10-3 for anyone who wants to try out their variety of boats for short trial runs on the lake!
-NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED.
-Water provided by Valliance Bank! Thank you!
-Donations to Fifty Cal Fishing will be graciously accepted!
-All that is required to bring is yourself and anything you use to fish if you have it. However, if you want to be able to bring something tangible, we will collect new fishing gear and donate it to a charity that uses fishing to battle bullying.
Caleb’s first taste of sugar was sweet and so are all the things he is still doing in this world.
We're almost 1! Come celebrate The Caleb Effect's 1st birthday as an official 501(c)(3) organization! Join the party at the Main Event (1441 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114) on Thursday, May 9th from 5-8pm. Go bowling, play on the gravity ropes or try one of their 100+ arcade games for the kids (or the kid at heart inside of each of us). Leave your receipts with us and 20% of all proceeds from arcade games, food, gift cards, activities, and non-alcoholic beverages from 5-8pm will be donated to The Caleb Effect so we can continue spreading love all year!
We will be collecting vroom vrooms and all sizes of toiletries as these are common items we purchase as part of our Nice on the 9th events. We will also have all the supplies to write notes or color a picture for anyone you might know who could use some extra TLC.
Come enjoy a delicious dinner with the staples kids love as well as a grown up menu and full bar. Whether you choose the Strawberry Fields salad (rather appropriate given Caleb's middle name), fish and chips, a massive bacon burger, or their gluten free pizza, we would love to share a meal and hug your neck.
We have also created an Amazon Wish List for anyone who wants to be nice any time: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/36T42A5SGU2X0/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl
See you on the 9th online or in person!
Hi Baby. I love you. God, I love you. I only have access to Earth’s meager, pale words and they will never be sufficient enough for you. I will always love you, Caleb, but you will never know just exactly how much. How do I show you I love you now? Not a second goes by that I’m not thinking about you and wishing I could be with you. I love you more than this world can contain and miss you so fiercely I’m not sure how I haven’t ended up sitting in a corner sucking my thumb, rocking back and forth.
There are so many questions and still zero answers. I was made with a child’s soul but you were born with a heavenly one. You knew how to read me better than anyone and understood exactly what I told you without ever saying a thing. These conversations will always be my favorite but I still wish for so many more. I could just turn my face to yours and you would have exactly the right look to make me laugh hysterically no matter what kind of day I was having. Sometimes you would try to keep a straight face but you couldn’t hide the sparkle in your blue eyes. I saw it and inched closer until it made its way into mine. Your contagious joy was reflected back to you and neither one of us could try to pretend there was anything but bliss being passed back and forth. How do I see your sparkle light up the room now? How do I send it back to where it belongs?
Three years is too long to have to live without you. How many more are still left? I hate today. I hate it with everything in my heart, soul and beyond. It feels like the knot in my stomach is being kicked and stabbed and then stomped about over and over as I try to distract myself from what is still incomprehensible. I still don’t believe it. This can’t really be true. How is this even possible? Yet it is. I was there. No matter what I do, I know what happened yet it’s still such a massive, overwhelming shock I can’t comprehend. It feels like if I didn’t hold myself back I would vomit everywhere. It’s the most brutal beating straight to the gut and with no one to curse or throw my punches into.
There are so many words going through my head that you don’t know. Three years ago today was a day full of people who deserved a lot of punches to the gut. So many ways you didn’t get the treatment you deserved and I have a long list of regrets as well. Did we make all the right split-second decisions you would’ve wanted? What did I do to have earned so much pain?
I’m used to fighting. I’ve done it my entire life. Still, this is different. Being one of the younger ones growing up, I knew even if I wasn’t going to win the battle, I would still kick and punch or claw in every direction so they would also have some of their own blood to clean. I got resourceful in using whatever I could so maybe they would think twice about picking the next fight with me. I thought I’d reached a point in my life where the worst fights of my life were over but I was wrong.
Every day is a struggle chock full of pulling up my boot straps, self-pep talks, and countdowns just to make it through. Most people would never understand all the little things people in our shoes have to will themselves to do. They have the luxury of not knowing that when your heart and soul are no longer together, it is something you can’t fight chasing. I wrote about a mask when I was 18 but I think most people are so used to seeing it that it greatly upsets them when they catch a glimpse of my real face.
