Saturday, October 31, 2009

missing her

I couldn't help but pull out these pictures today...





I am missing my sweet little cuddly cow.

79 comments:

Maria said...

No words. Just hugs.

Heidi said...

Cora was truly a gift god had shared with you. May god keep you strong. Thank you for sharing such treasured pictures of Cora. Bless you all of you including your little bundle.

Anonymous said...

Greetings from IN, I know we have never met nor probably ever will but I just wanted you to know I am praying for you. Cora is absolutley beautiful. Thank you for sharing her with complete strangers. What a blessing she continues to be. I have read your story and wept and have also been amazed at your vulnerability and trust and love in Jesus Christ. I am glad that she is having a perfect day and at the same time please know my heart aches for you. Will continue to pray for great blessings and peace in your life.
Your sister in Christ,
Laura

Susan said...

She is adorable. I felt the need to post the same kind of post on my blog today for my son. You are not alone in finding this day hard.

Liana said...

I was thinking of you today as my little frog and pumpkin hopped around the retirement home this morning on a Trick-or-Treat visit to the great grandparents. I know it doesn't make it any easier for you-- but I want to know how your life and witness has changed me as a mother. I am doing a much better job of appreciating EVERY moment, silly, sad, frustrating or the like with my boys. I'm trying to live every day to the fullest and just be in the moment.

I know that doesn't change your situation, but please know that you are loved, prayed for, and deeply respected by many across this country. Stay strong and thank you again for being so honest about your journey.

Olivia said...

We miss her too. I thought of her little cow costume last night and wished so much she were here to Trick of Treat with her cousins! We love you and pray for you always!

Amy said...

Wish you were here so I could hug you. Love you.

Julie said...

Jess, I am praying for you today. I thought of your cute, cuddly "cow" yesterday and looked back at your blog from a year ago to see her again. I miss her too and can't imagine what your heart must feel each day. You are loved and prayed over.

mary said...

That first photo is absolutely perfect in every way. I have always followed your blog as a reminder to pray for you, but recently I have noticed your photography talents as well. Impressive!! Praying for you on this child-centered day...

Stacey said...

Thinking of you! Thank you for sharing Cora's precious pictures. Hugs!

Stacey from CA

merlin said...

Pictures worth a thousand words.

Marie said...

My heart aches for you.

The Tenbrink family said...

I don't know you. You are friends with someone who is a friend of one of my friends. I am also a KSU grad and I teach 3rd grade. I have 2 kids (ages 2 and 5 months) and I have been following your blog since my friend asked me to pray for you when Cora was diagnosed. I've always wanted to leave a comment to you to let you know that I am praying for you on a daily basis, but I have never felt more compelled to let you know until today. My heart aches for you and your strength and faithfulness astound me. I want to thank you for being such a role model for everyone and for reminding me to never take anything for granted. I recently had a baby. A daughter. The very first thing I bought her when I found out she was a girl, was a set of hair bows from an etsy website that sent proceeds to Cora's playground. Everytime my daughter wears them, I am reminded to cherish my time with her. Cora was a gift from God, and through Cora, God has been glorified. Because of you and Cora, my family is closer to each other, and to God. Please know that Cora is in in Heaven, where there is no despair, doubt, disappointment, loneliness, or sadness. My name is Katie, and I am blessed to have such a great role model in my life. Thank you-and know that I will continue to pray for your family.

Rebecca said...

I don't think I've ever left a comment, but I have been reading your blog for awhile and I have tears in my eyes looking at your sweet baby in her cute cow costume. Prayers for you as you go through today.

Melissa said...

She's beautiful! {{hugs}}

Todd and Courtney said...

Your cuddly cow is so cute. I wonder what she is dressed up as this year in Heaven? :) I check your blog all the time. I feel like I know you two. Praying for you every single day.

Carla said...

Oh Jess, hugs from across the miles. I don't have any other words xxxxx

Mandi said...

These photos are precious and I'm sure they bring back lots of sweet memories of Cora. I can only imagine how badly you want to be dressing her in her costume and holding her in your arms right now. Praying for the healing of your broken heart.

