A Tribute to Caleb Theodore Bogs

In honor of his college graduation from Sam Houston State University

Caleb Theodore Bogs, courageous lover of God. Caleb, our firstborn son and the first grandson in the Bogs family. Caleb, whose pawpaw called him, Little Man. Caleb, the thoughtful child who at the age of one was given, what I thought was a rather “interesting” (read, hideous) gift and made the giver feel great when he offered what a wonderful gift it was. Caleb, who at the age of four was looking forward to a new sister who miscarried at the age of 22 weeks. At first we showed him pictures, kind of blurry pictures and then later decided to let him see his sister. His response to seeing her lifeless body was, “What a beautiful girl.” His is the one who named her Sophie after a character in a book we were reading at the time.
 

Caleb, who at the age of five was looking forward to his brother’s birth witnessed to the sales lady at the maternity store, “Do you know why we are naming him Joshua?” “Because of the spies in Israel, Caleb and Joshua.” Caleb who loved his new brother until he started getting into his stuff, then started the brother’s struggles. Of course, now they are good friends. Caleb, who was rather put off when it was announced he would be a big brother again and when he found out he would have a third sibling said, “I give up.”
 

Caleb, who has the gift of music and sang at his father’s installation at St. Matthew Lutheran Church at the age of five. Caleb whose gift of music is from God and flows from his Papaw and his mother, definitely not his father.
 

Caleb, who at the age of four was very much like his pawpaw in that he did not know a stranger, even inviting complete and total strangers to his house. Caleb, who, after meeting Ken Ham and learning about creation, and who after dispelling the notion of millions of years of evolution at a BSA summer camp wanted to be a Christian Scientist when he grew up.
 

Caleb, who struggled with one particular scout leader, who shall remain nameless, completed his Eagle Scout project and was an inspiration to his three siblings one of which has earned the Freedom Award and another who is on the verge of earning her Stars and Stripes award. Caleb, who continues to befriend his siblings, encouraging and supporting them.
 

Caleb who taught himself how to play guitar and piano. Caleb who earned his AA degree while completing his degree with no debt. Caleb whose first job was as a lifeguard before being hired by Little Caesars and was recognized as one of the few workers the boss could count on. Caleb who later joined the HEB PLA staff, getting buff pushing carts and now works for Pappasitos, yet still looking for an opening in the music industry where he can compose music.
 

Caleb who has now earned his Bachelors Degree in music with a minor in Business Management, yet, this time learning the price of such a degree. Anyone wanting to donate to his fund me (not go fund me) to help him pay off his debt he welcomes.
 

Today we celebrate Caleb’s accomplishment and praying God’s continued blessings on him. Indeed, what a joy to recognize all the gifts God has poured out on our oldest son.
 

Not too long ago my children asked, as a parent what is my greatest fear. I said, that anyone of them would not be in heaven. As I continually remind my children, this world is just a snap of the fingers compared to eternity which is forever. Caleb has lived about a fourth of his life. I pray that he will continue to grow in his faith, in his education and mature in his life so that as God has promised, as we have raised him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that as he grows older he will not part from that faith. Indeed, I could never imagine the sadness of anyone who had knowledge that the one’s they love would not be in heaven with them but would be suffering eternal torment in hell. Sorry of the downer.
 

Let me conclude by saying, Caleb this is your day of celebrating one more of perhaps many more social, secular accomplishments in your life. Certainly your mother and I would love to see our children’s children, but above all our desire that the Lord would continue to bless you and that you recognize and acknowledge those blessings. We are so proud of you and pray that you may indeed live up to your name, Caleb, courageous, Theodore, lover of God. To Caleb Theodore Bogs.