They say it’s okay to be happy and live my life but they have absolutely no idea how hard I am already working to do that for you. I am not the same person you knew but I’m forcing myself deeper than is even healthy and still counting on your signs to survive. You deserve for me to show up for you but I’m tired. Maybe you heard me tell Daddy, but I want you back. I want you in my arms. I want to be with you. Safe. Not like I found you.
There are fluffy words I hear and hate for making the worst day of our lives sound like something it isn’t. An anniversary is something to be celebrated but May 2nd was anything but a celebration. What do I call the best day of your life but the absolute worst for Daddy and me? How does my heart still beat after trying to make yours start again? There are some things too horrific to relive but not having you here is a separate kind of torture incomparable to anything else. There are things that not even my “black Nesquik” box with my ashes will know. No one will ever be able to hurt me worse than what I already experience without you in my arms.
You’ve been gone more years now than you were here and that is another dagger.
I can keep myself busier than most humans could sustain and try my hardest to do things I wish you would have the chance to do but it doesn’t matter. What I know and saw will always come back to find me and make my heart race.
Are we there yet? Are we there yet? How much longer? Where’s my green light. I want you to hear you tell me to “GO!”
All I want is to play, and play, and play. I want to chase you and hear your high-pitched laughter. I want to kiss you and have your wet hair straight from your bath nuzzled right under my chin. I would read you any book or sing you any song over and over if I could have you back. I would take any ear infection or strep you could bring home and stay up with you all night as many nights as you needed me to sit with you and make you feel better. I just miss you more than I can bear.
I know every normal person thinks their kids hung the moon but sometimes I do wonder if you really were too pure for this cruel world. I don’t believe everything happens for a reason but people love telling me that tidbit in order to make it somehow negate this kind of terror in their minds. I hope you know there will never be a reason in this world or the next that would ever be good enough to have to lose you.
I can tell touching stories about you and even show people a video of you doing things you shouldn’t have been old enough to do, but they will never truly understand how special you will always be. You ARE my gift, my light and my treasure and all of us still left on this planet are sorely missing out.
So many people have commented at how you have your little hand on my face in the picture after the last race day you ever got to witness here. It’s not something I ever thought twice about when you were here, but it’s another layer of missing you. You can so purely see how happy we were together, and your toddler hand extending love is just one more pint-size example of the most affectionate little soul I will ever know. Caleb Baby, how do I reach through the veil and make you laugh now? How do I hug you and never let you out of my arms and eyesight again? We are not on level playgrounds anymore but then again, I knew we never were. I’m trying so hard to do things FOR you but do you really get to experience them through me? Is what you have so much better that you just accept the intention for what it is and then keep leaping to your next social, trampoline party?
You were only 2, my little booger bear. How did you know so much?
Sometimes all the doubts come flooding in and I don’t even know what to believe anymore. So often I think we weren’t good enough for you. We couldn’t be as perfect as you so maybe God took you back. I feel like I’m going mad being denied over and over what was once so simple. I loved being your mommy and I wish I knew what stole you away from me. I still wish so badly I was there with you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you left us and I’m sorry all of me is not with you now either.
I can fight like hell swinging with all my might but healing does not exist for the hole that is just as bloody and raw as it was 3 years ago. Some days I’m out of words. I’m numb and there is nothing left. You are in every thought and every bit of self-control but I’m worn out. Truthfully, I wish I didn’t have any words because when I see you, none will be needed. They never were. I don’t understand and I never will.
Your great grandma is going to be 95 in two weeks and all I can think about is that I don’t want to have to wait that long.
I love you. I miss you. Three years feels like three hundred but so does every second without you. I wrote it on my arm the other day just to remind myself but “so help me, God.” So help me, Baby Boy too. I still need you. I wasn’t finished.
Caleb, help me let your life win. You are always worth it.
I love you and I always will.
One day.
Love,
Mommy
XOXOXOXOX
Calling all runners, walkers, and those who only do these things if you are being chased! Once again, The Caleb Effect will be participating in the OKC Memorial Marathon on Sunday! This is an event to remember the 168 victims of the bombing of the Murrah Building on April 19th, 1995 (click on the link at the bottom to learn more about each person) and to support The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
Caleb absolutely LOVED race day! Seeing new excited faces, bands playing, giving unlimited high fives to the runners, and being the cutest, jumping fan, clapping and beaming with joy was so much fun for him. In fact, some of our last, precious memories of Caleb were made at the 2016 race. A week later our little life of the party was gone. We want to make sure he is always there in spirit so we have had a relay team and various runners participating with The Caleb Effect shirt in his honor (and around the world) ever since.
