A celebration of Cora's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, at Grace Community Church, 1600 S. Anderson Rd. Newton, Kansas.
Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in rural Elbing.
In lieu of sending flowers, a memorial has been established to construct the Cora Playground, an extension of the children's ministries department at Grace Community Church.
posted by the mcclenahans @ 9:54 PM
387 Comments:
Praying for you and your family for strength and peace. Blessings from Michigan.
My deepest sympathy. The prayers of our family is with you & our hearts ache for your loss! You never walk alone...let the Lord carry you.
Praying for your family during this difficult time.
We've been praying for you all week - ever since we found out about Cora. Our prayers are with you now - for peace from above. Know that your little angel is always watching over you. God Bless,
The Coueys, Benton KS
Prayers for you and your family from Texas
My husband and I would like to contribute to her memorial fund if an address or more information could be provided. Our prayers are with you.
We are SO sorry and saddened to hear of your beautiful little Cora's passing. We will continue to pray for you and your family and hope our donation helps build a play structure as beautiful as your little Cora deserves.
Oh I LOVE THIS IDEA! What a wonderful to continue Cora's beautiful little spirit. A playground...it's perfect.
Is there an address for donations? Also, an address where we might send cards?
I have to say, I can't sleep tonight. You have all been on my mind all day. I can't stop my tears. I am sorry this has happened to you. Thank you for sharing Cora with us. She is just the most beautiful little baby I have ever seen.
I walk with you today in your sorrow and although I can't imagine the grief you are feeling at this moment, you are in my thoughts and prayers at every moment. Please know that there are so many people out here thinking of you. None of us has the right words but we do care very deeply and are hoping your days get easier.
I am so sorry for your loss. My good friend just lost their 2 year old daughter a week ago to neuroblastoma. There are no words that can ease your pain. I am just ... so sorry. You are in my prayers, and I am sure she is playing with my friends daughter up in Heaven right now.
I will continue to pray for you and your family during this most difficult time. At a time like this what keeps coming to mind is, "The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you." God bless you.
I would like to contribute to Cora's memorial fund. I think the Cora playground is a beautiful way to remember her. Is there any more information on where to contribute?
my heart breaks for you. i am praying you will find comfort and strength in the arms of jesus.
great idea for the playground.
love you guys so much. see you tomorrow night. :)
I just read about your precious little girl on another blog, and want you to know I will be praying for you and your family.
Sending you love and prayers.
I will post this on my blog. Again, my sincerest condolences.
Just came across your blog and tears are falling down my checks and on to the keyboard. I pray for comfort for you and your families tonight. May God be ever present in your spirit even now, especially now. So very sorry for your loss. dg
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful little girl. God Bless.
Thinking of you...hurting for you...praying for you. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. I know God's arms are around you even through the deepest pain you must be enduring.
I know you don't know me but how I wish I lived close enough to attend. I would love to contribute to Cora's memory, if more info was provided. I am heartbroken for you and continue to mournfully pray for you. There are no words sufficient enough to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss of sweet Cora. My heart is heavy with grief for you. I pray that the Lord will allow me to carry a part of your pain, so that you won't have to carry the weight alone.
Love, hugs and prayers,
Heather~ On the Homefront
Please know that we are praying and grieving for you in Ohio. Thanks for allowing us to get to know your precious little one. She was beautiful.
Much love and comforting thoughts coming to your family from TN.
I am so sorry for your loss.
What a blessing your sweet Cora's life has been.
I'm so thankful for the testimony of your family during this difficult-to-understand time.
Thank you for sharing Cora with us and for being such a light in the face of darkness!
I cannot even begin to understand the sorrow and loss you must be feeling.
Be comforted in God and know you WILL see your little girl whole again...
i am so very sorry for your loss. my heart breaks and tears are in my eyes as i type this. know that people are praying for you.
Dear Mac Family-
I don't know you, but my heart aches for you. May the comforter be with you and hold you up.
You are in my prayers.
My heart aches for you and your family. You are in my prayers. May our Savior's love comfort and sustain you through this difficult time.
Dear Cora, today you earned your wings. Enjoy heaven, where you can play, sing, and laugh! Though you will be missed, just know that your parents will be okay. God is already sending his healing love to them. - Family in Christ, The Kalkofen from south Texas.
I am heartbroken that you are having to go through this. Prayers of peace and comfort are being directed your way.
I think Cora's Playground will be an amazing way for you and others to honor the life of your precious little girl.
May God continue to wrap his loving arms around you during this time.
