To Courageous Caitie and Her Parents: Thank You for Your Example

Many people have already said so many things about Caitlin Soleil Lucas — more commonly known as online — the brave little girl who inspired thousands with her life, her battle with cancer, and even her death.

I first read about Caitie a day after we came home from the hospital with Baby Titus. I had so many questions for God back then, and I believe He led me to Caitie’s story and Facebook page to remind me that IN ALL THINGS and AT ALL TIMES, He has a purpose for everything.

This post is my simple tribute to Caitie and her parents, Jayjay and Feliz/Tine, and her entire family. I have nothing but gratitude and admiration for the way they have given honor — and continue to honor — the Lord despite all they’ve been through.

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Dear Caitie,

You don’t know me but I am just one of the thousands (maybe even millions!) of people whose lives you have touched. From the first post I read on your Facebook page, I was already struck by your courage and obedience to Jesus and to your parents. I was in awe of your trust in the Lord, and how you could still smile despite everything that was happening.

Like your daddy and mommy, I had (and still have!) my doubts, fears and questions at times, especially when one of my kids are sick. But despite all of that, I still choose to (do my best) to trust in Jesus. To surrender my children to Him. Just as your dad and mom did with you. (It’s difficult, and I fail many, many times, but I try to keep going.)

As I write this, our youngest child — he’s only two months old and still on the road to perfect health — is lying in my lap, and tears are forming in my eyes. I remember the tiring, hard days in the hospital with him as a newborn. It was difficult for us but I am sure it was nothing compared to your stay in different hospitals; nothing compared to the challenges and pains and heartaches your mom and dad went through, seeing you in pain, seeing you suffering, and — at the very end — seeing you leave this earth.

Now that you are gone, I’m sure the heartaches and pain are even more. And all I can do is pray to God to help your mom and dad, and your baby brother, and each and every person in your family and community. This, too, shall pass, we know, but it doesn’t make it any easier when doubts and darkness come.

What does make it easier, though, is knowing that you have achieved your mission here on earth, Caitie. You touched people’s lives in so many different ways — including mine!

You bore your sufferings and pains and wounds so bravely. It could only have been Jesus — who also was wounded and suffered so much pain — who helped you through each procedure.

So I want to thank you, Caitie. And your parents too.

Thank you for reminding us that at the end of it all — at the end of our lives — it’s all about Him.

It’s all about Jesus.

It’s all about living for Him, suffering for Him, smiling for Him, trusting in Him, obeying Him (even sometimes questioning Him), loving Him.

It’s all about Him.

To Jayjay and Tine,

You don’t know me but we have some friends in common. I just want to say thank you so, so, so much for sharing Caitie with us. For allowing us to see God’s faithfulness and goodness.

Thank you for being strong and weak. And for trusting God through it all.

For showing us that it is OK to wrestle with God sometimes.

For reminding us that His strength and peace will overcome even the darkest of days.

For reminding us parents to teach our kids about Jesus, and how to love Him with all their hearts.

For reminding me especially to .

I can’t even imagine what you are feeling now.

But I do know this — as a parent myself, I would do anything to keep my kids healthy and happy — and holy.

Just as you both did.

And I honor you for it.

Thank you, Caitie, for leaving a legacy of love.

And thank you, Jayjay and Tine, for teaching Caitie how to do so.

You are in my and my family’s prayers. Please do pray for us too.

May we all do our very best to live — and die — for the Lord.

Just as Courageous Caitie did.

None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:7-9)

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*All photos that appear in this post are from the Courageous Caitie Facebook page. I do not claim ownership to any of them. Thank you again, Jayjay and Tine, for sharing Caitie and your lives with the world. May God be glorified in all things!