In Memory of Dalton James: Assist His Family

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for any considerations/donations you may choose to make. Every bit counts. My name is Richard Lubben and I have served, and continue to serve, the last 15 years as an active duty servicemember in the United States Air Force. Over the weekend my step-son, Dalton James, passed away suddenly one month after turning 15 years old. Dalton is survived by myself, his mother, Raelynn, and Austin (10) his little brother. Dalton never had a chance to enjoy life the way many of us do. For all intents and purposes Dalton was going to be born a happy and healthy child with no indicators pointing to anything other than a routine child birth. Dalton experienced a traumatic delivery and was without oxygen for an extended amount of time leading to irreparable brain damage. Daltons primary diagnosis was Cerebral Palsy and was initially counted out by his original care team telling Raelynn that he would not live for long. Dalton, being the fighter he is, beat the odds and survived. Dalton could not talk, had very minimal vision, could not walk (wheelchair bound), and lived on a liquid diet delivered by G/J tube. Daltons life would not be easy. Our lives would not be easy. None of that mattered. Dalton was amazing. Although he could not speak... he was a DRAMA KING! That boy, through sounds and facial expression, would let you know how he felt. He loved weird noises. He had the most infectious smile and laugh. He loved when I would sing "screamo" music to him. He HATED Taylor Swift (sorry Swifties!). He loved Disney movies. He loved being read to by his little brother. He loved when I would dramatically count to 3 and wiggle his arms or legs. He loved when I'd come into his room in the morning to get him up. He was not my blood but he IS my son. The morning of 24 November 2024, the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, our world changed. It rained the entire week leading up then, as if he was looking down and gifting it to us knowing we'd need it, that day was bright and sunny and beautiful. I walked into his room, as his brother watched cartoons in the nearby living room, and he didn't pick his head up to greet me like usual. Initially I thought nothing of it and assumed he may have been extra sleepy as he's done in the past. I moved his blanket and the terror set in as I looked at him laying there lifeless. I truly hope no parent ever has to experience that feeling. My only solace is that he looked peaceful and that he just... went to sleep and chose not to wake up. The rest of that day was a whirlwind of emotions. Anger. Sadness. Regrets. The "what if's." Then the barrage of questions about things you were nowhere near ready to answer "what funeral home do you want him to go to," "what do you want to do with the body," "what services are you planning," "have you notified etc, etc, etc, etc." I just wanted to yell and scream and rage and hit a pause button on the world. Now, here we are, only 2 days later at the time of making this hopeful crowd fund. I still haven't processed that days events. I am not ready to move on with life.... but we do have things that have to happen and, unfortunately, we had to learn that death is ridiculously expensive. The "sticker shock" at the price lists from all of these funeral homes. I am not expecting anything from anyone but you miss 100% of the shots you don't take so here I am, asking for any help you can see it in your heart to provide. From myself, Rae, and Austin I truly am thankful that you've read this far and I hope you are having a good day. I will sign this off the same way I say goodbye to everyone in person... I love your face ♥️