Monday, September 24, 2007

out of the mouth of babes



Praise the Lord for my sweet sister. I guess that's truly what a sister should do - bear your burdens and help you to get through. I am so thankful you all got the update you were looking for and that you might be able to feel some peace, along with us, that for now, we have our precious girl. I apologize for not being as committed today to writing as I've been; I think the exhaustion from last night has set in and despite the rest I got this afternoon, I'm feeling less and less energized.

I did want to tell you that the Lord has used Sellers in a mighty way today. When Conor brought Copeland upstairs this morning, she was anxious tp hold her baby sister. She did, in fact, come in our room when we were just waking up and asked if she could see Copeland. Although she's shown some interest in her, Sellers has also been a little reluctant to embrace the whole "new baby" idea... I think this is largely due to the fact that for so long, we prepared her that Copeland wouldn't be coming home. That we wouldn't change her diapers or feed her. We wanted her to be as ready to let Copeland go to heaven as we felt we would be. That strikes me as a little bit of a joke now. But we did what we could at the time! Last night, Sellers went to Conor and asked him if they could talk. She wanted to go and sit in a couple of armchairs downstairs - this was a specific request - and when they got there, she looked at her daddy and said, "Daddy, why does Copeland have to go to heaven?" He explained that she was sick and that Jesus would heal her completely, that she would get to run and play and do all of the things little girls should be able to do when they are healthy. We have been talking a lot about salvation with Sellers and what Jesus did for us on the cross, and Conor reminded her that when He died, He saved and healed all of us and that if we will believe this, we can go to heaven, too, because He loves us that much. She seems to supernaturally "get" this as best as a 3 year-old can.

I am deriving such strength from the way she's handled thnigs with her precious sister. I clung to the countertops in the bathroom today, I guess in the midst of a slight anxiety attack, and cried out to God, "How do I let Copeland go while at the same time try to mother her? How can I love her this deeply and still allow her, every single moment, to have the permission to leave me when You call?" Sellers seems to understand that her sister won't be with us for long but that while we do have her, we are called to love her and to make her happy.

We did get a visit from hospice care this morning and to his credit, Conor handled the situation much better than I could have. They are the ones we'll call when Copeland does pass, and they are the ones I will ultimately have to hand her precious little body over to. I hate them in a way. Sellers sat in the living room with Copeland in her arms, daintily stroking her cheek with the corner of her silk blanket. She looked up at me and said, "She loves it when I rub her cheeks." I sat down beside her and watched as she loved her sister for me, as she poured out her little heart and soothed Copeland when I felt so in despair that I didn't know how to. Then, she reached up and lovingly stroked my arm for a few seconds. "It's gonna be awight, Mama," were the words she spoke to me. How a three year-old can possibly know what her adult mother needs to hear I'll never know. But praise Jesus that she's been given something I cannot fathom, something I would no more give her the credit for a few months ago than learning to drive a car, and something I realize the Father knew I'd need from her so desperately that without it, I am weaker and less of the mother He intended for me to be.

100 comments:

Karla Porter Archer said...

faith like a child, sweet Boothe.

Faith like a child.

Blessings,
Karla

Julie said...

Continuing to pray... You're girls are just beautiful.
Julie in VA

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the pictures. They truly made my day! Prayers and love, Aunt Cindy

Anonymous said...

Please know that Sellers is being lifted up daily in prayer too. I can't imagine the struggle a 3 year old must have with the realities of something such as this. She has been in our prayers through this time too. No one in your family is being left uncovered by the power of prayer.

Suzy Goodman said...

What beautiful pictures of your two precious girls! Continuing to pray for all of you.

Love and blessings.

Mandy said...

What a blessing sisters are, both yours and Copeland's. Children are so precious and you are truly blessed to have Seller's to help you through this time. I know my boys were so inspiring during our loss of Madeline. They would say things wise beyond their few years and I would be amazed that they just seemed to "get it", sometimes way better than adults do. I am praying for you all, Boothe. I know you must feel so helpless, yet so full of hope that Copeland is still here and will always live because of Jesus.

Praying in GA,
Mandy
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Jaclyn said...

Just a few hours ago I was driving in my car and prayed that Sellers would be a comfort for you today...that she would give you a little joy, a little peace, and a little hope. She is a beautiful girl.

PinkCat said...

A child is the image of us. They are full of wisdom and could heal the world. Bless your daughters and may god keep you in the palm of his hand.

Take care xx

Whitney Akin said...

Love you, B. Love those pictures. What a sweetheart Selly is! Still praying for you ALL the time. Thankfully, He ALWAYS meets us where we are and is a Friend to the wounded heart.

Anonymous said...

It is amazing to me how much a small child can pick up. My boys amaze me everyday on the small details they catch. Let Sellers be the vessel that God is allowing her to be. He is already teaching her to be the servant we all should be. God Bless you. I will pray for a restful night for your family.

Jena Baker

Julie Adkison said...

Oh, that is SO sweet!! That Sellers is a sweetheart!

Boothe, I (like every mother out there, I'm sure) am hoping with you, grieving with you, questioning, rejoicing, anticipating, praying..........it just absolutely runs the gamut of emotions......my heart has felt so fragile since becoming a mama...........and I can only imagine you must be feeling it 100 times over.........

We're still praying.....

Love you guys -

Julie

Anonymous said...

Oh how precious for you. God is certainly using the 'weakest' people in your lives to show you more of Himself, isn't He?

