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It's Been Ten Days Now-Eulogy



It has been 10days since baby J went to be with the Lord. We lay his body to rest on Tuesday 13th November 2012 after having a funeral service which my beloved shared our dreams for Jaden and the lessons our boy taught us in those few days.


JADEN JOSEF KAREGA
EULOGY AND JOURNEY OF FAITH
Our son, Jaden Josef Karega was born on Saturday 13th October 2012 at 4.45pm at the Aga khan Hospital. He was a gift to Alex and Sylvia, a small brother to Samara Karega and a darling boy to many friends and relatives.
Just to take you back, his both names were Hebrew, not just wonderful names but given in a calculated way. Jaden means God has heard.. while Josef means God will enlarge or increase. Josef further represents a family person, love, harmony, giving, good, noble and one who has concern for others. This is what we had spoken and declared upon Jaden’s life even before he was born.
Baby J was very peaceful yet aggressive….kicking and all and at 2weeks his legs were firm to stand. He loved smiling and was quite alert and sightful….we joked that he was born with his eyes open.
On being discharged, from Aga Khan, baby J had a sort of a running nose which we initially associated with the hospital air conditioning. A week later, the so called flu developed into a slight cough and chest congestion which alerted us to seek medical advice. On doing so, baby J was put on some antibiotics which relieved the cough but the chest still remained abit wet.
On 2nd Nov 2012, we decided to visit our pediatrician cum cardiologist for further check up. After a few check ups, it was discovered that our son had the coarctation of the Aorta which means narrowing of the aorta, a major vein which supplies blood to the rest of the body. To rectify the condition, we were advised he needed to undergo a closed heart surgery at Nairobi Hospital and we were admitted immediately.
A successful surgery was done on 8th November and our son was taken to ICU for observation and recovery. Jaden picked up so well and the nurses kept affirming to us that in a day or two, we should be out of ICU and back to the wards.
Early morning of 10th Nov, at around 2am, Jaden was recovering well , able to breath on his own and so he was relieved from the support machine. The nurse on the day had nicknamed him “the fighter” and he firmly told us that with Jaden its moving forward and No retreat. We were all happy and excited, considering that on the same day, he had received his first feed since the surgery.
At 4.15pm, we were called in back to the ICU by the nurses with sad news that our son had lost his heart rhythm. For almost an hour, the ICU nurses and doctors worked tirelessly to resuscitate Jaden, putting on him every drug known to just bring him back…..but right before our eyes, within a split of a second, on a Saturday like the day he was born, within the same hour as he was born, our son was gone to go be with the Lord!
Many questions befell us….why lord? Why just give us a sneak preview of our son and pick him on the 4th Saturday? Well, we are reminded that the Lord is sovereign, his ways are not our ways…and his plans are not our plans. We may never decode the “Why’ factor, but I know our son fulfilled his destiny and purpose God.
To me, our son revealed a characteristic I want to uphold, being peaceful, yet a fighter and more so holding up to the faith coz for Jaden, he only knew life and living.
Son, thank you for the joy and happiness you brought into our lives for those defined days, though short, the memories are as fresh as when we held you the first time in our hands.
God, thank you for the chance you gave us to hold and appreciate Jaden,you loved him more and we pray that your peace may fill our hearts and your purpose prevail over our plans….
Son, I know your spirit is with the Lord and I know that one sweet day, we will see you again as we celebrate at the throne of glory
Lessons gathered from Jaden’s life:
1. Time is an asset given to us freely by God…lets make use of it wisely and to the glory of God.
2. Our faith is in Christ alone , the author and finisher and faith is the only language that God understands. Let us endeavor to build it.
3. Never withhold to show love to those who are dear to you….a times you only have limited time to do so
4. As men we make plans but God alone has the final say.
We love you so much Jaden and may the lord rest your soul in eternal peace!
  
 

Comments

waitingarms said…
Your husband's eulogy is so touching and you guys are showing such amazing strength and grace. May the Lord continue to hold you close.
20 November 2012 at 10:53
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