I will be doing this workout Wednesday night at 6:00pm if anyone would like to join me.
"Caleb"
8 Rounds
Run 400 Meters
8 Lunges
8 Box Jumps, As high of a box as you are able.
Post time and size of box to comments.
Caleb Elijah was born 8-8-08 with half of a heart. (The condition is known as 'Hypoplastic Left
Heart Syndrome'). Immediately out of the
womb the specialists whisked him away to operate. In the surgery
everything went as planned and they reminded us that the recovery was the hard
part. Day after day they would remove the machines doing his normal body
functions as we held our breath. Caleb did fantastic each time.
After all the machines were removed Caleb either set a new record or tied an
existing record for coming home the fastest after the surgery. To add to
it, even after eating out of a feeding tube all that time, he breast feed like
he had been doing it the whole time. The doctors and staff were happily confused,
I guess that never happens.
Fast forward 50 days to yesterday. Sometime late morning, Caleb was doing
great but suddenly seemed to have a little difficulty breathing. Being
only a few minutes to the ER, we rushed him there and by the time we got there
he wasn't breathing at all. The doctors stabilized him and then it
happened again. They stabilized him again. This happened a few
times. They noticed that although his heart was pumping and he was
breathing, his body wasn't getting any oxygen. They found the shunt they had
put in from the surgery was completely obstructed. The PH balance of his
blood showed that he had not been getting enough oxygen for his vital organs
during this time. The only thing we could do is unplug him and let him
go. Caleb Elijah peacefully passed away around 6:00pm last night.
About a week before he was born, his dad suffered two severely broken bones in his left hand in a softball accident. They operated and repaired his hand. While Caleb was alive his father could only do Crossfit workouts that didn't include his hands. In many cases he substituted running, box jumps, or lunges. The three eights are for his birthday, 8-8-08.
Caleb's father's small scar from the hand surgery was an inch longer than Caleb's scar on his chest after his heart surgery. When Caleb passed away his scar was identical in every way to his fathers scar.
65 Comments
All my love and prayers are being sent to Caleb's mom and dad. It is too difficult to have to say goodbye to a child. My heart is breaking for your family and friends.
I got this verse as a memorial tattoo, after having to bury two close friends, far too early.
Isaiah 57
1 The righteous perish,
and no one ponders it in his heart;
devout men are taken away,
and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away
to be spared from evil.
2 Those who walk uprightly
enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death.
May the gracious and sovreign God keep you at peace. Phil 3:14 press on !
Peace to you.
As a father, my heart goes out to you. Every morning, I wake and celebrate the miracle of seeing my sons breathing after their difficult births. I wish you peace and healing.
We'll do this workout tomorrow at ACF and think of Caleb.
Sincerely,
Brett
No one will ever truely understand why things like this happen. But I truely believe he is in a happier home now. I pray that God's peace would be with you, that His live would draw you closer to Him,and that you again would find joy as you look forward to being with Caleb again in Heaven.
My prayers go out to you. May God give you peace.
We will do this with you also.
Gio
My prayers go out to you. May God give you peace.
We will do this with you also at S2E in Chicago.
Gio
Our prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss.
-Chris and Maribel LaLanne
Jeremy,
We have no words to express the sadness we feel for your loss. As parents, we know that it goes against the natural order to have to bury a child. It took me a good long time to stop crying after reading your son's story and the touching tribute you have posted for him.
We will be posting this WOD as our workout of the day for our affiliate tomorrow and we will urge our members to read your family's story and think about the precious nature of life.
Your family will be in our thoughts and we will honor Caleb tomorrow.
Rest in peace little man,
Sarah and Wayne Lewis
Combat CrossFit
I would like to know if there is a fund or some place you would like donations sent to in memory of Caleb? Thanks.
Caleb's family are in my prayers now, and always. I'm so sorry for your loss.
RIP Caleb Elijah Stecker
Prayers to you and your family. Thank you for sharing with us. I will share the story with others at DCF and we will honor your and your family as best we can.
Respectfully,
Stavros
Oceanside CrossFit will make "Caleb" the WOD for Wednesday in honor of your sweet little man.
God bless you and your family. You will be in my prayers.
