The Macs

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

cora's playground

Cora's Playground is in the works.

Over $40, 000 has been raised.

Can you believe that?

We are blown away by your kindness and generosity.  
Seriously, blown away.

Papers have been signed and the equipment is ordered.

If all goes according to schedule, 
Cora's Playground will become a reality by the end of the summer.

We have enough money to get started.  Any additional donations that come in will be used to help cover the final details: 
benches, a plaque, etc.

We don't know what else to say except thank you!

Pictures and more details coming soon...




61 Comments:

Blogger Nicoolmama said...

Amazing! Can't wait to see pictures.

May 20, 2009 at 9:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How FANTASTIC! Take the credit mom and dad for making this happen. What a great way to honor your beautiful daughter. I(as I am sure everyone else is as well)am so thankful to contribute in such a small way..but you and Grammy keep sewing and we will keep buying!Thanks for giving us an update..You continue to inspire me in so many ways..odd isn't it that you can inspire a complete stranger so much..
Always in my thoughts and prayers, still wishing I could take some of your pain away.

Kim

May 20, 2009 at 9:40 PM  
Blogger Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Good job, Mom!

I love that you already had plans for a playground, seemingly hours after Cora passed. It speaks to your true character. Even in the worst time of your life, you were thinking of others and how you could make other lives better.

God bless you Jess!

May 20, 2009 at 9:43 PM  
Anonymous Christina said...

That is so wonderful! My daughter asked just the other day (maybe the day before yesterday?) if we could go to Cora's playground one day. I would love to...we live in Dallas, so we'll see. It made my heart glad that she was still thinking of it though.

May 20, 2009 at 9:44 PM  
Anonymous Cindy in WA said...

Who hoo!!!!!! How amazing!!!! I can't wait to see the pictures of the progress!! Hugs to you and Joel. You are in my thoughts daily.

May 20, 2009 at 9:51 PM  
Anonymous Robin in Benton said...

How Wonderful!!!! I can't think of a more appropriate tribute for your daughter - and you guys are awesome for doing this! I can't wait to see the pictures - and I'll be one of what I'm sure will be a huge crowd there when Cora's Playground is dedicated. Blessings on you both - you are in my thoughts and prayers often.

Robin

May 20, 2009 at 10:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is beautiful to witness God's grace!

May 20, 2009 at 10:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations...what an honor for your little Angel.

May 20, 2009 at 10:48 PM  
Blogger wicker0407 said...

That is amazing it was an honor for me to donate and I will try my best to buy some dresses once you re stock your etsy shop we all have to fight for them they are so darn cute! Cora will forver be in my heart she was so adorable and I am forever changed because of your blog and her. I continue to keep you and Joel in my prayers. Cora is in heaven now with little Kayleigh Anne Freeman and I am sure they are having fun together now made whole with no pain and in the arms of the Lord.
God Bless!
Summer and Family in California

May 21, 2009 at 12:47 AM  
Blogger Misty Rice said...

Oh oh oh .... so cool. I am so excited and I can't wait to see pictures, and Cora's name displayed over it some place.

God Bless.

May 21, 2009 at 5:59 AM  
Blogger Luciene Pires said...

Praise the Lord for Cora's playground!!!

You don't know me but I know a corner of your heart as you share it on your blog!

I'm Brazilian so I am very far away from - and feel so very blessed to pray for you and your family!

I would like to share something with you. Maybe you've watched, maybe not...here it its:http://deathisnotdying.com/

I pray it may bless your heart...

All's grace,
Luciene

May 21, 2009 at 7:02 AM  
Blogger Jenny said...

That is amazing!! What a wonderful tribute to your daughter!! I can't wait to see the thought and detail you put into this playground. You and your husband are truly inspiring people.
Your family continues to be in our prayers.

May 21, 2009 at 7:10 AM  
Blogger Darby said...

What wonderful news to see first thing this morning... Praise the Lord!!

May 21, 2009 at 7:37 AM  
Blogger Marla Taviano said...

Praise the Lord!!!

May 21, 2009 at 7:48 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

Yay! That's so exciting! I can't wait to see it! I get so many comments on my Cora's Playground necklace and I just love the opportunity to tell people about Cora and what an amazing little girl she is :D I think of you guys all the time and continue to pray for your strength.
Hugs and prayers,
Heather~ On the Homefront

May 21, 2009 at 7:49 AM  
Blogger Danyele Easterhaus said...

wow...soooo exciting...and what a great physical way to see the body of christ in action! you all are ever in our prayers...and we can't wait to see this playground come to reality! yeah god!!!

