Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Caleb Robert Locke 10-10-05 to 4-24-06

Caleb died last night at 11:05.

We got a call from a surgeon at about 5:30 last night. She said Caleb had taken a sudden turn for the worse. His stomach was swollen, red, and hot to the touch. His stomach was so swollen that at one point the swelling had cut off the circulation to his legs. He was starting to have a lot of his episodes. She said they needed to do a surgery to his intestines and try to save any non-damaged parts. She said he had all the signs of having NEC. She said that if all of the intestines are damaged they will not be able to do anything and you can't live without your intestines.

We got to the hospital around 7:00. The surgeon wanted to talk to us as soon as we got there. They took us into a private conference room. We knew it wasn't good. With all of the stuff we have gone through at Egleston, this is the first time they took us to a private conference room.

The surgeon came in and said he didn't have any good news. He had been doing surgeries for 20+ years and this was the most air he had even seen in a baby. The infection some how causes air to fill up in the intestines. The air in Caleb's intestines had moved on to his liver and spleen. His intestines were completely infected. He basically had gangrene in his intestines from his stomach to his rectum. The surgeon said there was nothing they could do. There weren't any healthy parts left of his intestines. He gave us a few choices of what to do. All of the choices ended with Caleb passing away soon - probably within the night.

We called our parents and told them to come see Caleb. Cary and I went to Caleb's room to see him. He didn't look like himself. His color was off. He was cold, so he had blankets all over him. There were a million nurses in the room hooking him up to medicines to try to keep him alive until we were able to spend time with him and decide what to do.

After the grandparents got there and everyone was able to see him and spend time with him, we decided it was time to let him go. Caleb's nurse called the chaplain and Caleb was baptized. We held him for a little more. Then, we told them to take him off the respirator and turn off all of his medicines. We felt like he was already gone. He was on so many medicines. Cary held him while they unhooked him. Then Cary's mom held him (for the first time). Then I held him. The doctor came back in a few minutes later to check for his heartbeat. She looked at us and said "He is already gone." At 11:05 pm Caleb died.

Everything happened very fast. The last time he had NEC the nurses told me stories of how fast NEC usually happens. One nurse told me she was taking care of a baby who was doing great. She went back to check on him 1 hour later and he was very sick. They took him down to surgery and NEC had already killed all of his intestines. We were lucky with the first round of NEC. It moved very slowly and the surgeons where able to remove all of it. Last night, the surgeon said sometimes NEC comes back and when it does come back, it is a lot worse. That's what happened to Caleb.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers along the way. Caleb had a great 6 1/2 months.

We don't know what the funeral arrangements will be. That's something we've never thought about. We will let you know when we figure it out.

Please no calls or visits (except family). This is a very hard time.

83 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of Caleb. I know this is a very difficult time for you all. God has provided you with an angel, Heather, to help you through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth - I am so very sorry to learn of Caleb's passing. Please be assured of my prayers for you and Cary. May God bless and strengthen you in this sad time.

Anonymous said...

Love you Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Elizabeth.

This is just terrible news.

You, Cary and your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Elizabeth.

This is just terrible news.

You, Cary and your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I am praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,

Know that you are all in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,

Know that you are all in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Patty and I have been praying for you and your family constantly over the pass few hours. May the Lord you give you strength and hope during this trying time. God bless, Keith and Patty Hamilton

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth- It saddens me to learn of Caleb's death. He just went to be with Jesus. Our prayers include you, Cary and the entire family. May the God of all comfort be very real to you during these days.
Clyde

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,

I was so sad to hear that Caleb had lost his fight. I am thankful for the 6 months you had him. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. May the love of our Lord surround you, strengthen you and give you such a peace beyond all understanding.

Karleen Nichols

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,
May you be aware of the strength that God gives when we are the weakest. My prayers and thoughts continue to be with you ,Carey, and the restof your family.
Benny Pate

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,
Laurie and I will continue to lift your family up in our prayers. Know that you are loved, remembered, and showered with constant prayer during this season of grief. Thank you for sharing, through this blog, your family's difficult journey. May His strength and grace be always with you!!

Anonymous said...

