If we will admit it (and most of us won't), we are collectively fascinated by tragedy. From the catastrophic earthquake in Nepal, to rioting in Baltimore, and school shootings in various places in the United States, from terrorist attacks all over the world to genocide in faraway countries, we watch with rapt attention while these horrific events unfold. If there is a God in charge of the universe, what could He possibly be thinking? And again, (if we will simply admit it), somewhere deep inside we secretly celebrate the fact that is it happening over there, out there - anywhere but here. We like to believe it could never happen to us.
However it doesn't always happen to somebody out there or over there. Sometimes it happens right here.
The death of a child is not only the most horrific type of tragedy but also a parent’s worst nightmare. We realize we have lost something we never imagined we could lose. To lose a child to chronic illness is bad enough, but to lose a child as the result of senseless irresponsibility is beyond words. If God does have a plan for each of us, then perhaps that plan seems to make no sense at all. When faced with such a mind-numbing event, what do we do? Overwhelmed with grief, many simply give up. Some never recover. Only a few take action and vow to do something to help others prevent these types of tragedies. David Ingerson is one of the latter. A stalwart supporter of safe blood donation, he encourages everyone who is qualified and risk-free to become a regular blood donor. He supports his local blood center, LifeShare Blood Centers in Shreveport, Louisiana. More information on the organization is available at their website.
'The Caleb Years' is a refreshing and inspirational account of the author’s journey through the treacherous waters of uncertainty and the deep emotional wounds parents of a chronically ill child must endure. The author’s vivid descriptions of each circumstance and deeply compelling emotion puts readers in the middle of his story. Even more importantly, this inspirational book will help readers understand their own life story.
Although we may not be able to determine the final outcome, we can decide how we are going to live each day – with hope and thankfulness or with bitterness. David Ingerson and his family, as intensely described in this inspirational story chose the way of hope--even when facing Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and the dread of HIV. While it did not take away their pain, it did give them the strength to live with meaning even when God didn’t seem to make sense.
"I wrote this book," Ingerson stated, "to encourage others that although there will be times in our lives when we face trials seemingly beyond our ability to endure, we can live through these dark valleys of loneliness and agony if we will be patient and honest with our difficult emotions. Although the years of our son's short life were characterized by intense medical drama, agonizing turmoil and uncertainty wherein we daily faced the unnerving possibility or our son's early death, the years immediately following his untimely death were filled with numbing sorrow, grief and pain. Somehow, we chose to live and eventually rose above the anguish of those years that came to be known as the 'Caleb years'. As I reflected back upon the dismal despair I'd lived through during those years, I began to realize that I had a story to tell that could be helpful for someone else.Hence, came 'The Caleb Years'."
'The Caleb Years' has received rave reviews from readers. Phillip Yancey, 'NYT' best-selling author of 'The Jesus I Never Knew' stated, “I have read the full account of Caleb’s life in The Caleb Years, and I’m glad I did. Especially, I appreciated that David didn’t offer saccharine answers. He showed the raw, up-and-down vulnerability that always accompanies such a trial.”
Eugene H. Peterson, best-selling author and Professor Emeritus Of Spiritual Theology at Regent College said "Caleb was born with several undiagnosed congenital anomalies and endured ten major surgeries. His father writes the story, saturated with both pain and prayer, but remarkably without a trace of bitterness. His marvelous witness written with such skill, crafted in language honest and vivid, will not fail to deepen the faith and joy of all who trust God."
David Ingerson is available for interviews and speaking engagements and can be reached using the information below or by email at thecalebyears@aol.com. 'The Caleb Years' is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Walmart and many other retail book outlets. More information, including samples from the book, testimonials, endorsements and author interviews are available at Ingerson's website at http://www.TheCalebYears.com.
About David Ingerson:
David P. Ingerson is an exciting communicator who has spoken to audiences around the world. During his twenty years as a U.S. Air Force officer and pilot he traveled extensively and lived abroad with his family. From the time he was ordained as a teacher and evangelist while serving in Okinawa, Japan, he has trained and led teams on short-term missions to the Philippines and Cambodia declaring the Good News with compelling, inspirational stories. As a corporate pilot he has traveled to nearly every country on five continents and takes with him great respect and appreciation for the myriad of cultures he encounters.
Having suffered his own share of trials and setbacks as an entrepreneur, he encourages both employees and customers to rise above life’s difficulties and griefs.
Given his track record of overcoming challenges, David has credibility when he exhorts others that the path to success is found and walked with intentionality and hard work rather than glamour and ease. He is genuine and passionate as he encourages his listeners to honestly admit their life’s challenges and disappointments. Through his personal inspirational story of triumph through tragedy, he spurs others to rise above life’s frustrations and overcome in spite of intimidating obstacles—even as dreadful as facing Congenital Heart Defects (CHD), HIV and grieving the death of a child.
David and his wife, Kathleen, are the parents of five children and make their home in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Contact:
David Ingerson
thecalebyears@aol.com
http://www.TheCalebYears.com
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