If you would like to join us either in the race, somewhere along the course, or WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, please download this special template we created just for this event and spread the love by handing out a few vroom vrooms. Post on our Facebook page which of the 168 names you will be writing in the blanks when you hand these to an unsuspecting child (see The Caleb Effect Facebook page for the up-to-date list of those still needing someone to honor them). Even if we have to find a way to carry 168 vroom vrooms with us, every person WILL be remembered on Sunday!
Before losing Caleb, we ran this race many times to remember all the lives lost and to honor Caleb's great-aunt, Ruth, a survivor who lost her eye, a job she loved, and too many dear friends. Every mile of every race we run is dedicated to someone who is no longer here physically. We run for those who can't and we hope you will feel compelled to do something, too.
As the event website says, "Our mission is to celebrate life, reach for the future, honor the memories of those who were killed and unite the world in hope. This is not just another marathon. It is a Run to Remember…and a race to show that we can each make a difference and change the world."
The Caleb Effect believes in making a difference and we know one forever 2-year-old who will be with us every step of the way. We can't wait to see all of you changing the world in Caleb's memory and feeling The Caleb Effect wherever life takes you. "Auntie Ruth" will be waiting for you at the finish line to give you your medal. See you next Sunday!
https://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/people/
Lucio Aleman Jr.
Teresa Antionette Alexander
Richard A. Allen
Ted L Allen
Miss Baylee Almon
Diane (Hollingsworth) Althouse
Rebecca Needham Anderson
Pamela Cleveland Argo
Saundra G. (Sandy) Avery
Peter R. Avillanoza
Calvin Battle
Peola Battle
Danielle Nicole Bell
Oleta Christine Biddy
Shelly D. Bland
Andrea Yvette Blanton
Olen Burl Bloomer
Lola Bolden
James E. Boles
Mark Allen Bolte
Casandra Kay Booker
Carol Louise Bowers
Peachlyn Bradley
Woodrow Clifford “Woody” Brady
Cynthia L. Brown
Paul Gregory Beatty Broxterman
Gabreon D. L. Bruce
Kimberly Ruth Burgess
David Neil Burkett
Donald Earl Burns, Sr.
Karen Gist Carr
Michael Carrillo
Zackary Taylor Chavez
Robert N. Chipman
Kimberly Kay Clark
Dr. Margaret L. “Peggy” Clark
Antonio Ansara Cooper Jr.
Anthony Christopher Cooper II
Dana LeAnne Cooper
Harley Richard Cottingham
Kim R. Cousins
Aaron M. Coverdale
Elijah Coverdale
Jaci Rae Coyne
Katherine Louise Cregan
Richard (Dick) Cummins
Steven Douglas Curry
Brenda Faye Daniels
Benjamin LaRanzo Davis
Diana Lynn Day
Peter L. DeMaster
Castine Brooks Hearn Deveroux
Tylor Santoi Eaves
Ashley Megan Eckles
Susan Jane Ferrell
Carrol June “Chip” Fields
Kathy A. Finley
Judy J. (Froh) Fisher
Linda Louise Florence
Mary Anne Fritzler
Donald Fritzler
Tevin D’Aundrae Garrett
Laura Jane Garrison
Jamie (Fialkowski) Genzer
Sheila R. Gigger-Driver and baby
Margaret Betterton Goodson
Kevin “Lee” Gottshall II
Ethel L. Griffin
J. Colleen Guiles
Randolph A. Guzman
Cheryl E. Hammon
Ronald Vernon Harding, Sr.
Thomas Lynn Hawthorne Sr.
Doris “Adele” Higginbottom
Anita Christine Hightower
Thompson Eugene “Gene” Hodges, Jr.
Peggy Louise Holland
Linda Coleen Housley
George Michael Howard DVM
Wanda Lee Howell
Robbin Ann Huff and baby
Jean Hurlburt
Dr. Charles Erwin Hurlburt
Paul D. Ice
Christi Yolanda Jenkins
Norma Jean Johnson
Raymond Lee Johnson
Dominique Ravae (Johnson)-London
Larry James Jones
Alvin J. Justes
Blake Ryan Kennedy
Carole Sue Khalil
Valerie Jo Koelsch
Ann Kreymborg
Rona Linn Kuehner-Chafey
Teresa Lea Taylor Lauderdale
Mary Leasure-Rentie
Kathy Cagle Leinen
Carrie Ann Lenz and baby
Donald Ray Leonard
LaKesha Richardson Levy
Rheta Bender Long
Michael L. Loudenslager
Robert Lee Luster Jr.