My heart continues to grieve. I have cried all day, and held my 10 month old daughter harder and more than ever today Im so confused and have so many answers as to the sudden change for todays shocking turn of events. I am so deeply sad and I hurt and pray for these two parents who have just had their breaths taken away and their hearts crushed. I only pray that we all truly believe in the God we say we believe and we focus on the beautiful image of a happy healed and pain free Cora dancing around like the princess she is....smiling at Jesus, because there are no tear in heaven. I pray that God help this family, and all of us to know and understand what we are to learn and do with this loss today. And that he comfort this family and truly let them know today that he loves them as he always has.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with us. I have read through your blog from start to finish today and I cry, because she reminds me so much of my own. I fell in love with her the day I started to read your blog.
You do not cry alone today.......
Im sorry!
God bless you.
Many people probably feel this way...if I were closer I would want to be at the service. You all are about six hours north. Know that prayers continue to go up.
You are both in my prayers - my tears have been falling for you all day, and you are on my mind constantly. God is with you and has something great planned for you. It is evident that your faith is strong. Even though we don't know each other, you have been a blessing to me and my family. God bless...
In 1628 the English poet Robert Herrick wrote this for the headstone of his beloved baby daughter who died suddenly at the age of two:
Here a pretty baby lies
Sung asleep with lullabies:
Pray be silent and not stir
The easy earth that covers her.
That little rhyme has stuck in my head all these years. We are so sorry this has happened to your family. Take comfort in one another.
God Bless you,
The Cooks- Mark, Cyndy, Patrick, Anna, Andrew and Jack
Akron, Ohio
I just can't find find the words though my tears.I am so Torn! I am so sorry!!! My prayers are with forever!
Deepest sympathies from my family.
praying for God's peace
praying for God's strength
crying out for His return
when every tear will be wiped away
and there will be no more sadness
words are not adequate
cancer took my mother from me before she ever got to be a grandmother to my baby girl. we dedicated our church nursery in her name because she was always working in the nursery. i like to think she is in Heaven's nursery and is welcoming sweet Cora and while that is nice, I wish we could have both of them here instead.
I am so sorry. I know we don't know each other but I wish I could just put my arms around you and just offer you the smallest amount of comfort. I just found your blog this week. My heart is broken for you and your husband. We will be praying for comfort and peace for you both.
Love,
The Clarks
You don't know me, and there's really no right words to say, but I am so sorry for your loss! I can't even imagine.
Praying for you and your family.
What a beautiful idea-the playground at Grace Community Church. All the children at Grace will always remember and know about your little Cora each time they play there. What a beautiful angel that will be watching over that playground too. God bless you Macs.
Praying for your family.
This is the Krebs Family (we heard about Cora through your friends Jeremy and Amy. Just want to tell you we are praying for you and so so sorry for your loss!! May Jesus be your strength and comfort in the coming days and months.
Psalm 105:4 "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."
Please post an address where contributions can be made to the memorial.
I do not know you..but I am praying for you.
We are praying for your family to get through this difficult time and hoping that you will be comforted. We are so so sorry for your loss. Blessings from Idaho
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Amy
Someone sent this poem to me when my baby girl passed away and it brought me comfort. Perhaps it will touch your heart as well.
“I’ll lend you for a little while a child of Mine,” He said.
“For you to love while she lives, and mourn for when she’s dead.
It may be ten or eleven months, or twenty-two or three,
But, will you, till I call her back, take care of her for ME?”
She’ll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You’ll have her lovely memories, as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked the wide world over in My search for parents true,
And from the throngs that crown life’s lanes, I have selected YOU.
Now, will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain
Nor hate Me, when I come to call, to take her back again?”
I fancied that I heard them say “Dear Lord, Thy will be done!”
For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter her with tenderness, we’ll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known, forever grateful stay;
And should the angels call for her, much sooner than we’d planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
I pray that you hold on to your faith and know that even though you have to walk this heartbreaking path today, there is a time that you look back on Cora's life with joy and peace. God Bless you.
I love you all and owe so much to you. Thank you for sharing your sweet baby girl with us. My relationship with Christ has changed since I started following Cora's story. She has changed my life, and I'm sure lots of others, too. What a legacy...
prayers being said for the family.
Sending you love from Colorado. Love to you and to Cora.
Praying for you!
God bless you during this time. I wish there were more I could say or do. Love and prayers for you.
I came across your blog from another blog, Your family is in my prayers. My heart is breaking for you.
My deepest sympathy. I am praying for you and your family. God Bless.
My heart breaks for you. I know the Lord, Our God will continue to lead you through this wilderness. Cora is with him and as wonderful as that is I know your only wish would be to hold her. God gave you a gift to cherish, remember and care for, for her short time on earth. No one could have done it better than you. god Bless you
Prayers for you and your family, my deepest sympathy, from Southern California Chino Hills.
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My deepest sympathy for your family. Thank you for sharing your journey during this difficult time and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings from Alabama
Elizabeth
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful angel girl. My heart is broken for you and your husband. I pray that the Lord will carry you through this dark time and minister to your broken hearts, as well. Earnest prayers are being offered for you here in Mississippi.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
My wife Karen & I wanted to pass on our prayers to the both of you during this time of grief.....