Cary & Elizabeth,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers! May the peace which passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Family,
Be assured of our continued prayers for you during this time. God sometimes allows only special people to have care of his special children such as Caleb. Love to all of you.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary,
I am so sorry for you loss of Caleb. My prayers and thoughts are with you both and your families. We love you and pray God's comfort and peace will surround you during this time.

Love Jackie
Youth Ministries

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth - There is no such thing as the "right" thing to say---so I won't even try. Just know that my heart goes out to you and your family and that you will remain in my prayers. Feel loved by all at the GBC, because you are.

Kat Harris

Anonymous said...

My prayers and tears are with you. Caleb fought hard. Now he is enjoying heaven. His fight is over. Peace is his! Now may the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!Philippians 4:7

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, you, Cary are in my prayers. I know that God will be with you at this time and will give you strength and memories to carry you through.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I'll be praying for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth

You and Kerry are in my prayers along with the rest of your family. These times are very hard. The pain is never easy but you need to know in your heart, I love you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you during this time.

You are in my heart.
love diane

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary,
You can tell from all the messages how much you are loved and how many prayers are being sent up for you. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. You held a beautiful rose in your arms last night and the fragrance will always be there. God has blessed you greatly through your trials.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth - thank you for sharing so much of Caleb's beautiful spirit with us during his short life. I have a picture in my mind of Jesus holding Caleb in his arms as we have seen in so many pictures of Jesus and the children. I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that Caleb is with our Lord in the special place Christ has prepared for him. God bless you and Cary and give you peace through this sorrow.

Jenny

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are being lifted up in prayer continually. I pray you feel God holding you closely and His strength and peace surrounds you during this incredibly difficult time. Psalm 34:18 Love, Jennifer Millage

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,
Please be assured of my continued prayers for you and your family. I cannot begin to imagine what your grief must be like at this time. I pray that you find some comfort knowing that you will one day see Caleb again. He certainly fought a good a fight in his 6 1/2 months! I know we're all so very sad - but what a great reward Little Caleb is enjoying now! Thank you for taking time to keep us updated during these past months.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,

I'm heartbroken thinking about all you've been through, so it's hard to know what to say. My heart goes out to you and your family and I am praying for you today.

Kevin

Anonymous said...

Allen and I are so sorry to hear of Caleb's passing. He and you fought so hard to live for the past 6 months. We pray that God will cover you over with His own comfort at this difficult time. We will be praying for you all!

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth & Cary:
I am so sorry to hear of this latest news of Caleb. I pray God surrounds you with His presence ministering to you and your families in a very personal way for whatever your family is needing.

Thank you for sharing such a special part of your lives with us. My prayers and tears are with you.

Anonymous said...

Dear, Precious Elizabeth, Cary and family. My heart is broken for you all. You have been so strong and such an inspiration to me through Caleb's struggle. While the road you've traveled has been so difficult and the one ahead looms so heavily, God will surely sustain you all. You have all my deepest prayers and love during this very sad time.

Anonymous said...

My heart is broken for you and your family. Caleb has been our inspiration! He hung in there and gave it his best shot. His mission and purpose must have been very great as he has touched so many lives in his little life.

You are in my prayers,

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary,
I am so sorry for the pain you are suffering right now in the loss of your sweet son Caleb. God's peace is the only thing that can take that pain away. I pray for you two and your families during this difficult time. May people give you space as well as cover you in prayer each day for the next few weeks.
Through God's Grace,
Daphne Youngblood
part of your GBC family

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth:
Grace and peace to you from our Lord on today. Please know that I am praying that the peace of our Lord rest with you, your husband and your families during this challenging time. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to. May God bless and keep all of you is truly my prayer.
--With the love of Christ,
Penny R. Pitts
email: pennyrpitts@bellsouth.net
(formerly of GBF)

Anonymous said...

Dearest Elizabeth and Cary, I just cried when I read about Caleb's passing. Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me." I can visualize Caleb sitting on the lap of Jesus, smiling, cooing, and having a blessed time. May our Lord comfort you in your time of loss. You can hold him in heaven one day. I am praying for you and your family. Love you.
Pat

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary,
Renata and I are very sad to hear of your loss. We will pray for you and your family.

Craig and Renata Sears

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, I cannot imagine what you must be going through, but do know that my prayers are with you and your family and may God give you the strength and peace you so desperately need.

