Saturday, June 6, 2015

Character When We Weren't Watching

In my prior post I made  mention of us requesting that people write character letters for Caleb to present as statements of who he truly was. The kids rallied and did a free Caleb letter drive. It was so powerful reading letters that people wrote about how Caleb interacted with his peers...they used words like PEACE MAKER...CARING...GENTLE...LOVING...All those words a parent prays their child is when they are not looking. His peers were so funny because they even had a free Caleb hash tag until he was home. They were so sad when he wasn't home by Friday I felt bad for THEM! I wish I could post every single letter from students and teachers I got but I can't. So I will post a few from his peers that were emailed to me because the rest were typed out.

Character Letters

"The first time I met Caleb Boyd, we were freshmen. Being a new student, naturally he was more on the quiet side. As years went on and he  accumulated friends, I noticed that his shy and meek demeanor never changed. As I got to know him more (this year in particular), I realized that it was simply his personality to be more on the submissive and quiet side. 
In the 3 years of attending school with Caleb, never have I heard him say a bad word about anyone. Being such a small school, many students have experienced drama or some form of altercation with one another, but not Caleb. He always tried to stay away from anything that had potential of a negative outcome. I've witnessed Caleb mediate arguments between his friends and help to work the situation peacefully. Peaceful might be one of the best words to describe his character. Even in his voice, you can tell that he is a kind and meek individual. Not only is he kind, but he's also full of potential and any teacher or student could vouch for that. He has incredible writing skills and has many  goals and aspirations in life. And though the situation and circumstances, I still believe he will do great things because Caleb is driven to further his  education and be successful. I also recall him being very giving. If anyone needed something, he'd be there. If someone looked tired or overworked, he' d make a point to talk to them and see how they were doing. It seemed that he genuinely cared for the wellbeing of others and that in itself made me proud to call myself his friend.You can tell that his kindness is genuine and because of this, he tried so hard to see the good in everyone and he befriended people he probably shouldn't have. He likely did such in hopes that he could steer them in the right direction or provide some sort of moral support for those he felt needed it. I don't believe that the gun was Caleb's in any way. Not only because it doesn't fit his moral character but also because he is a smart, sweet, respectful kid with one of the most contagious smiles I've ever seen. There's a genuine innocence about him that's undeniable. Most everyone at school, including faculty were absolutely appalled when the news came forward and we are all convinced that there is more to the story (likely involving other people) due to the fact that it isn't like Caleb to have or do narcotics nor to carry or own a gun or anything of the sort.
All I can hope is that the truth comes forward and that Caleb will return to school soon and be relieved of the stress I can imagine came with this unfortunate situation.
Natalie"



"To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Morgan Holloman and I have had the privilege of becoming close friends with Caleb during my last year of high school. We met at the first home basketball game where he gave up his seat for me when the top section became crowded. Caleb is undoubtedly one of the kindest people I have ever met. Every single morning before school started, I could count of Caleb texting me "Good Morning!". It has been difficult not receiving those messages. If there was ever a time when I seemed upset or stressed, Caleb was one of the only people that would make sure my day turned around. Caleb and I often spoke about college, mutual engineering goals and the common goal to make our mothers proud. Spanish class was already stressful considering the rigor we were presented with, but turning around to the empty desk behind me where Caleb used to sit has been harder than I expected. My friendship with Caleb is a testament to the fact that the length of time you've known someone does not determine the significance of their role in your life. I recently came across a few pictures that Caleb and I took on my birthday. The image that is being portrayed by the media is not my friend. I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer and I know that God will see Caleb & his family through this hard time. Caleb has goals that no man can stop. Caleb has an impeccable amount of respect for authority and an unyielding amount of honesty. I know that at the end of this process, Caleb will walk away even stronger and resilient than he was before. I have no problem speaking on his behalf. In fact, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to speak about MY friend.

Thank You,
Morgan"

"I been knowing Caleb since the 8th grade. He is smart, funny, well-mannered, and one of the realest friends I ever had. He literally tells me everything and I can go to him for great advice for just about anything. When I found out he got arrested, I couldn't believe that it happened. I really thought I was dreaming, it really didn't hit me until the next day that he might actually get time for something that I know that he wouldn't do. I know he wouldn't do that because its not even in his character to do anything that the police report said. I know he wouldn't steal because he wouldn't even steal a pencil from one of his classmates. He always tells me to do the right thing even if times are hard. so I know for a fact its not his fault. My prays go out to his family and of course Caleb, hopefully the police will let him go.
Nate"

Ok let's be honest most people believe their kids are great...I'm no different...they are mine I'm supposed to think that but when so many people from kids... teachers...kids parent's ...the man he pays monthly for his mattress...to his boss at work KNOW from interactions with your child that is a wonderful thing. This part made me so happy to know he was doing his best to be a good person. We had so many letters by Monday and all of them telling different stories about Caleb. I never profess perfection from my kids or me for that matter. But to AT LEAST know your child knows the right way to live and has listened to something along the way is amazing. I tell people all the time that we do our very best to instill all we can and tell them whats right while we can so we can never feel bad for not doing it. They can never say we didn't teach them or show them the right thing. Kids are like sponges...they absorb what you put in... I'm so glad he has used his sponge wisely in how he carries himself even when we are NOT looking. 

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