We have been following the progress of Cora (via your blog) for many weeks and let you know that our hearts are aching for you and your loss.
May God Bless you both...from New Jersey
Praying for you and your family. I am so very sorry.
May you feel God's love surround you and hold you during this unimagineable time.
hugs from Arizona
May Cora rest in peace, be so thankful for you time with your precious angel! I wish I could take your pain away. Know that soon your sadness will be overcome by all the great memories you had with your amazing daughter.
So much love, Monica and Ivy
May God Bless You and keep You in his safe embrace. I pray that sweet angel Cora finds serenity with Jesus by her side. May your family find hope and strength in each other and in God.
xoxo Laura
Toronto, Canada
May the God of all peace and comfort carry you, Jess and Joel! I will continue to pray for you each morning (your night) as you grieve the loss of your darling daughter.
In Christ's love,
Cathy Mitchell
Bucharest, Romania
Littel Cora has become dear to my heart. Since I heard about her, I have prayed for her and the family every day. My computer was down for a couple days until this evening. My heart dropped when I saw she has passed on; we must continue to have faith that God knows what He is doing.You now have your own special angel watching over you. I pray God gives you great comfort and peace knowing she is in the arms of Jesus.
The Browns, Lincoln NE
Lifting your sweet family up to the Lord. I am so so sorry for your loss.
I found you via a comment left on MckMama's blog (mycharmingkids.net) and I just had to let you know how sorry I am for your terrible loss. It's unimaginable and while there is nothing none of us can say that will help all that much, please know that there are complete strangers that care. I am praying for your family!!
Jess and Joel, my heart is so full for you both...for your extended family also... We lost our second son a week and a day before his 2nd b'day several years ago. I hope you both will continue to cling hard to the Lord and to each other. Men & women grieve differently and we have to allow that in our beloved, but we also have to cling together as this is a very hard storm for any marriage to withstand. With Jesus it's a storm and a journey I'd never have anyone have to walk through, but with Jesus, it is surmountable. Anyway, I'm a stranger and I only heard of Cora's life today and I still grieve for you both. We will be praying for you for the coming days and months of "fog" and for "joy to be found in the morning"...
In Him,
Donna C
http://donnac.com/index_bio.htm
(our story)
I am so sorry for the loss of your baby girl. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
We are praying for your family during this very difficult time. What a beautiful idea to carry on your daughter's spirit and memory in a playground.
The Leggetts
Mulvane, KS
You have been heavy on my heart and I am praying hourly for you. I have been following your blog since the beginning of all this, and have been touched by your love and commitment to Christ. Thank you for sharing His love during this horrific time. I lost my mom and have asked why, which I am sure you are doing. It sounds like you have a wonderful support group, and of course have the most wonderful support of all: Jesus. I am deeply committed to you all and to praying for you all right now and are putting you at your Savior's feet. Golly..Cora has seen Jesus..amazing.
My heart cries with you....
I have no words....only a Chrisian love, from a stranger in Arizona.
God Bless you all...
May God hold you all in the palm of his hand. I am so sorry he has asked you to endure the loss of your sweet daughter. That has to be the hardest possible thing for any parent. I'm so very sorry.
I am so extremely heartbroken to hear of your loss.
I will be praying for comfort for you in the coming days and months.
Words escape me.
My deepest sympathy. Prayers for you and your family.
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Oh Dear Father... I don't even know what to say other than I just stumbled upon this blog... tears are streaming down my face and my heart goes out to you in every way. May He hold you, may He carry you, may your strength come from Him alone. There are no words, but please know my family will remember you in our prayers!!!!
Joel and Jess - You don't know me, but I used to attend GCC. I found out about your situation thru some friends that I have that still attend there, and have been praying for you and your family. I know what it is like to lose a child, and pray that God will give you the strength you need during these times. May God be a blessing thru Cora's life at the ceremony today. May He also use Cora's life to be a blessing to those around you and to those who might attend the ceremony that need Jesus. We will be praying for HIS will to be done!
In Christ,
Karen
I am so sorry for your loss. I came here thru Thrifty decor chick's blog. this is something that no parent should ever have to go thru. i hope GOD gives you the courage and strength in such a difficult time. Prayers from our family to yours.
our love for Cora will continue on in everything we do and see.
please, if you feel you need anything included in our prayers, do write about it, everyone will help.
Below is the website for the McClenahans' church.
They may be able to help direct those wanting to give. They have contact info on the website.
www.gcc-online.org
I am so sorry! I don't know you but we have a mutual friend who let us know about Cora through our Sunday School class. My heart breaks for you.