Jonnie Brown

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, Our family will be praying for you, Cary, and your families as you all walk through this dark valley. God is with you now as much as ever before.
In His abiding love,
Cindy & Tim Sullivan

Anonymous said...

I feel so priviledged and blessed that I got to meet him. Thank you both for that opportunity. Your devotion to Caleb was something that he will take with him in his jourey. God Bless you both, and please, please, please, don't hesitate to ask for anything.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, Cary and Family

My condolences. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Maryann has my number.

God Bless you all,
Liza Mayfield

Anonymous said...

Cary, Elizabeth, and Family:
How our hearts ache to hear of the loss of your precious son, Caleb. Thank you for sharing with us the many joys and struggles of your journey. Caleb's story has touched all our lives. Many prayers have been lifted for all of you during the last 6 months, and even now many are praying that our precious Lord will comfort and strengthen you. He will be near you in your time of grief.
"A tear drop on earth summons the King of Heaven." - Chuck Swindoll

Lisa Malcom

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. I have been a faithful follower of Caleb's news on the web site and his death is so very, very sad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Jones
Georgia Baptist Convention

Anonymous said...

We are praying for your family during this difficult time

Anonymous said...

Donna Moseley said...
To my sweet Elizabeth,
Words just can't express how sorry I am...know that I LOVE you and am praying for you & Cary and all of your family. May you feel God's arms surround you with His love and strength during this time.

sunShine said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself during this time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you. I pray that during this time that the Love of your friends and family will give you comfort and that The Stong loving hands of God will give you a peace.
Linda Baxter
Isaiah 41:10

Anonymous said...

God bless you all. I am shedding tears of greif for your loss. I will always keep Caleb close to my heart and he will remain in my prayers. He is now craddled in God's arms.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,
Please know you and Carey and all of your family are in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.

Doug and Patreece Couch

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary,

Our hearts and our prayers are with you.

Matt and Courtney Houser

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,

I am praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth & Cary, you must be a very special couple to have gone through the last 6 1/2 months. And Heaven must be more precious since Caleb is there. We are praying for strength to get you through these days of grieving. Please take care of yourself and your precious little one.

Freckle Face Girl said...

My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, I have only known you from afar, but God has provided communication through prayer. My heart breaks with you and Cary over the death of Caleb. May God show you His ways. In Christ love and hope.

David Cook

Anonymous said...

I am sad to hear of Caleb's death but feel in my heart that there is a new angel in heaven. My prayers have been with you all along and will continue to be there. God bless you and your family with love and peace.
Peggy Wehe
Kingwood Texas

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary:

Jackie and I have prayed constantly that God would allow Caleb to live and be healthly and strong. But our Father had other plans. Please know and feel our love and thought for you during this painful time. Allow God to lead your through it. Remember the peace that now is Caleb's with the Father; and may the Father's peace be upon both of you and the entire family.

In Chrit's Love,
Leonard and Jackie Dupree

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary- I am so sorry for your loss of Caleb. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Dear Elizabeth and Cary,
I am in Germany now and just heard of Caleb's death. I am so shocked and sad. My heart and prayers are with you. Caleb fought long and hard for each little breath, each little smile, each little moment, and I am so glad that he had such loving parents who were with him every step of the way. Through his parents, family, and friends, he experienced love and brought love during his short life on earth, and I am so thankful to God for this. He brought us many smiles and wonders, and we are all the richer for the blessing of his life. I am sending prayers up for you day and night, that you may feel God's presence and peace.
Love,
Laurel

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth & Cary,

We are so sorry to hear about Caleb's death. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to be with you in these tough times . . . may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Carl, Lisa & Alex Minor

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, I am so saddened by your loss of Caleb. He was such a special little boy. Please know that you and Cary, and Caleb's grandparents are in my prayers.

Diane

Anonymous said...

Cary and Elizabeth:
Gwen and I have prayed often for all of you during this time since Caleb was born. We have also prayed for Bill and Lucy, as we know what it is like to be grandparents. Our prayers continue today for all of you as you experience the grace that comes from God to you at this time of sorrow.
Ray Newman

Stephanie L Self said...

Elizabeth - I'm so sorry for your loss. Caleb is a very special little angel!! I've been keeping up with Caleb through the blog and I can't imagine what you're going through. But please know that our family and our SS class has been, and still will be, praying for you and your family. May God show you comfort and peace that only HE can!!