Aurelia Donna Luster
Mickey B. Maroney
James K. Martin
Rev. Gilbert X. Martinez
James A. McCarthy II
Kenneth Glenn McCullough
Betsy J. (Beebe) McGonnell
Linda G. McKinney
Cartney J. McRaven
Claude Arthur Medearis
Claudette (Duke) Meek
Frankie Ann Merrell
Derwin W. Miller
Eula Leigh Mitchell
John C. Moss III
Ronota Ann Newberry-Woodbridge
Patricia Ann Nix
Jerry Lee Parker
Jill Diane Randolph
Michelle A. Reeder
Terry Smith Rees
Antonio “Tony” C. Reyes
Kathryn Elizabeth Ridley
Trudy Jean Rigney
Claudine Ritter
Christy Rosas
Sonja Lynn Sanders
Lanny Lee David Scroggins
Kathy Lynn Seidl
Leora Lee Sells
Karan Howell Shepherd
Colton Wade Smith
Chase Dalton Smith
Victoria (Vickey) L. Sohn
John Thomas Stewart
Dolores (Dee) Stratton
Emilio Tapia
Victoria Jeanette Texter
Charlotte Andrea Lewis Thomas
Michael George Thompson
Virginia M. Thompson
Kayla Marie Titsworth
Rick L. Tomlin
LaRue A. Treanor
Luther Treanor
Larry L. Turner
Jules A. Valdez
John Karl Van Ess III
Johnny Allen Wade
Robert N. Walker Jr.
David Jack Walker
Wanda Lee Watkins
Michael D. Weaver
Julie Marie Welch
Robert G. Westberry
Alan G. Whicher
Jo Ann Whittenberg
Frances “Fran” Ann Williams
Scott D. Williams
W. Stephen Williams
Clarence Eugene Wilson, Sr.
Sharon Louise Wood-Chesnut
Tresia Jo Worton
John A. Youngblood
#calebeffect
#okcmemorialmarathon
#weremember
#wewillneverforget
#benice
#runforthosewhocant
#neverforget
#vroomvroom
#HotWheels
*I apologize for all the non-social media users! I meant to post this here a lot earlier than now!
________________________________________________________________________________
Who:
YOU, your friends and family!
What:
April's Nice on the 9th will be an evening of collecting ANY type of new or lightly-used sports equipment, in ANY size, and for ANY sport for underserved kids. This includes but is not limited to gloves, balls, pads, cleats, and rackets. The only piece of equipment they don’t stock are football helmets. Spring is here! This is a perfect opportunity to go through your closets and give a child the chance to play. We will also be writing notes of encouragement for the kids who will be receiving these donations. Our friends at Deer Creek Fit Body Boot Camp will also share a few tips on keeping our bodies playing nicely.
When:
April 9th, 7-9pm
Where:
Deer Creek Fit Body Boot Camp
16501 Network Ave.
Edmond, OK 73012
Why:
"C4K" or Cleats for Kids helps young people live healthier lifestyles and learn life lessons through sports. They provide sports shoes and safe equipment to youth in need. By getting more kids involved in sports, C4K changes lives and gives underserved children hope and self-confidence.
More about Cleats for Kids:
http://okc.cleatsforkids.org/
Be Nice and Play Nice this 9th! As usual, if you aren't local, we would love for you to find an organization or child in your area to play nice in your own special way. See you on the 9th!
“Why is SUDC Awareness Important to You Week”
Watch and share (especially if you live in California, Minnesota, South Dakota, Alaska or Oregon).
March is SUDC Awareness Month! Week 2 is “Raising Awareness One Person at a Time Week.” Help us prepare goody bags for first responders and those in the medical community Saturday, March 9th at Firehouse Subs (5924 SW 3rd St, OKC, OK 73127) from 6-8:30pm! We will be including SUDC fact sheets but if you would like to bring small items like “vroom vrooms” (AKA Hot Wheels), rolls of Life Savers, pocket-sized hand sanitizer, hand warmers, and non-perishable snacks (or any other items you think they would appreciate), we would LOVE to see you!