Two things I wanted you to know. One, that your blog has been a blessing to me, your faith ever present and obvious to all, these verses came to my mind as I read your blog, from Psalm 42. Verse 11, "Why are you downcast, oh my soul? Why so disturbed wihin me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my savior and my God!" and verse 8, "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life."
You have shown such strength, praising God through all your struggles, putting your hope in him and trusting him even through something as awful as this, it has been a strong witness to everyone who comes across you. I pray now that by day God would pour out his unfailing love on you and hold you through each night with his song.
I also wanted to share an experience of mine with you, maybe it will help you a little. When I was five I woke up one night to find that my room was full of light. It was not sun light or electric light from a bulb, there were no shadows though I could see that it was brighter still outside. Even though the whole house was full of this light my little brother lay sleeping soundly in the bunk below mine and when I went to my parents' room they were also deeply asleep. I decided to go outside to see where all the light was coming from. I stood for a moment on our porch and didn't see anything unusual and then I felt propeled forward and I went to the edge of our yard where there was a fence and on the other side of that, a pasture with a valley and one lone tree. I climbed under the fence as I stood up I saw Jesus standing at the bottom of the hill beside the tree and he smilled and streched out his arms to me. My heart lept with joy and I ran down the hill into his arms and he threw me up and swung me around before hugging me close and setteling me on his lap. I don't know how much time I spent there with him, it felt like a long time and we talked together though I don't remember what we talked about. I just remember that I felt completely happy, completely loved, completely understood and fully known. After a long time Jesus told me that it was time to go back. I didn't want to go and asked why I couldn't stay with him and he told me that it wasn't time for me to stay with him yet and that I had a mother and father and little brother who would be waking up soon and would be very sad if I was not there. I asked please could I please stay with him and he said no, it was time for me to go back to my family before they woke up. I got down from his lap after another hug and started trudging up the hill, very consiously trying to look as sad as I possibly could so that maybe he would feel sorry for me and let me stay. Then he called my name and I whirled around hoping it had worked! Instead he simply said, "Laura, I love you, and remember you can always talk to me in prayer." I remember walking back up to the house and climbing into bed and the next morning I told my mom the whole story and she wrote it down for me in a journal she kept. Through out my life the memory of that night has carried me and given me strength. I can still remember what it felt like to be held in his arms. I hope that my story gives you some comfort, and I pray that you can also feel his arms surrounding you and know that your little girl is safe in his loving arms as well. I can only imagine the pain of not being able to hold her yourself.
My prayers are with you.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Cora with me. Your strong love and faith in God is an inspiration to me. May God keep you close and comfort you in this extremely difficult time.
I have been following your blog for the last two weeks and have been thinking about you and praying for you guys since I first heard about Cora. My heart is broken for you. My son was born on the same day as Cora and I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. May you find peace in Christ's love and knowing that she is with Him now! Praying for you in Indoneisa.
I'm sending you my prayers and may God bless you and your family with love, support and comfort that you need the most. Young
I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers
from Portugal my thoughts are with you. I have a baby girl same age as cora ... just wish I could hug you ...
I pray for you...I pray and hope that you will find the courage to go on. Please do not give up on each other...
Irini-Greece
May you find comfort in knowing that Cora is in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May our Lord wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you both as only He can.
I have been following your blog recently and was so sad to here your news yesterday. I know Cora is dancing with Jesus but that she will be sorely missed here on earth. Here is a quote I hope will encourage you ...
"Clearly, accomplishment in life cannot be measured in terms of years alone. It often happens that those that die young have accomplished more than others who live to old age. Even infants, who sometimes have been with their parents only a few days, or even hours, may leave profound influences that change the entire course of the life of the family. And undoubtedly, from the Divine viewpoint, the specific purpose for which they were sent into the world was accomplished. It is our right neither to take life prematurely, nor to insist on its extension beyond the mark that God has set for it."
love justina nd jenny - Cape Town, South Africa
My prayers are with your family to give you strength during this very difficult time. I know what you are going through and no parent should ever have to feel this pain. God bless you and know that your little Cora is playing in Heaven with my little Nick. God bless you all.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracy in Alabama
What a wonderful way to celebrate Cora with a playground.
I am thinking of you today and sending you my love .
Chris
Canada
"How very softly you tiptoed into our world. Only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint you have left on our hearts."
Your an amazing family and we are all praying for your healing and blessed to have known cora..she will forever me in our hearts.
Thank you for sharing your sweet, beautiful Cora with us. Words cannot express how deeply sad I am to hear of her passing. I pray that you can feel the arms of God surrounding you and that His peace fills your heart. Blessings to you from Minnesota.
I just found your blog through another one and have read back since you first found out about Cora's illness. I can't believe how quickly this was...My heart breaks for you and there is nothing I can do but pray. I know from reading that your faith is strong and it will be God who WILL supply all your needs. We are praying for you in Alabama.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Please know we are praying for you and your family.