I am deeply sorry for what has happened, Crossfit Santa Clara and I will make "Caleb" our next .com rest day WOD in honor of your son.
Jason Khalipa
Jeremy, we'll do "Caleb" this week too.
Stand tall...
Matt Fullerton
My prayers go out to your family. I can not even begin to understand what you are feeling at this moment. Just know He is at peace and You will always have an angel on your side. Every rep, every drop of sweat, every round, every second of this wod and every wod that follows will be in honor of those who can not do these wods. This will be our wod today.
Caleb, I did not have the pleasure of meeting you but you will be missed.
Lamarr and the Doghouse Fitness family.
CF Strong Medicine classes today in Flagstaff, AZ at 12:15 and 6:15 - Caleb is WOD.
Sharing your heartache..........
We cannot even imagine what your family is going through. We pray that you can get through this hard time and know that Caleb is safe and with the Lord now.
we love you guys,
Sarah and John Sperry
We are so sorry for your loss, your family will be in our prayers. "Caleb" will be the WOD on Friday, 10/3/08.
Please contact me if you need anything!
Peter York
CrossFit APE
Jeremy,
We at Crossfit One Spirit are sorry for your loss. Having lost a child in the CFOS family a few weeks ago, we feel heartbroken again. Caleb will be our WOD tomorrow in his honor.
God Bless
Gabe and Kim Mendoza
Crossfit One Spirit
As a father of two small boys myself, I'm moved to tears as I type this. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. "Caleb Elijah" is now the WOD at CrossFit Will County today.
Fair winds Caleb.
Sincerely,
John Edmondson and the CrossFit Will County family
All my family's love to you guys.
Our second daughter was born on Aug 2, 08 and spent 22 days in the NICU.
Reading about Caleb just crushed me.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
kstar
My prayers, our prayers from ALF in Easton, MD go out to your family. We also will do the WOD on wednesday in memory of Caleb.
God Bless and be with you.
Aaron
Another level fitness
Easton MD
My thoughts, prayers and love go out to little Caleb's family. I wasn't sure which WOD to do tonight until now...
With all my love,
Sakrura Barrientos
Martinez, CA
My thoughts, prayers and love go out to little Caleb's family. I wasn't sure which WOD to do tonight until now...
With all my love,
Sakura Barrientos
Martinez, CA
We did this with our kids today at CF Snohomish (Washington state). Maggie , age 8 did it with a 12" box and Joey, age 5 (same birthday as Caleb) did six rounds with a 12" box. This was a tough one. It is the first time either of our kids have run that many 400m runs in one WOD. Your family and sweet Caleb were our inspiration. I know this is all little solace, but please accept is as the best we can do for you in your time of sorrow. We will be praying fervently for you.
Love,
Jeff, Charity, Maggie, Joey and Carlie Vale
May the Lord bless you and be near you in your unimaginable grief. I have a ten month old daughter and four year old boy. I am brought to tears at your loss.
Caleb is such a handsome little guy. I'm sure he is now perfectly fit, smiling, and happy with his with a brand new heart......in Heaven.
Love and respect
to you Stecker Family,
Chris Freischlag
CF San Diego
Jeremy-
I've been keeping up with Caleb's story for a few weeks now down here in Shreveport, and my heart sank when I saw your post. I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ronnie Boose
CrossFit North Santa Cruz
This WOD was hard but nothing like what you all are going through right now. My heart aches for you...I put my little ones to bed tonight but not without saying a prayer for you and thanking God for all he does for us and for giving us life each and every day. I hate that times like this make us remember how lucky we are. Caleb is home...safe and sound...no more pain, no more suffering.
God Speed Caleb...Rest in Peace.
Lisa Lugo
CrossFit San Diego
Affiliate Director CFHQ
God Bless. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Thanks for sharing your story and I am sure Caleb will be looking down on all tomorrow.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Caleb.
Stay strong.
-Jacob from CrossFit Monterey
"Caleb"
19:08 as RX'd (32" box jumps)
RIP beautiful child.
Respectfully,
Stavros Kalogirou
Diablo Crossfit
Tears stream down my face as I write this. I can only imagine your pain. My heart goes out to you both and pray for you in time, your pain will heal.