As usual, if you are not in OKC, you can do something similar wherever you live! The fact sheets we are using can be found here https://sudc.org/…/Foundation%20Broch…/SUDCF1PGGENAUD19.pdf…. Caleb’s picture is on the bottom right.
We chose Firehouse Subs because a portion of every dollar is donated to grants to purchase life-saving equipment for first responders. See more here: https://www.firehousesubs.com/public-safety-foundation/
See you on Saturday to be Nice on the 9th!!
https://sudc.org/get-involved/sudc-awareness-month
#calebeffect
#niceonthe9th
sudcawareness
#SUDCAwareness
#calebeffect
It is now officially February, which means it is also now just days away from Caleb’s birthday arriving without him. It still seems especially cruel that the sun will have the nerve to appear when our bright son isn’t granted that same courtesy. I wish I could be planning a party and watching Caleb’s joyous face light up as he excitedly claps for himself and blows out his candles. I wish a room full of people were singing the first song I ever sang to him after he was laid in my arms. I would give anything to get to sing it to him again.
The day Caleb was born was a day our whole universe became infinite. A week overdue and with snow still on the ground, we welcomed Caleb into this world. It was a day that was frigid outside but brought the kind of overwhelming love, joy, and warmth we never even knew could exist. On that day, we were forever changed for the best.
February 9th is a day we will never forget and it would mean the world if you don't either. Usually we mark the 9th of every month by going out into the community and sharing Caleb's love publicly. However, we've learned our limits. Days like this are just too gut-wrenchingly painful to try to put on a happy face, so we need your help. We will still be celebrating Caleb's beautiful life in our own way, but we would LOVE it if you would too. If you want a fun way to remember Caleb and to spread the love that Caleb gave so freely to everyone, join us to play BINGO, Caleb style!
I'm posting the CALEB/BINGO game now so you have time to think of what you want to do, but THE GAME DOESN'T START UNTIL CALEB'S BIRTHDAY ON FEBRUARY 9TH!
Mark off one square, a row, or play for blackout!! I will never think of Caleb as any older than 2 but since this would've been his 5th birthday, 5 PRIZES will be drawn and sent to those who complete a “CALEB” and comment either here or on his social media pages (bonus points for wearing your shirt and including pictures)!
We are excited that Caleb has made so many new friends and hope you feel him singing and clapping for you as you spread his love to a world who desperately needs it.
#calebeffect
#benice
#NiceOnThe9th
#HappyBirthdayCalebLennon
#OneDay
#childloss
#grief
#SUDC
#SUDCAwareness
#Spreadthelove
#BINGO
Caleb's animals.
Top left-Sofie (01/04/04-05/05/15)
Top Right-Sanka
Bottom-Smudge
All three came from shelters but they rescued us from more than they will ever know. Sanka and Smudge are brothers.
To find out what a sucker I am, ask Adam about how both of our kitties came to own us.
Thank you to Viewfinder Photography for helping us get each of these beautiful furmily members.
As I was leaving to go to our event I saw a huge hawk. The picture doesn't do it justice but it was the best I could do from my car window.
We had lots of fun activities for the whole family!! I also thought it was rather appropriate that it was at "The Garage," the place where vroom vrooms live.
One smart and absolutely stunning little soul helped us write notes to the volunteers and staff at the 3 non-profits we supported this month. I can't wait to deliver all of these sweet messages!— with Jennifer Yowell.
We met some really sweet new friends this month and two of their girls even had kitties on their shirts! Coincidence??
No one had to cook on the 9th! Woo hoo! We loved seeing our faithful friends and their growing babies! — with Gabrielle Luebke and Christian Mangrum.
This gorgeous lady is nice every day on and off her meaningful job as an adoption attorney and we are so happy she brought her whole family to help us be Nice on the 9th for our furry friends. Thank you, Yowell family! — with Jennifer Yowell.
The Lindo/Lundys showing some love! — withThomas Lundy, Annie Lindo and Rose Lindo.
This might be my new favorite picture of Caleb's grandparents! Thank you for all your help! — withRoy Wile and Ruby Willoughby Wile.
These beautiful friends have been here since the beginning! Wish we had more time to catch up! — with Bradley Bollinger, Stephanie Fine and Erica DeGiusti Bollinger.
It's fun to be nice!! Vroom vrooms, markers good food and company AND no one had to cook OR do dishes!
Thank you The Garage for all your warm hospitality and support of charities like ours! — with Adam Wile, Bernie Lindo Wile, Shari Wile andRose Lindo.