Brandi said...

Cutest little cow I've ever seen. Praying for you!!!

The Boccias said...

Tears are falling. Big hugs.

Trasie Bressler said...

I don't have any words but my heart aches for you but smiles as I look at these pictures.

Many Many Blessings!

Anonymous said...

so sorry for your pain...

Kim

Diana said...

words cannot even convey... love and hugz and MANY prayers for you guys....

mandie said...

when your daughter went to be with Jesus i sobbed. up until that point, i had never cried for a person that i did not know personally. not like i did with cora. i pray for you and your husband and your babe to be quite often. may the Lord comfort your mama heart.

chelsea said...

no words either. praying for comfort. we love you all.

Nicole said...

She is simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing her pictures...they took my breath away. Sending good wishes your way that God sends his richest blessings to your family.

Kristi REDISKE said...

I knew this would be a hard day for you-I have looked at her pictures from last Halloween and wondered how you would make it. I know the Lord is Blessing you but sometimes our heart just is broken. Praying for you.

Marla Taviano said...

Oh, Jess. She is so beautiful.

Farris Family said...

She is such a sweet baby girl~ My heart is sad for you on these days~ God will and has kept yall strong.

ran shae said...

she is so beautiful! my heart aches for you. i just can't even imagine the pain. i am praying!

Karen said...

I can't even imagine the missing her you must be doing tonight. May God bless you.

Jenifer said...

Preying for yall

Beckycain6 said...

I have been reading your blog since Cora had her ear infections. I am humiliated to confess that I do not believe I have ever commented. And yet.....I have been praying for you...crying when I read so many of your words.......and could not believe that beautiful, gorgeous baby with the soft brown hair and precious eyes is not here.

I am grateful that you have allowed your faith to carry you. I am thankful, as well, that our Father is finding ways (like with the retreat) to give you both strength.

And, I just want to tell you that I have 4 children, but I admit that Cora may just be the prettiest baby I have ever seen, and I just cannot believe she is gone. I'm so very sorry. I can't imagine how much it hurts you both.......

Just know that there are people, total strangers, that are praying for you and loving you guys. Heaven is so lucky to have the presence of your pretty, pretty baby........

And I am so, so sorry......

Romans 15:13. Praying God will grant you continual hope and peace. Grace,
Becky

Misty Rice said...

Awe.... my heart aches looking at these. So lovely.

Im sorry mommy.... its so painful, I can only imagine.

Oh how I wish I could turn back the clock and give you one more day. One more hug. One more snuggle and kiss from your little girl.

Praying and hugging you tonight.

PamperingBeki said...

I thought of you so many times this fall, along with your cute cuddly cow, and the pumpkin pictures.

Love you. Wish so badly I could make it alright.

God bless you.

Traci said...

Praying for peace and comfort for you and Joel. Soon you will have another baby to cuddle with and share stories of Cora.

Whimsical Creations said...

Lots of hugs!

Anonymous said...

Such darling photos of Cora.

The Moffats said...

Tears. Lots of them.

Krystal said...

Oh how my heart breaks for you...I am soooo sorry. And praying for you right now.

beckley said...

I bet you are.

grace and peace be yours amidst.

Anonymous said...

Ditto to what Liana said...
Hugs from WI

Christine said...

Words hardly seem sufficient, but you and Joel are never far from my thoughts. Of course you miss that most precious little cow. However could you not? Praying for you tonight as we so often do. ((Hugs))

Angie said...

Those pictures of sweet Cora are so adorable - she makes one cute cow!

Praying for you tonight and for the upcoming holidays as well.

Ruth said...

That's the most beautiful, cuddliest cow I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing her pictures.

Don, Aimee, Kaitlyn and Kysen said...

Thinking of you especially on holidays! You are such an inspiration to me to make me a better mom!

Our Life in Pixels said...

Memories and pictures can be the sweetest and the most bitter things. Thoughts and Prayers for you!

Jennifer said...

Cutest cow ever! I was just checking in on you today to see how you were doing. My little sister died 27 years ago and I still miss her like crazy, especially at times like this when I can almost picture what she would be doing if she were here. Even though we know she is in the best place ever, we are still left missing her. Hugs to you. One day at a time!