Best,
Andy Petranek
I don't even know what to say. Your son is beautiful and my heart goes out to you.
Rest in peace Caleb.
Damon Stewart
Wasatch Crossfit
My heart aches for your loss.
Adam Towle
Caleb as RX'd 20" box. 22:19
I'm half Navajo Indian--I thought I'd share this with you all...God Bless.
Navajo Indian Blessing Way
In beauty may I walk.
All day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons may I walk.
On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.
With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk.
With dew about my feet may I walk.
With beauty may I walk.
With beauty before me, may I walk.
With beauty behind me, may I walk.
With beauty above me, may I walk.
With beauty below me, may I walk.
With beauty all around me, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk.
It is finished in beauty.
It is finished in beauty.
Hey Jeremy,
This is Colin Jenkins(the crossfitter you let stay at your hotel during our level one cert). I am so sorry for your loss! You are very strong and I know you will get through this terrible time.
Best,
Colin jenkins
Jeremy,
Man, where do we begin...Even typing this, I can't hold back the tears...We are so sorry you and your family are having to endure this. If we can do ANYTHING, even from over here, please do not hesitate to call or email us. Your CrossFit Family is here for you guys and we are praying for comfort and peace during this time.
Team CrossFit BreakThrough will be doing this workout especially for little Caleb.
To the Parents of Caleb,
This is Adam Brigges and Rachel Medina from CrossFit South San Clemente. We have just read the horrible news of your son Caleb, and send our condolences. We are sending you the Kaddish, or the Prayer for the Dead in English and Hebrew. May God bless Caleb and your family, for he is Home now, and will not suffer any longer. We will do the WOD "Caleb" at 6 PM in honor of your son, and our Family fellow CrossFitters.
Love,
Adam and Rach CFSSC
TRANSLATION OF KADDISH
May the great Name of God be exalted and sanctified, throughout the world, which he has created according to his will. May his Kingship be established in your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of the entire household of Israel, swiftly and in the near future; and say, Amen.
May his great name be blessed, forever and ever.
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, honored elevated and lauded be the Name of the holy one, Blessed is he- above and beyond any blessings and hymns, Praises and consolations which are uttered in the world; and say Amen. May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and life, upon us and upon all Israel; and say, Amen.
He who makes peace in his high holy places, may he bring peace upon us, and upon all Israel; and say Amen.
KADDISH TRANSLITERATION
Yis'ga'dal v'yis'kadash sh'may ra'bbo, b'olmo dee'vro chir'usay v'yamlich malchu'say, b'chayaychon uv'yomay'chon uv'chayay d'chol bais Yisroel, ba'agolo u'viz'man koriv; v'imru Omein.
Y'hay shmay rabbo m'vorach l'olam ul'olmay olmayo.
Yisborach v'yishtabach v'yispoar v'yisromam v'yismasay, v'yishador v'yis'aleh v'yisalal, shmay d'kudsho, brich hu, l'aylo min kl birchoso v'sheeroso, tush'bechoso v'nechemoso, da,ameeran b'olmo; vimru Omein.
Y'hay shlomo rabbo min sh'mayo, v'chayim alaynu v'al kol Yisroel; v'imru Omein.
Oseh sholom bimromov, hu ya'aseh sholom olaynu, v'al kol yisroel; vimru Omein.
Sincere condolences and prayers from the Marines of CrossFit Camp Pendleton. We will also be posting Caleb's WOD tomorrow (Thurs) for our Marines to do in his memory.
Semper Fi.
What a beautiful little boy. My thoughts are with you and I am another that is crying as I type. I was at work while you all did 'Caleb' at 6p last night. I will do it on my own this Sunday at the local high school track. God bless.
Gloria Jean Stanger
CrossFit Santa Cruz/CrossFit Santa Cruz Central
Im at my desk and I don't even know what to say. You all are in my thoughts. Blessings, Caleb. Blessings to your parents.
Craig
Tears falling down my cheeks ... strength to you. Your little one was beautiful and strong.
Blessings to you and your family.