May 21, 2009 at 8:23 AM  
Blogger Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

How amazing!!

May 21, 2009 at 8:39 AM  
Blogger Love B&P said...

How wonderful!! I can't wait to see the finished project :)

Also, is there anyway I could get the code for your Cora's playground button? I would love to put it on my blog www.thefiegels.blogspot.com

Thanks!!

May 21, 2009 at 8:46 AM  
Anonymous Audrey said...

Yay! How wonderful is our God that he can work such miracles through everyone that contributed?

May 21, 2009 at 8:49 AM  
Anonymous Courtney said...

Awesome! I can't wait to take my kids to play on Cora's playground. I'm so happy for you guys, this will be somewhere you will always have to honor your sweet Cora.
Looking forward to seeing the pictures too!
Praise God!
Courtney Mayfield

May 21, 2009 at 8:55 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

How wonderful!! Can't wait to make the drive up to Newton and see the finished product!!

May 21, 2009 at 9:07 AM  
Blogger Marsha said...

Awesome! What a sweet way to remember your sweet Cora! I can't wait to see the pictures!

Love and prayers,

Marsha in VA

May 21, 2009 at 9:22 AM  
Blogger Heather | Cookie Mondays said...

You can can't on a few visitors from California for the big opening! :)

May 21, 2009 at 9:26 AM  
Blogger Holly said...

So amazing!!

May 21, 2009 at 9:30 AM  
Anonymous Toni :O) said...

Yay!!! What a terrific way to honor the memory of your sweet little princess and such a tribute to you and Joel....a sure sign of how our wonderful God works. Continuing to pray for you and send you love and hugs (( )) (( )) for strength from Michigan. Hang in there.

May 21, 2009 at 9:43 AM  
Anonymous Susy M said...

You and Joel are such an inspiration of God's grace. Cora will never be forgotten and I am sure your children will remember their big sister as they play and enjoy her PlayGround! I know God has other children waiting to be blessed with such incredible parents. God Bless you both and your families!

May 21, 2009 at 9:55 AM  
Anonymous mandi @ it's come to this said...

That is such wonderful news!! Plus I can "hear" the joy in your post:) Looking forward to pictures!!

May 21, 2009 at 10:05 AM  
Blogger Amy said...

Woo-hoo! That is wonderful news.

You are the BEST mom in the whole world, Jess. You really are.

I am awed and inspired by you every day.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers, sweetie.

May 21, 2009 at 10:06 AM  
Blogger Falling Around said...

Oh, Jess... that is so amazing! I can't wait to see pictures. I would love to bring my kids to Cora's Playground for a visit and time of remembrance. Though we are in California, that is one of my goals - slide down Cora's slide with my kids.

Blessings to you,
Christy

May 21, 2009 at 10:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yay!!! That is incredible! So happy!!!

May 21, 2009 at 10:51 AM  
Blogger Rachel said...

That is awesome news! I hope you will be able to see your daughters joy on the smile of all the kids playing on Cora's playground!!!

May 21, 2009 at 10:53 AM  
Blogger Peyton's Pages said...

Yay! Can't wait to see pictures!

May 21, 2009 at 10:59 AM  
Blogger Ruthie said...

That is so awesome! How exciting. What a special way for Cora to be honored. I really pray this project continues to bring a lot of joy.

Ruthie

May 21, 2009 at 12:08 PM  
Blogger purejoy said...

awwww what wonderful news!! you continue to be in our prayers. many blessings to you as you being this (hopefully) fun undertaking!

May 21, 2009 at 12:27 PM  
Blogger k.mart said...

This is GREAT news! Can't wait to see this legacy bring smiles to so many.

God's blessings to you every moment of every day!

May 21, 2009 at 12:33 PM  
Blogger Amy H said...

YAY! That is wonderful. How amazing. What a difference she made in just 11 months. You must be so proud of her.

May 21, 2009 at 12:54 PM  
Blogger Kelly said...

Yea!
God will continue to use this to bring glory to Him!

May 21, 2009 at 1:04 PM  
Blogger Erin said...

What exciting news! Can't wait to see pictures of the progress...

May 21, 2009 at 1:06 PM  
Blogger Debbie K. said...

What wonderful news! We will remember Cora always. God Bless!

May 21, 2009 at 1:29 PM  
Blogger Erica said...

that is absolutely fabulous that so much money was raised in honor of your little cora! i know she is worth far more than that but what a great way to honor her memory! i can't wait to see pictures!