A. DOR. A. BLE.
If I carried cash, I would've given her all my quarters! — with Jennifer Yowell.
The Lindo/Lundy/Wile ladies.
(P.S. Rose, you will be happy to know that Facebook automatically tagged you as you in this picture, ha) — with Thomas Lundy, Bernie Lindo Wile, Annie Lindo and Rose Lindo.
Everyone made new friends! I got some people on the live video but sadly, this was the only picture I got of the Maxfield representative who showed up with a car FULL of supplies for the animals!! Thank you guys!! — with Jacob Maxfield, Kissy Padronand Jennifer Yowell.
Someone thought she was a big kid driving with her buddy! Thanks for being so gentle and patient, Will! You earned your Nice on the 9th sticker! — with Erica DeGiusti Bollinger and Rose Lindo.
I've missed these ladies! We go waaaaaaaaaaaaay back to the days before I could even drive a car when I was "Babysitter Bernie." You would be hard-pressed to find anyone nicer to animals than the North family. — with Pam North, Bernie Lindo Wile and Jess North.
These precious ones know most of the volunteers and staff working to help animals deserve more than a few wet-nosed kisses to keep their spirits up. — with Erica DeGiusti Bollinger and Jennifer Yowell.
Caleb's grandma finally found a kitty that doesn't make her sneeze! — with Thomas Lundy and Rose Lindo.
Being able to collect supplies for our furry friends puts a smile on this guy's face! — with Adam Wile.
Annie's first local Nice on the 9th!! Welcome home, Annalou!!! — with Thomas Lundy, Annie Lindo and Rose Lindo.
I ordered my food and look what number I got. Hmmmmmmm... — with Stephanie Fine, Bernie Lindo Wile and Erica DeGiusti Bollinger.
So good to get to catch up a little bit with Caleb's auntie, Shari Wile! — with Adam Wile.
Nikki with Safe Haven Animal Rescue was so excited to see the new items (and checks) she got to take back to all the animals being fostered! It was so good to meet you!!
We hope everyone enjoyed being Nice on the 9th for all creatures big and small.
Hi Baby. I love you. I miss you more than words can even begin to tell you. Tonight we celebrated one of your favorites in this world – animals!
Mommy showed everyone the picture of you kissing Smudge and it still makes me wonder why in the world he was so tolerant of everything you did. How did you manage to make him sit still while you drove your vroom vrooms all over his back? Why didn’t he run away when you made him your personal pillow on the couch? We had to teach you not to grab his tail that was right at your level but he never used his claws to take a swipe at you. It’s like he wanted to play and he was willing to be slightly uncomfortable just so he could be close to you. He kept coming back and rubbing his whiskers against you or flopping right in front of you and letting you “hug” him. I think you must have been telling him things without even saying a word. I think he is still listening, Baby Boy.
Mommy is still trying her best to listen too. We try to be nice to our friends who have hands and feet but also the ones with paws and claws. You always knew your furry roommates were special but some of them are still in shelters and foster homes waiting to have a little buddy to adore them too. All three of your animals you had in your life had volunteers and special people taking care of them before they ever came to live with us. In fact, Mommy had Sofie, your German Shepherd/Lab before she had Daddy or you. Thinking about it now, she was just a few months older than you when I adopted her. This fact in itself breaks Mommy’s heart. We know in advance that our animals don’t have the same average lifespan as humans but even all your animals have been able to stay in our laps for more than 5 times as long as you did. Humans can live past 100 so why did you only get 2 much too brief years? There are so many questions but no answers no matter how many times they come hurriedly into our brains.
Smudge’s brother, Sanka is the shy one but you always seemed amused watching him jump over the gate and up the stairs to safety. I think you knew that most kitties are more like Sanka and that he didn’t mean anything with his stingy affections. Still, you never stopped trying to make him love you the way you loved him. Sanka liked to watch you play at his watchful distance and then check it out for himself after the lively, little boy went on to the next fun thing. He liked some of the same toys you did and still hides in your Thomas the Train tent and behind the curtains the way you would. He is also a little on the small side like you and knows exactly when it’s time to eat. You probably couldn’t convince him to eat frozen peas but if they made kitty food in packets he would probably cry and demand his servants squeeze it out into his dish for him and then immediately act disinterested until he was coaxed back to the bowl. He thinks I don’t notice that he comes slinking around and pawing at me only when he is trying to get me to give in and feed him early but I know all his tricks. A really long time ago kitty cats were royalty and there is a phrase that says that they have not ever forgotten this fact. Sanka has definitely not forgotten but every now and then he will come curl up with me and make your Daddy jealous.