Oh how my heart breaks for you and your family - all my thoughts and prayers!
Linda
my heart is aching for you right now. you and your precious family are in my thoughts and prayers. sending you hugs and much love, jenny
We do not know your family personally, but our hearts goes out to you in this difficult time. Please know that you are not alone in this...God will be with you throughout and help you get through this difficult time.
Love and prayers...
Praying you all through this week. May the Lord comfort and keep you as you continue to place your trust in Him.
Your daughter's story has just touched my heart in so many ways. Please let us readers know where we can send a donation as well. I have hugged my children extra hard this morning and will continue to pray for your family in this time of loss.
Raeanne in Indiana
I am so sorry for your loss.
Condolences from Perth, Australia.
so so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. May you feel God's presence and love today.
I am praying for you and your family.
((Hugs))
Linda @ My Trendy Tykes
I lift my prayers and STRENGTH up for you! May you hold on to GOD and know she's in HEAVEN waiting for you...at peace, no pain, and in the arms of JEsus.
HUGS!!!
There are just no words...
Praying for in this most difficult time.
We love you guys.
If there's anything we can do to help, please let us know.
Please let me know where I can send a donation for Cora's Playground...I also want to share this information on my blog...
My prayers are still with you, as well as with Cora who is now a beautiful angel.
I don't pretend to think that even all our comments will offer you any comfort, but we have been praying for you for the past month and will continue to do so.
We will be at sweet Cora's service in spirit.
Your sister in Christ in North Carolina
I do not know your family, just seen you on other's blogs, asking for prayer.
No words ever feel appropriate, no bits of wisdom seem to be enough...
We are praying for you.
Praying for you to find comfort in our heavenly Father.
Carrie
i only learned of sweet cora and your beautiful family last week through angie's blog, but upon reading your stories i instantly felt a connection with you all and began praying round the clock for each of you. my daughter is exactly 39 minutes younger than cora and as soon as i saw cora's picture a week ago, i knew that she and reece were nearly the same age--it wasn't until today when i looked back through your posts that i figured out exactly how close in age they are. i also grew up in kansas and lived my favorite childhood years in wichita. i want you to know that i will lift you up in prayer every day to our dear savior, who alone knows why calling lovely little cora to him seemingly early fits perfectly into his sovereign plan. may he heal your wounds and carry you as you grieve.
I am so sorry for the loss of you precious daughter. My family is praying for you and yours during this time and the days, weeks and months to come. We lost our only son at birth, almost 6 years ago. There is a book that brought us much comfort. It is called "Safe in the arms of God," by John Macarthur.
I came across your blog a little over a week ago. I have been praying for your family ever since then. I have posted a piece of your story on my blog www.mmdivito.blogspot.com and just wanted you to know, that my family and friends in south Florida are praying for you too.
Words cannot begin to express how sad we are for your loss. But what a beautiful way to remember Cora. We will most definitely be continuing to pray for your family and Sweet Cora.
The Reeds in Arkansas
There are no words that I can utter that will bring you the comfort and the peace you probably depserately need, but I can pray and ask God for speed in bringing healing. Your daughter was a gorgeous delightful spirit and she is thankfully in Gods hands and is now "all better". My heart and prayers go out to you.
Praying for you and your family from Shawnee, Ok. God Bless each and every one of you.
Praying for you today as you prepare your hearts for tomorrow. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. May the Lord bring indescribable comfort and peace to you today dear ones!
I am so very sorry. I have been through this when we lost our little one at 15 months and there is nothing I can say to make it easier for you,nothing to take away the pain.Your beautiful little Cora touched so may lives, so many hearts, thank you for sharing her with us.If you need someone to talk to,please contact me.dadjz1969@gmail.com.
I am completely heartbroken about the loss of Cora. Thank you for sharing her life with us all. And thank you for being an encouragement to all who come across your blog, your faithfulness in Jesus Christ will not be forgotten. Your family is so special, I can't wait to meet Cora in heaven.
Praying for you and your family. A friend came across your site, and has solicited prayer from our church family for you. Know that many in the family of Christ are lifting you up today. Our hearts break for your loss. Praying for strength and the intimate presence of our Father to comfort you today.
My heart hurts for you. I have been reading your blog for just a few weeks, but what an impact it has had around the world! May you find strength and comfort at this time.
I Will Carry You -
There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?
People say I'm brave, but I'm not
Truth is I'm barely hanging on
But there's a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this
So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One whose chosen me
To carry you
Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says.....
I've shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who would love her like this?
I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One whose chosen Me
To carry you
I write this today with a heavy heart. I can't imagine your pain, but you are still in my prayers as you have been since hearing about Cora. God be with you and all your families during this time.
my deepest sympathy to the family..my heart goes out to you.such a sad time ,but god will give you the strength .im so sorry for your loss..may god bless you and your family...
