My son died one week from today, last Friday, January 9th, 2009. He was an amazing boy, and I am so thankful for the five years that I have had with him! God truly blessed us with a miraculous precious gift.
He is so missed, and we are grateful for his love of God, and that he is not uncomfortable or in pain and is enjoying his time for eternity. Caden loved to come down to my studio and ask for scraps to make sculptures of his own. I will post some of these at a later date. Make a Wish foundation sent us to Disney World after his second diagnosis of Neuroblastoma cancer. While we were there we went to Sea World. Noel and he loved Shamu and they both got a stuffed toy orca. I saw that they had carved orca tails for sale, but we didn’t purchase any. I carved these tails for the kids to remember their trip out of walnut wood for Christmas. We loved that the tails were to remind the kids to believe and follow their dreams. My brother, myself, Peter and Chad, my brother-in-laws carried his casket to the waiting grave. At the graveside memorial for Caden I took some pictures with a friends camera of the casket with the angels at the corner and of the calalilies on top of the casket and the tree behind lit up by the late day sun that came out after our friend Tom prayed in his rememberance. His body is resting in this beautiful spot nestled in the woods of the rolling hills of Kansas just a stones throw from my Great – Great Grandfathers Homestead foundation and well. Caden’s story is one of courage, bravery, faith, joy and love. Please read more here. My wife wrote a striking and poignant poem that truly speaks to our Mr. C and his five wonderful years of life, from the day he was born May 5, 2003 during the tornado to the point when he was free last Friday, January 9, 2009.
Orca Tails Carved For My Kids for Christmas
Mr. C - His Kindergarten Picture
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We love you, Caden, One of Joy, our Little Warrior.
Capture the heart of the King.
“Drink the wind”, Ride the baby lion!
Shine your light; Twinkle bright so we can See you at night.
Fish, Build, Play, Run fast. Fly into the sunrise.
Live your Dreams now and Forever.
We won’t forget the Treasure you are
Precious little guy who brought us such joy,
A gift we can never replace.
Go with God!
Be at piece with no more pain.
Be Free! Be one with the Savior.
Love forever in His open arms.
Eat from the Tree of Life
Fruit of Forgiveness.
Days without end…
by Shannon White Copyright 2009
Art & Thoughts in Words & Images 
Thank you for allowing us to share Caden and some of the memories of his life.It does for not seem real that he has gone home. He was given to us by God for a brief moment, and it is sad cause we had many plans of things I wanted for him. Even though he his home with His Father, I miss him, too.
I have nominated you for the creative blog award. Please see my site for information. http://www.seegart.wordpress.com