Somedays I wonder how I can keep going. I wonder how I can keep moving forward without Cora and with this huge hole in my heart. It makes me so sad to think it has been six almost seven months that we have continued through life without Cora alongside us. I hate that time is moving forward without her here. But then I marvel at the fact that it has been six almost seven months that I have lived through this dark storm and I am still standing.
Yesterday as we worshipped in church, the words of these songs seemed to jump off the screen at me. I think I needed a reminder of why I am still standing. A reminder that Christ alone is my solid ground through this fierce storm. And because of this living hope, He gives me a reason to keep moving forward.
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
’til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand
(In Christ Alone)
Jesus You’re my firm foundation
I know I can stand secure
Jesus You’re my firm foundation
I put my hope in Your holy Word
I put my hope in Your holy Word
I have a living hope
I have a future
God has a plan for me
Of this I’m sure
Of this I’m sure
(Firm Foundation)
I pray that whatever you are facing today, that you too would find your feet standing secure–
in Jesus, our firm foundation.
Summer - That brought tears to my eyes Cora has touched so many lives I still think of her and pray for you all on a regular basis.
Summer in California
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Kimberly - Such a blessing God is still using her amazing life!
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Cathy - You did great!
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Falling Around - You did beautifully, Jess! I would not have been able to hold it together but you are so strong.
XOXO
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Taking Heart - Loving the legacy of that whimsical place… God is good.
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Anonymous - Good job Mom. You continue to amaze me!
Kim
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Trasie Bressler - As I sit and wipe away the tears you better believe she is still famous! God is using your story to touch so many lives and I am one of those people. I am a better Mommy because of you and I look at my children in awhole different way.
You are one amazing family and that is one truly amazing playground. I hope the memories you make there are many!
Many Many Blessings to you!
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Sherryl - You did a GREAT job on that interview! It makes me happy to think of your children playing in that playground that was made in their sister’s honor!
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Marla Taviano - You did GREAT!! I know Cora’s so proud of her mommy and daddy!
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PamperingBeki - It was just on again this morning on channel 5. 🙂
You did a great job on the interview! I love that Cora will be talked about and remembered for years and years, along with your faith in God.
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Robin in Benton - I love that 10 years from now people will still hear her story when they ask about who the playground is named for. What a special place in memory of a sweet special little girl – and put in place by her very special parents. You guys are awesom
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Anna - How wonderful Jess and Joel!
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purejoy - what a sweet and lasting tribute. i can’t wait to see pictures of the dedication! won’t it be fun for your new little mac to come and play on his/her sister’s playground. that she would be remembered for the laughter she is sure to inspire.
such a great interview!! you were awesome!
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Anonymous - That was great guys! I so wish that there was no need to have a playground in Cora’s name, but I continue to be a amazed at how God is being glorified through it all. It really is amazing!!! Nice Joel, how you let your lovely wife do all the talking:) You trying to portray the strong silent type?:) Love you guys, Andi
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Cristy - So awesome Jess!
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mommyof2 - Aww…Jess you did great! I love the playground and can’t wait for the ceremony!
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TRICIA @boutellefamilyzoo - It’s such a blessing to have your sweet Cora’s story and the message of God’s love spread in such a mainsteam way.
I’m quite sure NO ONE would notice if you did say something silly, btw. 😉
Love and prayers,
XO*Tricia
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Missy - thinking of you!
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dundee - Jess–You don’t know me. I am David & Sara Weber’s neighbor. My daughter Adrianne originally told me about Cora back in January–and I prayed for her. I read your blog after the first channel 12 story. I continue to pray for you & Joel and the baby to be. Your writings are inspirational. May God’s richest blessings be on you. Cora’s story has touched many. If you every put you blog writings in book form, I am sure many, many people would buy it for themselves and friends. God Bless you both. Judy McDiffett
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Lauren Kelly - Cora is by no means gone, her name will forever live on through that playground and her purpose that she fulfilled her short time in this world!!
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Angela - Oh, that was so sweet and so sad. Your baby bump looks so cute!
Thank you for being humble and down-to-earth and for loving God above all.
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Courtney - You guys were wonderful. My friend called me and said Cora’s going to be on the news! I love the playground.
Courtney
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Lacey McKay -
Have you heard this song yet? I found it on another blog this morning and thought of you guys.
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mommaof4wife2r - i love love love that little cora is still blessing peeps everywhere…and i love that you didn’t have to do the spot!
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Kristin - Hi, my name is Kristin – I saw a prayer request button on Hollie’s page (Drama Mama) and have been following your blog ever since. I just have to say that you give me strength every time I read a post and you give me a serious push to appreciate every day I have with my daughter and to love her as much as I possibly could. Thank you for being so strong to share your story, you are always in my prayers.
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Drama Mama 2 B - Hi, my name is Kristin – I saw a prayer request button on Hollie’s page (Drama Mama) and have been following your blog ever since. I just have to say that you give me strength every time I read a post and you give me a serious push to appreciate every day I have with my daughter and to love her as much as I possibly could. Thank you for being so strong to share your story, you are always in my prayers.
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Petit Coterie - I had a giveaway on my blog and a very nice lady who has never met you entered your name and felt that you should win. She is in Portugal and your story touched her heart. You did win the giveaway and now I need an address where to send it. Please visit my blog and you will see what the giveaway is.
Michelle
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debbie - I dont know how you do it…how you have carried on through this awful tradegy.I can honestly say I wept when I read your blog but you both show such strength.
Congratulations on your new baby as well and its so nice to see the playground etc……she is never forgotten by you and thats wonderful.
Best wishes to you both.
Debbie.x
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JEN - Thank you for having the courage to continue to glorify God through your story. You are an amazing example of His grace and love. You have touched so many with your story and have become such an inspiration! 🙂
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Rebecca - The playground looks wonderful!
Praying for you everyday!
Love and hugs to you both.
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Lori - No big surprise…that made me cry. May God continue to bless you both with peace and healing!
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me and my boys - she will always be famous 🙂
playground looks beautiful !
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ryanandlindsay - hey i love the new look of the blog! great job by the way. i know how much you love it. 🙂 i am excited for our kiddos someday to use the playground!
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A - What a beautiful story! You look so cute, by the way!
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The Moffats - So neat, Jess. Thanks for sharing this. Big hugs.
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bikim - Dear Jess,
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a nice comment.Hope you do like the pillow. may you have great joys with this baby! Take care,
Rosa
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Brooke - I have not left a comment in a few months, but wanted you to know how I think you are such wonderful parents. I am sure that Cora is smiling down from Heaven with that sweet baby grin just so glad for what you do to remember her. She will never be forgotten. I have said it before, but I do not know how people get through losing a child. I can not imagine the feelings that go with it. God bless your family
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writing4612 - How awesome is that?
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Jennifer in Nashville - That was a beautiful piece. It brings tears to my eyes. I pray for your growing family.
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Bambi - I got to see the story when it aired! You did great! And Cora’s playground is beautiful. So many children will enjoy it including new baby Mac.
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The Horton's - Hi, my name is Kirsten Horton, my family is a newer addition at Grace CC. I heard about your blog through my sis-in-law Shana Schmidt last year. We have been following your ups & downs and pray for you all often. I believe that I will finally get to meet you for Judgement house volunteering this fall. But I just wanted to say hello, and that your strength has been a miracle in it our for me and my family.
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Anonymous - This is my first time commenting on your blog. This post was especially touching in my opinion. I am also due in January with my first baby and I pray I will be as good of a mom as you are!! Praying for you, your husband, your baby, and of course, Cora.
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