Stephanie Self

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary - I was so saddened to learn on Tuesday morning about Caleb's death. Please know and feel that my thoughts and prayers will continue for each of you.

Jeanne Houston

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary

Please know I have kept up and thought about Caleb every week since I knew about his birth. I will pray for you still. I am so sorry.

Annette Briggs, pastor
University Baptist Church
Bloomington, Indiana

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Cary, We are very sorry for your loss. Thank you for allowing all of us to be a part Caleb's life. We are all praying for him and you both.

Dan and Lori

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,

I just want you to know that I have been thinking about you and Cary and the whole family. Caleb touched so many people; I know he touched my heart. Just know that Mike and I will continue to remember you all in our prayers. I love you and will always be there for you.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,

You and Cary and all your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard of Caleb's passing. May God's grace and strength sustain you as you walk through this incredibly difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth and Family,
What a blessing Caleb has been to so many people. How very proud you must be of him. We have all enjoyed reading about him. We have rejoiced with you in his victories and cried with you in his set backs. Now he is at peace with his heavenly family. Remember, if God leads us to it, He can lead us through it. Sometimes He uses our tears to water the faith of other people.
We love you all and we're praying for you still.
Cricket Sloan

Anonymous said...

I have never been to your blog before, I came over from Amy's blog. I am so very saddened to read your news. I am from Duluth and I hate that this has happened to you.

Many prayers and blessings to you.

Isabel said...

I don't know what to say, except that I am so sorry for your loss.

May the Lord watch over you all.

Anonymous said...

I am so so sorry for your unthinkable loss. Be well.

Kristi said...

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry.

brendalove@gmail.com said...

Please know that others are keeping your family in their thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for you loss.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Know that there are thousands of us out here who are keeping you and your family in our prayers.

- Adam

Anonymous said...

My daughter was a premie, born at 29 weeks weighing 1 lb 14 ozs.
My most sincere heartfelt condolences to you and yours.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Lindsay said...

I am very sorry for your lose. God bless you and your family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I can not imagine what you are going through, nor would I want to. The pain you are feeling must be terrible. I will pray for you and your family, and I know God will watch over your precious little boy in heaven, and now your little boy is watching over you, too.

I am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. No one should ever have to go through what you are experiencing. You are in my prayers.

Sharon L. Holland said...

There are no words for what you are going through. But even on the internet there are parents grieving for you, praying for you, and hoping for the day when the joy of your short time with him will once again outweigh the grief of his loss.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ said...

YOU'RE NOT ALONE

We've never met,
yet we share a common bond.
Each of us held a child
that now is gone.
You're searching for reasons why?
I wish I could tell you how.
But no one had the answers right now.

Knowing far to well just what you're going through,
It wasn't that long ago
Someone was there for me.
If you need me,
I'll be there for you.

You are not alone
Through restless hours of sorrow and pain.
As tears keep falling like rain.
How could it?

You are not alone,
Lord knows you are not to blame
Feeling life just isn't the same.
You're not alone
Hours turn into days
Days turn into years
The memory of your precious one never disappears.

Behind each storm there's a rainbow.
Beyond the clouds skies are blue.
You ask me, when I say I do.
If you need me,
I'll be here for you.

You're not alone
Through restless hours of sorrow and pain
as tears keep falling like rain...
And though your storm has just begun,
Keep watching for the morning..
Joy will come again.

Author ~ Jeannie Sousa ~

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hurt with you - for your pain, and mine. I am available, whenever you need someone who understands.

Becci said...

I don't know you, but heard about your loss and wanted you to know that I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you and your family.

Cricky said...

I am just reading this today, 9/18/2006.
Your new son was born 7 days ago and from the pictures you posted, he seems to be a precious miracle.

I can not say I know exactly what you have been through, but I can say I too grieve for a child.

My son was born August 2, 2002 and passed away December 6, 2002 from S.I.D.S.

He was not sick and there was no reasoning for his passing, but that makes it neither harder or easier to understand.

The loss of a child at any age is inconcievable.

I hope you and your family cherish every minute of life with Nolan, and cherish every memory of Caleb.

God Bless you