Pilgrim Days said...

Those are adorable pictures. What a cutie!

Emmy said...

My heart breaks for you. What a precious child.

Christina said...

All I can do is cry...what sweet memories. I'm continuing to pray.

Liz said...

What a precious picture. Made me cry.

Lauren Kelly said...

So incredibly precious!!!! And she's that sweet cuddly cow now walking hand in hand with sweet Jesus :)

Diana said...

Sweetest comfort from our Father upon you today in Jesus' name.

Erin said...

My name is Erin and I live in Ohio. I can't even remember, at this point, how I came across your blog, but I am so glad I did! I read it often and pray for you and your husband as you travel this difficult journey.
Though I have never lost a child, I find strength and encouragement in your story and more importantly your faith. My husband and I have been trying to have a child of our own for almost two years. Though our stories are different, I wanted to let you know that the inspiration, joy, and praise you have given me through your words has been one of the greatest gifts God has given me. Throughout our journey, I have prayed and begged to find someone who was hurting like I was but was still able to remain positive, hopeful, and joyful in her relationship with God. I have been praying for someone who could hurt and show her rawness but still praise the Lord. Though we have never and probably will never meet, I want you to know that you have touched my life. Your little Cora is beautiful and, though your story may not be what anyone could imagine, please know that you are touching lives and inspiring many people through it!!! God bless you and your family!

kimberlysayre said...

Cora is beautiful! My aches for you. Thinking about and praying for you today.

Townsend Crew said...

All of our hearts continue to break along with you. It just sucks! That's all that can be said! I love when your scrolling header on your blog comes up with the pictures of Cora in her cow costume. Your kick-butt faith continues to inspire me!

Anonymous said...

Jessica, she is a beauty! I thought of you yesterday. Hugs to you and Joel. xoxo

Jenna Gudalis (friend of the Byrne's)

dg darling said...

SO CUTE!!! I wish she was here for you...{{HUGS}}

Anonymous said...

All Saints Day today...lit a candle for Cora at church. Prayers as always.

Robin in Benton said...

Nothing that I can say that hasn't already been said. Tears, love, hugs and prayers to you today.

Austin said...

So precious <3

Kelly said...

Keeping you in my prayers ((HUGS))

Marsha said...

Hugs and prayers!

Marsha in VA

SadMommy3434 said...

I, too, have no words. ((((HUGS))))

Micah said...

These are absolutely precious.

John and Elisa Seaba said...

by far. the cutest cow ever!! thinking about you!

meg duerksen said...

the cutest cow i have ever seen!

Judy said...

My heart is just so sad for you and Joel and all the grandparents and aunts and uncles and friends who would have loved to see Cora dressed up this year.
May Jesus continue to uphold you and bring you peace through all these difficult firsts.
Keep sharing her pictures! I love seeing her beautiful smiling face!

Ali said...

Speechless and in tears.

Sending you hugs from Ireland

Ali

Christina said...

That is the sweetest little cuddly cow I have ever seen! Love & Hugs from NJ

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you and thankful that you have such love, support, and faith. She is a beautiful girl.

Janet said...

OH! These photographs of your precious angel broke my heart today. Sending special love from South Africa!

Kristin Stegent said...

precious!

Karina said...

She is just perfect. I am so sorry you hurt. Thank you for continuing to share your heart.

Susy M. said...

She is so beautiful and am sure the perfect little cow in Heaven.

Anonymous said...

she's adorable.

Jill said...

God bless you!

Damian, Marla, Clara, Oliver and Isabel said...

Jess, I still keep up with your posts because of the profound impact your little angel's story had on my life both emotionally and professionally. My littlest girl, Isabel, still asks to look at pictures of baby Cora on a regular basis. Clara and I remember very good times from when you were her kindergarten teacher. Thank you for sharing these beyond-sweet images of your little doll. I hope you are well. Just so you know, I plan to focus on children in my practice and oncology/neurology in particular. I pray often that your littlest gift will be healthy, sound and share many years of love with you.