May 21, 2009 at 2:29 PM  
Blogger meg duerksen said...

SO EXCITING!!!!
:)

May 21, 2009 at 2:34 PM  
Blogger Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft said...

WOW, that is amazing! Congratulations!!!

May 21, 2009 at 2:37 PM  
Blogger Allen and Debby Graber said...

Makes me want to cry. Do you have any idea what a blessing this will be for the kids? Every Sunday the kids want to play outside and are bummed when the weather is bad. My heart just wants to melt with gratitude to you and Joel for sharing this with our kids at Grace! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! Debby, Nursery Director, Grace Community

May 21, 2009 at 3:34 PM  
Blogger Brooke said...

That is so awesome!! I can't wait to see the results!

May 21, 2009 at 4:17 PM  
Blogger Ethansmom08 said...

I'm SO excited for you all! This is great news, can't wait to see Cora's playground!

May 21, 2009 at 5:52 PM  
Blogger Jenny said...

How wonderful!!! Congrats! Maybe if more donations come in you can find an organization who is researching the type of cancer Miss Cora had. I would willingly donate more into the till towards finding a cure so others do not have to go through what you and your family have endured!! You amaze me with your strength!!

May 21, 2009 at 6:10 PM  
Blogger Megan said...

Your story inspires me (I'm a friend of a friend - Kendra Veer). I have loved reading each and every post about Cora. The playground will be a wonderful testament, not only to Cora's life, but also to the faith and love of her parents. Keep updating!

May 21, 2009 at 8:40 PM  
Blogger The Jones' said...

That is wonderful!!! I can not wait to see the upcoming photos!
Liz

May 21, 2009 at 9:01 PM  
Blogger The Carroll's said...

Yay!! Little kids will know about the Heavenly Father who loves them because of you and your faith!! I hope that Cora's playground brings you much joy even in the midst of your hurt. Joel and Jess- you are an inspiration- what a legacy you are leaving!!

May 21, 2009 at 9:37 PM  
Blogger Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

That is wonderful!!!

May 22, 2009 at 1:22 AM  
Anonymous Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com said...

How exciting! This is great!

May 22, 2009 at 10:41 AM  
Blogger Tina said...

I have been wondering about the status of her playground, but didn't want to ask. I am so glad that the project is getting started! I cannot wait to see the pictures! CANNOT WAIT!

May 22, 2009 at 11:09 AM  
Blogger Polka Dot Moon said...

How exciting! You both are amazing people; so inspirational. This is such a lovely tribute and legacy to your beautiful daughter.

Not a day goes by without a thought of you and a prayer too.

Denise

May 22, 2009 at 11:52 AM  
Blogger sarahross said...

Wow!

May 22, 2009 at 11:53 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

That is so awesome!

May 22, 2009 at 12:17 PM  
Blogger Paul and Cathy said...

Jess, please check out this brave young woman's testimony http://deathisnotdying.com/fullvideo/
unbelievably awesome is our God
blessings to you and yours,
cathy in nc

May 22, 2009 at 4:55 PM  
Blogger Happiness Is... said...

Congratulations! That is amazing and such a wonderful way to honor sweet Cora's life.

May 22, 2009 at 7:23 PM  
Blogger Heather's Home (aka Chez Hez) said...

CONGRATS!

That is so wonderful, Jess! Much love to you and Joel!

May 22, 2009 at 8:02 PM  
Blogger Mommy2Sophia said...

That is so wonderful! Thanks for the update! I can't wait to see how everything turns out!

Lisa

May 22, 2009 at 10:15 PM  
Blogger Christine said...

Just WOW!!! I'm so honored to have taken part in such an amazing effort, and cannot wait to see pictures of the progress. It was such a blessing to craft for Cora and to share that with my 5yo daughter. She, too, made things for me to list and sell on etsy, and we love knowing that we were able to help honor Cora's precious memory. Thank you always for sharing your journey, for being so transparent, for allowing the Lord to work in and through you for His ultimate glory. You and Jess are such inspiring people, and I pray that God would bless you in a mighty way.

We might not be able to make it to Kansas from Austin, but we will be anxiously watching for pictures and progress!! Much love,

May 22, 2009 at 10:55 PM  
Blogger Tricia said...

I'm so happy to hear that Cora's Playground is ready to break ground. I'm quite sure that all of the children in your church are super excited!
Your story has obviously ministered to many, many people. Proof positive with all of the donations received for Cora's Playground.
I can't wait to see photos.
May God continue to bless your lives and bring you joy.
*Tricia

May 23, 2009 at 11:09 AM  

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