Seth Cook–Joyous Giant

He was full of life … He may have been short in stature, but he was a giant (as shared by Seth’s dad, Kyle Cook, to reporter Carol Smith in the Seattle PI).

Seth Cook

I was first introduced to Seth in 2006, when our family watched an edition of Dateline NBC. At the time, our sons were seven and eight. Needless to say, we were smitten by this boy who exuded joy despite being trapped in an old man’s body.

Merely the size of a toddler when interviewed by Rob Stafford, Seth was in sixth grade. Diagnosed with Progeria at the age of two, this self-professed math-hater inspired our boys. Each was amazed by his story–his sense of humor and courage–and an idea was born!

“Let’s send Seth a Bible,” one son suggested after the show ended. “He said he loves Jesus!”

“Yes, and don’t forget treats for his dog Bullet,” the other exclaimed. “And maybe some bubbles too!”

Pen Pals

I wrote the next day, asking the producers via email how one might write to the Cook family who lived in the small town of Darrington, WA. Imagine my surprise when we received a response.

By week’s end, we’d assembled our care package, then sent it with a prayer. Several weeks later, we were thrilled to receive a letter back, along with a black and white photograph of Seth.

This began a friendship, too, between me and Seth’s mom Patti. She wrote the next month, including a cassette tape of Seth’s personal testimony given at their church.

Our family listened as Seth shared how he’d accepted Jesus at the age of four while grocery shopping with his nana. How he faced Progeria with courage, sharing how he persevered with joy, even in the face of this life-threatening giant–a disease that, as he stated in an interview, wasn’t so much a burden as a blessing.

“I’m one of 40 kids in the whole wide world that has Progeria, so it’s really neat!”

Bill and I planned to travel to Seattle in late 2006. Not too far from Darrington, Patti and I began to talk about how we might meet while I was there.

Although the boys couldn’t be with us, I knew they’d be happy, even if it was just me who had the opportunity to spend time with this teenager who was an inspiration.

And I was looking forward to meeting Patti too–her words in our exchange of letters an encouragement as she spoke of leaning on Christ in the face of her son’s certain decline, which would inevitably lead to his death.

In one letter, Patti wrote–

How can we know our true worth if there’s no ‘refining fire’? It’s during our struggles that we remember God’s faithfulness and mercy. It’s those struggles that give us a chance to display God’s faithfulness and mercy to others in our lives. Sometimes we fail, but we can learn from that. Other times we’re a reflection of God’s glory. That’s when God says, ‘That’s my Girl!’

Joyous Meeting

How wonderful then when, during our visit to the west coast, I was able to meet Patti and Seth at a Red Robin restaurant. Having arrived a few minutes early, I watched through the window as Patti parked her car, then gathered small Seth into her arms before carrying him inside and to our table.

For an hour, we visited over milkshakes. Seth had suffered a stroke and was quiet, but he smiled shyly, even presenting me with a gift.

Opening the colorful bag, I discovered a plastic Jack-O’-lantern. “For your boys,” Seth said. “Tell them thank you again for sending me the Bible. Oh, and that Bullet loved his bubbles!”

Patti and I visited like old friends, and I learned her husband Kyle was originally from the mountains of western North Carolina.

“Do you ever get back?” I asked, hopeful they did.

“No. I’ve never been, and Kyle hasn’t been in years. Maybe one day…” Her voice trailed off.

And I understood.

So much of “one day” fell on one side or the other of the hurdles concerning Seth’s health. There was no way to say “one day” without wondering if it would come prior to or after his passing, because, without a miracle, those who suffer from Progeria only have a lifespan of about thirteen years–the age Seth was at the time of our meeting.

Joyous Home-Going

And today?

There are no more hurdles to overcome. Seth’s now with Jesus, having passed into His keeping on June 25, 2007, just a month shy of his 14th birthday and only nine months after our west coast visit.

I know Patti’s heart is at peace. Despite loving him so, she always knew Seth’s earthly life would be brief, that his happiest moments would be spent in heaven–free from arthritis, brittle bones, and the cardiac conditions so common for those with Progeria.

And although I only met him once, Seth taught me, as well as many, so much about looking to Jesus–about having joy, even when facing giants.

Seth’s Weapon?

His personal testimony and the manner in which he lived his short life tell it best. Like David’s smooth stones and a sling, Seth, too, had a weapon. It was God’s Word he wielded to claim victory.

BE COURAGEOUS!

As Joshua 1:9 says–

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

PERSEVERE!

As Hebrews 12:1-2 says–

… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured [death] ….

STAY STRONG.

Yes, even when sickness and other results of life’s imperfections make you weak! After all, the death rate is the same for everyone–not just for those suffering with diseases like Progeria. In truth, 100% of all people will one day die, but Jesus conquered death, and He gives us strength, even as one faces death.

Revelation 21:4 says-

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Oh, to have known him longer! But I’m so thankful we have the gift of eternal life through Jesus, and I know I’ll see Seth again one day.

Joyous Reunion!

How thrilled I was to finally see Seth’s mom Patti again, as well as to meet her husband Kyle.

After all the years, they finally made a visit east, offering my husband and me the opportunity to share a meal with them, catch up on life.

During dinner, we reflected upon how we first met, how Seth was the connector for two women who were destined by God to be friends. Yes, sisters!

One poignant memory for us both was when I wrote to Patti some time ago, asking permission to write a bit of Seth’s story. With tears, she reminded me what had happened just prior to reading my email, which we both knew was confirmation from the Lord.

I don’t dream of Seth often. But I did yesterday. He was healthy… And after giving our dog some affection and pets, he climbed into bed and laid [his head] on the pillow next to mine, stroked my hair and held my hand, then asked me how I’d slept. So him! What a wonderful way to start the day!

And what affirmation from a loving Father! He is the Giver of good gifts, always according to His perfect timing! Patti has the assurance that she and Kyle will one day see their son again–healed and whole–because, as she also wrote–

There are no geriatrics in heaven.

Such faith–another example of how Patti, too, has been an inspiration, the death of her only son certainly a refining fire. Through it, she is indeed a reflection of God’s glory, and I can almost hear Him say of her–

Yep! That’s my Girl!

Dear Jesus, please tell Seth hello! Tell him thank you for being a lot like Your boy David–the one who fought Goliath. Though Seth, too, was small–his life short–he showed the world that those with hearts like Yours always win, and he gave us a great BIG gift by showing us the secret of unceasing JOY.  

Oh, and thank you, Jesus, for my friend Patti. She really is Your Girl, and she sure looks a lot like You! Amen.

***To see and hear a bit of Seth’s story from that 2006 episode of Dateline NBC, click here! I promise you won’t be disappointed!***