Vivian Sobarzo
Crossfit Santa Cruz Central-Soquel
My heart goes out to you and your family. Such a sweet little one. To honor Caleb and offer our support, we are doing this workout at Brand X all day today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cyndi Rodi
Brand X
CrossFit Kids HQ
As a parent my heart is filled with sadness.
Your family is in our hearts and prayers. May God bless you and your family, shelter you and hold your hand through this time.
We did "Caleb" today at CrossFit One Spirit (Herndon, VA). Though my heart was heavy thinking of Caleb helped push me through.
Sadly, all to recently a member of our CrossFit family here lost his child. This poem is from the service and I want to share it with you.
SWEET REMEMBRANCES
Let Fate do her worst, there are relics of joy,
Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy;
Which come in the night-time of sorrow and care,
And bring back the features that joy used to wear.
Long, long be my heart with such memories fill'd!
Like the vase, in which roses have once been distill'd --
You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still.
--Moore
God Bless,
John and Jennifer Tackett CrossFit One Spirit
I hope only the best thoughts of your little one as you heal through the pain you must be suffering. A beautiful gift of a child, as brief a visit as he may be, will always warm your heart.
May you be blessed now as then.
Norm Rager
CrossFit Sierra
My prayers are with you! I too have lost a daughter and do not wish the sorrow and emptiness on anyone. Hugs,
Marie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Todd = 23:52 30" Box
Dana = 26:07 24" Box
Randi = 30:40 24" Box
Workout hurt but the pain seemed so insignificant! Caleb may you rest in piece little Bro!
Everyone here at CrossFit Threshold would like to send their thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We did "Caleb's" WOD. We were honored to give it our all in his memory. Deeply honored.
All our love,
Chris Holt
CrossFit Threshold
My thoughts are with you. I hope your journey leads you to peace.
Matthew Crossley
CrossFit Ventura
Jeremy- I am afraid to imagine how much pain you have to bear. My heart is heavy and sad. Our family sends our love to you and yours.
Elizabeth, Joe, Olivia and Sam.
"Caleb" 26:49 24inch box ET's time
What a story, of true life and true love forever. I'm so sorry for you loss I cannot even fathom any words to say. WE LOVE YOU CALEB
"Caleb"
-Travis 24:08.5 22" box
-Dad 24:08.5 with 10" box, biking substituted for running, and push ups substitute after 4 sets lunges
182/M/31/6.0
"Caleb"
20:09 (uphill)
24" box
Bench
Rest in peace little man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
CF (solo) Edmonds, WA
182/M/31/6.0
"Caleb"
20:09 (uphill)
24" box
Bench
Rest in peace little man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
CF (solo) Edmonds, WA
182/M/31/6.0
Caleb
20:09 (uphill)
24 inch box
bench
Rest in peace little man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
As a father, I cannot imagine what Caleb's family is going through at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with you. Rest in peace Caleb and may our family find strength in your memory.
Brian Bodmer
CF Santa Cruz Central
Again my prayers go out to your family. Our loved ones live on within us once they are no in this physical world. Keep their spirit alive. Never Forget.
Wod- 24:00- 34" box
May your family be protected and watched over, our prayers go out to your family. God works in mysterious ways and you will always have our support.
Tyler & Madeline
CrossFit Santa Barbara
Jeremy and Family,
My heart goes out to you all and your story brought me to tears. May you find comfort with eachother through the pain. My husband and I lost our daughter Addison at birth on 2/14/07. Exactly one year later, I broke my elbow maxing out on pull-ups and ended up back in the Hospital on her birthday. She thought I had forgoten, not many days go by without me thinking of her.
Love to you both,
Cherie Chan
CrossFit Verve
Sorry for your loss. Stay strong.
When ever you are gassed during your workout, Caleb is there cheering you on. Keep the faith, be strong, always brave.
God bless the Stecker family
From everyone at High Desert CrossFit we are truly sorry for your loss of Caleb. We will plan the workout in his honor.
Kindest Regards,
Mark Daugherty
I was moved to tears by Caleb's story. My heart breaks for your family. CrossFit Olympia will be doing Caleb Elijah today and the hugs and kisses I give to my children with be stroner and longer!
I'm very sorry for your loss.
CrossFit Moncton will be doing this WOD tomorrow in honor of Caleb.