You don't know me, but I have been praying for baby Cora since I heard about her. My heart is heavy today. God bless you and your sweet baby in heaven.
My deepest sympathy,
Adri Miami, Fl
We are praying for you over here in Germany!
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:7
I pray for you, peace & comfort to be found in the palms of His hands. May the Lord bless you & keep you close, always.
Destin, Florida
My deepest sympanty.
My heart aches for your loss.
Praying for your family.
~TidyMom
"When we have done all the work we were sent to Earth to do, we are allowed to shed our body, which imprisons our soul like a cocoon encloses the future butterfly.
And when the time is right, we can let go of it and we will be free of pain, free of fears and worries... free as a very beautiful butterfly, returning home to God."
-From a letter Elisabeth Kubler-Ross wrote to a child with cancer.
I would love some more information on how to contribute. Your story made it's way to Canada, is there some way I can contribute via. PayPal? The idea of a playground for Cora makes me smile.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending love from New York City.
I am so sorry, I just read your story as my sister in law put it on her blog to pray for you - tears just made trails as i went through your back logs and see the short deep journey you covered the the preceding weeks...my heart breaks for you. I will be praying for you all. a fellow blogger and sister in Jesus....
So deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl. May God lead you through this valley until that wonderful day you are reunited with her again.
LORI
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I know God's strength will carry you.
Joel and Jess,
Such happy pictures in your blog of Cora. I loved all her facial expressions especially the one when she is in the sink/tub. Precious!! The other thing I noticed was that Cora had a special blanket from back in the beginning of the blog and then comforted her at the hospital.
My prayer for you is that you would remember that blanket of cover and protection is around you as well. You are covered in prayers and by the Master's Hand.
Thank you for sharing Cora's story and her life. I will continue praying for your amazing family.
Erica in CA
Friend of Brice and Heidi
Our deepest sympathy for your family. Thank you for sharing during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings from Ohio
Hello - found your blog through a link on twitter.
I cannot read your story, as I lost my seven-month-old niece last May after she fought for two months with five heart defects. It was far to difficult an experience to watch my Maeve pass, and then watch my sister and b-i-l pick up the pieces after she went to Heaven.
We are a tight family and have held together to wait for the pain to soften. You all and your beautiful angel Cora are in my prayers.
Beautiful Cora has touched so many lives and will always be in our hearts. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
The Nagle Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will continue to be in our prayers. Thanks for sharing your little girl with us.
Praying....
Praying for your family. I cannot seem to read enough about your precious daughter. My heart aches for you, but am encouraged as a fellow Christian that you know Jesus, how could you make it through the day without Him? Though I do not you know, you are being prayed for.
Beth
Phenix City, AL
My heart is aching right now for you..I have 6 babies in Heaven(due to miscarriage),and I feel deeply for you...You should check out Bring the Rain(blog)..it is an incredible story close to yours,it is very encouraging...also the song Glory Baby by Watermark was so healing to me...you are in my prayers.
You don't know me, but I have been following your blog for a while and praying daily for Cora and your family. Your little girl has touched my heart deeply and your family is in my prayers.
Tears are streaming down my cheeks from hearing this news. I know Cora is with Jesus and what could be better? But I also know she will be deeply and sorely missed here on earth. What a sweet, precious, and beautiful little girl. No wonder heaven wanted her back so soon! My prayers are with you.
praying for you. May love spread it's shine on your family again. God Bless.
My sympathy to Cora's family. I've been following your blog since Heidi B. sent an e-mail asking for prayers. What a beautiful girl. You were blessed for almost a year with an amazing little lady.
For those looking to donate to the playground fund, a quick Google search took me to the church's website:
http://www.gcc-online.org/
This site was also set up for the family and it can accept PayPal (as someone asked):
http://corapaige.blogspot.com:80/
Still praying today Jess. What a beautiful little angel Cora is. I wish I could take this pain away.
Many hugs and love......
Cristy Harder and family
My prayers are with you from Louisiana.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I've walked this path and it isn't easy, but God has carried me through and I know He will do the same for you. He never fails. There are so many people who truly do care. Allow them to love on you during this time and beyond. Cora is safe now. I will continue to pray for peace for you.
praying....still
Cora and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
I found your blog through another blog that I read and my heart sank to the pit of my stomach! I know that you do not know me, but I am a mother of two and I stopped what I was doing after reading this and I prayed....I prayed that God would hold you in his arms during this time of sadness. I will continue to pray for your family.
I am so so sorry. I can't imagine the heart break. You are in my prayers.
Little girl your father loves,
much more than we can know.
Little girl your mommy misses,
will the tears every stop their flow.
Little Girl, in your Father's arms,
you're missed oh, so much.
Little girl, your perfect now,
but your parents long to touch.
