Three months ago today, we suddenly lost Calder Jacob Sloan: our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. In these 3 months, we have shed many tears and yet cracked a few smiles and laughs remembering what a truly wonderfully sweet, athletic, funny, talented, creative, smart, full of life, compassionate little boy he was. We’d be lying if we said we’re back to normal and everything is OK but things get a little better some days and some days things feel worse. This is a process one never gets completely through. Calder was really such a joyful, empathetic kid that we know he wouldn’t want anyone sad, especially not Caleb who has really been much of the fun fuel that keeps us going. So much has happened since, Calder has been honored by so many people that we know and that we don’t. Our family owes a tremendous gratitude to all those that have stood by Calder and us. His Lehrman school charity is still receiving donations from generous people around the country. Mr. Awesome has gone on to be a worldwide viral hit bringing joy to us and all those who participated. We have received so much creative and heartfelt outpouring of gestures that we never could have imagined. Most importantly, Calder is saving lives. Calder’s website and email is read by between 80K-120K people per week spreading the word about pool dangers. His story has been seen and read around the world via TV, magazines, newspapers, websites, and social media. We have received many emails and letters from people who have had similar issues but thankfully had them repaired. Now, true change is underway with Miami-Dade moving in the direction of banning high voltage lighting in pools. This of course is just a start as we had low voltage lighting, and if incorrectly wired can be fatal. There are also is now a movement mandating pool instructions in private pools. Like Mr. Awesome, let’s hope this positive change catches fire. Now, we are very much immersed in the legal process as we seek change, and frankly accountability for the loss of Calder. This is a very difficult and long-lasting process but we are fortunate to have many great people on our side. Today though, we celebrate a boy who did more in his 7 years and 7 days then many do in a lifetime. Calder, we’re humbled and proud to call you our boy always. As Buzz Lightyear used to say in your favorite movie “To Infinity and Beyond!”
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 11:32:50 +0000
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