I’m jealous of all the people who get to carry you on their backs or kiss your perfect cheeks right now. Mommy misses her mini, snuggly bear cub more than she knows how to comprehend and I think your kitty knows that as well. Sometimes the overflow of emotions is too hard to contain but Smudge is paying attention. A tear came out of my eye last night and he wasted no time jumping onto my chest. He took his paw and gently wiped the drop off my face and then nestled his head right against mine. I’ve never had an animal do this in all my life and I never knew I could love a kitty like this. You knew how to love all creations equally but I had already selected my favorites. I’m the dog lover so it’s a change for me to have a cat who is so tolerant (that means he puts up with a lot of stuff) and has always acted more like a dog. The childproof locks were in place well before you were born, but he has not given up testing their strength and opening any door in the house that is not securely latched. Also, in case you were wondering, yes, both your kitties still growl and hide when they hear the doorbell. I’m still going to claim it is because your “woof woof,” Sofie raised your kitties since the time they were little fluff balls that both fit in Daddy’s hands.
Speaking of Sofie, you didn’t get to really play with her during your lifetime but I could see it all over your face that you wished you could’ve. I could see it in her soulful stare that she was curious about you as well but she wasn’t as sure about the little boy who made high-pitched squeals and was becoming increasingly more mobile. She had a lot of people let her down in her life so she was scared of most humans. I didn’t know this when I adopted her, but from the minute I saw her picture on my computer I knew we were meant to be. Before Daddy came along, Mommy liked to run by herself at night. I thought Sofie would make a nice running partner but she had a very strict 2-mile maximum rule before she nearly had to be carried back to the car. What she lacked in being my running buddy, she made up for in spades in being the most loyal, protective watchdog I will ever have. Unfortunately, she was a little too protective of me as Mommy discovered very quickly after introducing her to new people. She always went straight for the calves and then ran off. After literally making a significant mark in Aunt “8.5” (something for which I still feel horrible) I tried everything I knew to do, but I still couldn’t fix her fear. I bet you didn’t know this but before Daddy earned Sofie’s trust, even he couldn’t escape the trademark ninja nip she left in his jeans. Despite being shamed in obedience school for being a biter, she passed with flying colors. People told me I should get rid of her or do something that you don’t need to know about, but I knew none of those people understood her and didn’t even care to try. Eventually she came to love Daddy and everyone else who was patient enough to let her love them back on her time frame. I think she knew you were equal parts of both Daddy and me and she hated it when you were upset. When you were a tiny baby, you were having a good cry because your tummy was not happy. Sofie came into the room and started howling right along with you! I wasn’t sure whether I should be laughing or crying because I was so sleep deprived and delirious at that point. In the end, I decided it was entertaining and took a video of the moment in time when I couldn’t make either of you happy. We were still trying to accomplish this when you started crawling so we decided to make the biggest baby and woof woof playpens to give each of you enough space. I truly think Sofie would’ve allowed much more from you than any other typical human, but her circle of trust was too small to risk your safety. You had just learned to walk when Sofie suddenly became very sick. Only days later we had to let her dig her muddy nose all the way to the Rainbow Bridge. I hope you get to play with her and all the other two and four-legged friends with you now. It seems like lately there have been a lot of people who had to say goodbye to their doggies and kitty cats so please kiss and hug each of them the way you did with Smudge, okay?
This month in honor of all three of your “furmily” members, we picked three charities doing their part to make sure animals like yours have a good start or a happier new beginning. We knew that this time of year OKC Animal Welfare would be overloaded with returned “gifts” and furry friends who are sick, hurt, or just need a warm place to live. They are Oklahoma City’s only shelter and they help doggies, kitties, birds, wild animals, snakes and even animals you might see on Old MacDonald’s farm. January hasn’t had very many days yet but they have already found new homes for almost 80 animals!
We also knew that once the shelter filled up, there would be nice people like Safe Haven Animal Rescue who rely on volunteers to foster animals at their house. They have mostly dogs, cats and ferrets but they also take care of mice and rats, guinea pigs, bunnies, birds, iguanas, and other small animals! I can only imagine the faces you would make if you got to see all of these little critters. You loved learning new things and I miss watching the amazement in your eyes seeing your world becoming more unlocked every day. I hope you saw all the people who came to The Garage to show how much they love you and all the fur babies. We got to meet Safe Haven’s president, Nikki during Nice on the 9th and we loaded her car with comfy beds and supplies for all the creatures staying with their temporary families.
