2020

As I write this, we are just entering our 3^rd year without Kaleb here on earth, I am finding it hard to put our thoughts / feelings into words; so, I added our fundraiser / 5K messages from the first two years below. 

I have been trying to focus / re-direct my thoughts of grief and pain to a happy thought, memory, or a short prayer thanking God for loaning
us Kaleb and to Kaleb for giving us time even when he struggled to stay.  I hope that you can do the same; find gratitude when it is most difficult to see. 

Sometimes it is hard to share the fact that Kaleb died by suicide.  Not just because of the stigma around death by suicide; but, because I don’t want that to define Kaleb – he is so much more than that.  He is kind, protective, thoughtful, inventive, has the most beautiful blue eyes and warm (and often mischievous) smile.  He loved drawing, training dogs, any type of sports, hunting and fishing, hiking, and music.  He was so fun to be around, always willing to lend a hand, and always up for adventure. When I talk about Kaleb to someone new, I immediately think man I wish you would have known him; you would have loved him and I want to share amazing stories and pictures.  

With the Stomp Out Suicide being virtual this year (thank you Covid-19), we will have our own social distance Stomp Out Suicide and BBQ at
our house.  

Here is a link to sign up for our 5K Team:  https://www.canvashealth.org/event/stompoutsuicide/

2019:

We are walking again this year.  I have to laugh when I say walking because that is exactly what we did last year; it took us exactly 1:11:11 to cross the finish line!  But boy was it amazing!   Kaleb did this 5k about 5 years ago and ran about a quarter of it with someone on his back. Kind of fitting for the weight he felt on a daily basis.  Everyone who knows us knows how proud of Kaleb we are; he did everything 100%. He lost his 4-year battle with mental health 5.22.18.   I have been asked a few tough questions this past year and I want to share them with you; more importantly my responses / thoughts.  

1.  If Kaleb loved you.... how could he have done this to you?   

I am very confident in Kaleb knowing how much we love him and how much pain he knew we would be in.... but, that leads me to understand the magnitude of pain he must have been in every moment.   

2.  That leads to a second tough question:  How are you able to function?   

It’s not easy; but, I believe that Kaleb is in heaven looking down on us and I want him to not feel guilt or shame..... I want him to be proud of us - proud of our strength, love, endurance, and I want to set a good example for our family and his beloved nieces and nephews, so we all join him in heaven.  

I share these tough questions, answers, and feelings because to me they fit this 5k / charity to a T.  It is about healing, families being together, and fighting the stigma around Mental Health and Suicide!   Whether you can afford to donate or not, please come join
all of those walking, crawling, or running on 8.17.19......come together and celebrate the lives of those we love and  honor their memories,  feel
comfort by those with similar stories,  or connect with someone who can offer a light at the end of your tunnel. 

 2018:  

Come join us at the Stomp out Suicide 5K in loving memory of Kaleb Lofboom who passed away May 22, 2018. Kaleb did this run a couple years ago and it's a great way to not only honor his memory but also raise awareness for a great cause. One of the hardest parts of losing someone is learning to live without them, and that's one lesson we will never fully be able to grasp when it comes to Kaleb. We lost a son, a brother, an uncle, a best friend, and one of our biggest supporters. Everyone who knew him will never forget his eyes, his

laugh, or his smile (all with a spark of mischief) Kaleb loved his family and friends so much and we can't thank everyone enough for being there for him. For 19 years we walked side by side with our best friend, our biggest fan, and our greatest protector; and he will continue to be all of those things, and more to us. The only thing we can do now is honor his life the best we know how. By always laughing, always chasing the next big catch, and raising hell whenever possible.