Little girl, bend your ear,
to Jesus as he prays.
"Father send your comfort down,
help mommy through this day".
Little Girl, time so short,
the world never knew you were here.
Little Girl, we do now,
and your memories we'll hold dear.
Little Girl, safe and warm,
rest in God's strong embrace.
Little girl, some day soon,
mommy and daddy will again kiss your face.
Fellow mommy in Christ
Your entire family is in my prayers. You have my heartfelt sympathy and my thoughts and prayers for peace and healing.
I have been watching your blog for over a week now and my heart just broke in half when I say that your sweet little Cora had passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
-- Prayers from Nebraska
You have my prayers and love during this difficult time.
I am so sorry.
My best to you and those you love.
Mercy is something so very difficult to understand.
She will always be with you.
Bobby
Sending my prayers from Oklahoma to your family. May you have strength to make it through.
Jess and Joel thank you so much for sharing your sweet baby Cora with all of us. Here is a poem that was read at our son Dylan's funeral.
Little one, little one,
Where have you gone?
Your going has darkened the brightest dawn.
Why did you leave us so soon, so soon?
Where can we look for you?
Over the moon?
On butterflies' wings?
In the heart of a rose?
Who knows, who knows?
Where a little one goes.
Where I have gone,
I am not so small.
My soul is as wide
As the world is tall.
I have gone to answer
The call, the call
of the one who takes
care of us all.
Wherever you look,
You will find me there-
In the heart of a rose,
In the heart of a prayer.
On butterflies' wings,
On wings of my own,
To you I'm gone,
But I'm never alone-
I'm over the moon.
I AM HOME.
I also would like to tell you about a song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "With Hope" this was also played for Dylan and we have found so much comfort in it.
Keep your faith and know that God will carry you during this time and always remember that Cora is safe in the arms of Jesus.
Love In Christ-
Kelly, Courtney, Dakota, Madylan and Lilliah Mayfield
In loving memory of our sweet baby boy Dylan and your sweet baby girl Cora. I'm sure that they are playing on the playground in Heaven together.
We also had a playground dedicated in Dylan's memory at our church Hope Community Church in Andover.
My heart breaks for you and your family. A playgraound is a perfect idea to continue the memory of Sweet baby Cora. Your family is in my prayers.
God Bless
I am praying for God to wrap his comforting arms around you and lift you up at this incredibly difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
The Tuckers, Cheney KS
We are praying for your entire family. I wish words could ease your pain!! We will pray for you in the days to come. May God wrap His arms around you.
Praying for you and family during this diffcult time. Let the Lord be with you all.
Praying His peace & comfort will bring you strength for today, and every day to come.
My sincere love and prayers are with you.
Christy
May you receive comfort from God in this time of mourning. He will lead you by still waters, and hide you in the shadow of His wings. Please know that I am praying for you and your family and please accept my sympathy.
Your family & sweet little baby are in my prayers.
prayers and tears are flowing for you and Baby Cora. I can't imagine the pain and loss you are feeling right now. I am so sorry.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. ((Hugs))
I'm so sorry; I've been praying since a friend from Gentle Christian Mother's asked for prayer. I am confident that Cora was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus and all the other little ones of heaven (like my daughter Hadassah) were there to offer her love and hugs.
I hurt for you!...and ask God to wrap His healing arms around you and speak peace into your hearts.
I too came across your journal via another. I wish I knew the right things to say to make things better, a little easier on you. Please know you are being thought of, and many prayers are being sent your way! Big huge hugs!!!!
P.S. I really like the playground idea, what a great way to keep her legacy!
I had never been to your blog before today. I saw a request for prayers for your family at another blog that I had never been to before today. I was truly saddened to discover that your family was going through this devastating experience.
To say one is sorry for what you are going through is not adequate to capture the essence of the sadness even a stranger can feel for the heartache that you are all experiencing.
I left a comment on a previous post earlier, but I came back to your blog to better get to know your family and the circumstances leading up to this post. I read with a heavy heart through misty eyes.
I know that there really isn't anything anyone can say that will take away the pain and the burden on your hearts right now. Time will heal some of the pain, but it won't move quickly enough, and sometimes it will seem as though it moved too fast.
What I came away with in reading through many of your earlier entries and the chronicle of special moments in the life of the sweet little person who blessed your life, was that she brought a lot of joy to your lives and to your extended family too. She was and is a much-loved little girl. The love is still there and always will be. What a special gift she was to you!
Although you didn't get to spend nearly as much time with Cora as you wanted or expected, you all packed a lot into the time that you had with her (I know adults who have never flown on an airplane yet, and she did so she could go shopping!), and she was such a happy little girl! It is clearly evident that she was loved very much by your whole family. The value of being loved through your whole life cannot be overstated, and Cora had that, and she she loved all of you too.