After the doggies, kitties, bunnies (and maybe some other small animals) get a safe place to rest their heads, Spayway makes sure they won’t have future babies and that they get what they need to stay healthy. They also put a tiny little device inside so if the animal gets lost, they will have a way to connect them to their home. There are so many doggies and kitties in the world that don’t have families to love and care for them that they end up in really bad situations. Again, I won’t tell you the details, but you will just have to trust me that none of them are desirable options. SpayWay also has a vroom vroom where they go all over the place to help people who wouldn’t have been able to afford to take their animals anywhere else! I hope you will give them a sign to let them know you are cheering them on wherever they go.
We don’t know the final totals of how much we raised from our night at The Garage yet, but I can’t wait to go shopping to get these three deserving organizations some desperately needed items. I CAN tell you that they also got a boost from your very generous supporters who left money for each in their designated collection areas. The total raised just by your friends for all three groups was almost $500! Pretty awesome, huh?
Baby Boy. You continue to amaze me. You really are inspiring a kinder, gentler world. Thank you for teaching us how to love each other and take time to admire all the quirks of beauty in each of nature’s varieties. Mommy literally carries a lint brush everywhere, but you never even noticed when your clothes collected fur from one of your extraordinarily hairy animals (am I right Apple Brown?). You didn’t care about the things grown-ups do and I love you even more for every miniscule way you showed me how to live and love. I know you are still showing us. I want to be just like you, Caleb Lennon. I love your furry family too, but even so, it pales in comparison to how I love you. You are my favorite little being in this world and the next. I will always miss kissing your angelic face the way you loved kissing your kitty. I wish I could sneak up to the couch and grab each of your baby, soft cheeks in my hands the way you did with Smudge. I would give you all my kisses and never let you out of my arms again. Of all the creatures big and small, I will always love you most of all. Thank you for unlocking a whole new, wildly brilliant world. Mama misses you, Baby Bear.
One day.
I love you, Caleb.
Love,
Mommy
XOXOXOXOX
Caleb and his rescue kitty, Smudge
Our pint-sized little lad absolutely LOVED his three furmily members (see picture for further proof)! One overprotective German Shepherd/Lab, one shy Seal Point, and one extremely tolerant Lynx Point all had their paws in raising him. All three also came to us via local rescue groups (thank you Aunt Nancy). Hence, this month we chose three organizations (one shelter, one rescue, and one reduced price spay and neuter organization) who keep animals like Caleb's safe and do their part in controlling the population.
The holiday season may bring many good tidings but unfortunately it also sends an influx of returned "gifts" to the shelters as well.
How can you help?
Come to Pints for Paws at The Garage (2900 W Britton Rd OKC, OK 73120) on Jan 9th from 6-9pm and bring wish list items for three wonderful organizations providing care for vulnerable animals. Stick around for a burger (vegan options available) and your favorite beverage and 10% of all sales (INCLUDING ALCOHOL) will be donated to The Caleb Effect. We will be using these funds to purchase supplies for the organizations. As usual, we will also be writing a few notes which will be delivered with the supplies to the volunteers and staff.
_________________________________
WISH LIST ITEMS:
**denotes high demand items
• **CLEAN Towels/washcloths/blankets/sheets
• **Pet food (including canned kitten and puppy food)
• **Cat litter
• NEW small litter boxes
• Pet beds
• Collars/leashes
• Soft treats/peanut butter/Kongs
• Cat and dog toys (without catnip)
• Puppy pads
• Salt licks
• Bleach
• Pine-Sol
• **Paper towels
• Plastic baggies (all sizes)
• Laundry detergent
• Hand soap
• Dish soap (regular and dishwasher)
• Odor neutralizer spray
• Disinfecting wipes with bleach
• Spray bottles
• Sponges and scrub pads
• Lint rollers
• Kleenex
• **gift cards to grocery, pet supply, home improvement stores, office supply & auto parts stores
• **Monetary donations (we will have jars set up for each organization and proceeds from food/beverage sales will be split equally)
Not local? As usual, there are furry friends in your area who need your help! Be Nice on the 9th wherever you are and introduce someone new to Caleb.