In the days ahead as you adjust to the new, unplanned, and unwanted changes in your lives, try not to close yourselves off entirely in your grief. Let people help you, and cling to each other. You will make it through this.
I will be praying for you and your family to be strengthened and comforted, and I pray that you will find joy in the midst of your grief as you remember cute and silly moments with your little Cora.
God bless you and keep you.
I have no words...only deep sorrow for your precious family. Such a beautiful child...I loved her smile. And to be taken from you at such a young age. She looks to be about the same age as my son and...oh, I just don't want to go there. My heart is aching for you and your family and I pray fervently that God gives you strength to get through the seconds, minutes, and hours ahead...each of which will seem like an eternity, but yet, not quick enough until you can see your precious baby again. I am so sorry for your family - and know that only God will be enough to bring you comfort during such a trying time.
Praying for you.
You do not know me but I've been following your blog. I just heard the news that your baby is now with God. I am sitting here at work with tears in my eyes, I am so sad & hope that God pulls you through this very difficult time. I pray for you and your family.
Oh dear ones....I wish I could hug you both. May God bring you moments of rest on this tiring road of grief.
My prayers are with you. Bless your whole family. With Love from Minnesota
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I've been keeping Cora and your family in my thoughts. Be strong and know that she is in a wonderful place smiling down on you.
Joel and Jess, I cry with you. I've not met you, but as you sister in the Lord, my heart aches for you. I am thankful we find comfort that Cora is with Jesus. I'll be praying for you over these weeks/months.... You will know His strength and comfort.
Prayers of peace and comfort coming your way.
I just saw the news... and I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you. Blessings from Washington.
I wanted to express how very sad I am for you both. I wish that I could give you comfort that I am sure you need right now. You all have been so heavy in my prayers, and I just want you to know that. Tom and I have been through some of that ourselves, and would love to support you when you are ready. Cora will forever have an impact on this world, and I know that God is going to use her precious life to glorify His kindgom.
Praying for your family, words cannot express my saddness for your family.
my prayers are with you and your family-
Trish
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family in these hard times!! With love from Salt Lake City Utah
I am a pregnant mom with two girls and coming acroos your blog today just left me sobbing. The pictures of your sweet beautiful angel were too much to bear. Your faith in God is inspiring, you've touched many people. I will continue to pray for you and wonder WHY??? She is a sweet angel...
God bless you and comfort you in this time. I only heard about Cora today through another family battling Neuroblastoma. What a precious child.
Your family is in my prayers.
~Tanner's Aunt Katie
www.caringbridge.org/visit/tannerevers
we are friends of gina dreher as well as in their church small group...just want you to know that we are praying & thinking of your family at this time...
ryan&melinda morris
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you...
So sorry.
You don't know me, I found your blog through Darby and Jennie-Marie's links. I wanted to tell you that I'm heart broken by your loss, we have an 18 month old daughter and I can only imagine your pain. You should know that your Christian faith and love have shown through this blog during your tough time and many will be inspired by your story! Have Faith! Many Prayers!
This song was played at the funeral of my friend who lost their sweet baby girl as well. I pray that you feel "Held" during this difficult time.
Held
Natalie Grant
Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence would, take a child from his mother while she prays, is appalling
Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens to us who have died to live, it’s unfair.
This is what it means to be held, how it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life and you survive.
This is what it is to be loved, and to know that the promise was that when everything fell we’d be held.
This hand is bitterness, we want to taste it and let the hatred numb our sorrows.
The wise hand opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life, and you survive .
This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was that when everything fell we’d be held.
If hope if born of suffering - If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour watching for our Savior .
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life and you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
so sorry for your loss. she's beautiful
This comment has been removed by the author.
My words are insufficient to fill your empty arms. God chose the best parents for Cora.
May God bless and place his hands on Cora's beautiful and loving family and give you the strength to step into each new day without Cora.
I just went through and looked back at your blog. My daughter was born 6 days before your beautiful Cora, which makes it so heartbreaking, which doesn't even really begin to describe how I feel for you, to go through and see all the joy and happiness she brought to you in her 11 months, how close it hit to home for me. To have something so wonderful and precious taken from you so suddenly, I can not even begin to express my sorrow for you. I will pray for you and your sweet angel every day.
I am new to this blog, but wanted to tell you how truely sorry I am for your loss of your beautiful Cora.
She was a fighter and was so beautiful in doing so.
My thoughts and prayers are with you while you try to struggle through this very difficult time.
Rachel
luvfor9@gmail.com
lovefor9.blogspot.com
My heart just breaks for your family. Thankful that Cora is healthy and whole in the arms of Jesus.
I am (blogger) friends with Darby Stickler and read whatever regularly. Saturday afternoon I was rocking my 1 year old, and was overwhelmed with the need to pray for Cora and you guys. Just wanted you to know. I will continue to pray.
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