Words are just so inadequate. Especially when we don't know each other at all. I am so happy Copeland is still with you, my heart breaks for your pain, and I am finding that the more I pray for you all, the more I am begining to love your family as if we've known each other all our lives. As I near the birth of my 5th baby, I am convicted over and over that I take my children for granted... and for this I thank you. You and Conor both inspire me to be a better mother, a better christian, a better person. I will remember Copeland always, and will always be grateful that the Lord crossed my path with hers.

You are so very precious in His sight, Boothe. Conor, the Lord is proud of you. You are firm and steadfast, and are leading your family correctly. Sellers, precious girl, you are beloved. Copeland Fair... you are a mighty warrior, a good and faithful servant. You will rest in the joy of your Lord.

Emalee said...

I prayed for you at church while singing "In Christ Alone":

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. 'Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Christa said...

Hi, I am praying for you and standing in faith that God's will be done for you and your beautiful family. I know exactly how your sister feels. My sister Mandy lost our little Madeline a few months ago. I have been keeping up with you through her. Trust me when I say that your sister is living this with you. There is nothing more special that sisters. May God continue to give you all strength.

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you & your family, but I praise God for your faith & submissive attitude. I'm praying & checking your blog daily & blessed by the Lord's reflection through you. Please rest in your heavenly Father's compassionate, loving arms as Copeland does her dad's. He'll meet your every need & give you strength & grace moment by moment. He rewards those who trust in Him. Love & Prayers, Terry

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Oh, Boothe... what a wonderful older daughter you have.

I hadn't ever thought of hospice quite that way, but I totally understand where you're coming from. If you're able to, let them love on YOU a bit next time they come by. When my mother-in-law was in (in-home) hospice care, my sister-in-law (Ma's caregiver) really appreciated what they did for HER as well as for Ma.

Fran said...

I just found your blog and am praying for you right this moment.
Praying to Jesus to give you what you need at this very moment....
Peace and love,
Fran
TN

Cathy said...

I tell myself all the time that when God needs His special Angel Annabel that I will be ready and able to let her go. Each time she becomes sick and we enter the hospital I stand by her side and cry out I AM NOT READY! That is our humaness showing thru. You are so beautiful and full of faith, but human also. God Bless your family and all that you are enduring.
Cathy

Shelli Allen Photography said...

Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Anonymous said...

Beautiful.
Beautiful girls.
Beautiful faith, authenticity, and love.
Praying for all of you!

Dawn said...

We have been through just a tiny bit of what you have, and can only imagine how it feels. She is so beautiful! And her big sister is amazing. Blessings on your family!

Paige said...

Still praying in NC.

Darby said...

Boothe, These pictures are PRICELESS!! Thanks for sharing them with us.

2 Cor 12:15
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Still praying in Dothan, AL!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jesus for giving Boothe, Conor and Sellers some very special moments throughout this trial. It's only in the refining fire when we treasure so much these powerful "little" miracles. He's constantly reminding you all of His presence.

In His Grip,
Phemie

Anonymous said...

How sweet and dear!!! Boy you and conor make some amazingly beautiful babies!!!!

A Place For Ministry Wives/A Place For Me said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
www.onthehomestretch.com said...

is the blanket the one that sellers brought to school last year? if so, i can clearly imagine her sweetly caring for her baby sister~ i remember how much comfort "woof woof" (is that right?) gave her, and know that she wants to give that same sweet comfort to copeland. our children are our "Angels" and do teach us so many things!

Katie and Dan said...

Boothe,

As I sit here reading this, one of Amy's OLD, OLD songs "Always the Winner" (from the late 70s) came to my mind and some of the lines made me think of you. Here are some of the lines from the song:

"Always the winner, baby... You're always center, baby...
Its always your shoulder, lady (you're always the lady)... You're fooling yourself you know, gone crazy.
There was a time when you cared for their hearts, when the need to show them love was tearing apart...

Turn out the spotlight, I'm tired...
Not my will but thine, Lord, I'm crying.
Oh, won't you turn my gaze back Lord to you, you're the only one who knows me,
just mold me back to you."

The words made me think of you because I can just sense your emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It is my prayer that you and Conor not only find the immense peace you crave, but that you find rest: physically and in Him who loves you all so much. I cannot imagine how wiped out you are by now. It must seem like an eternity since you last really slept. But, Boothe, you are an amazing mom and I am so proud of you for being so incredibly selfless to not only your precious girls, but to Conor, your family and also to all of your friends and blog readers. You have no idea what it means for us to be able to keep up with Copeland as the hours of the day pass. Thank you for taking the time to update us all. Please find rest, my friend. We are praying for peace that surpasses understanding...and with that peace, unbounding rest.

We love you
Katie and Dan

Anonymous said...

I've said it before, I'll say it again...you girls are beautiful. Faith like a child...why can't it be as easy as that? Why do kids know what to say? Oh, how sweet that Sellers can say she loved her baby sister and comforted her, and Copeland loved when she stroked her cheek. How she must love her big sister and feel safe in her arms too. It's so great that she will have memories of her own, the sweet moments with her baby sister. That will help her to heal too. You are all loved, I feel like I've known you forever. I embrace you family. I pray for you constantly.

Anonymous said...

I've said it before, I'll say it again...you girls are beautiful. Faith like a child...why can't it be as easy as that? Why do kids know what to say? Oh, how sweet that Sellers can say she loved her baby sister and comforted her, and Copeland loved when she stroked her cheek. How she must love her big sister and feel safe in her arms too. It's so great that she will have memories of her own, the sweet moments with her baby sister. That will help her to heal too. You are all loved, I feel like I've known you forever. I embrace you family. I pray for you constantly.

A Place For Ministry Wives/A Place For Me said...

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." Isaiah 66:13

OR IN THIS CASE...

"As a daughter comforts her mother, so I will comfort you". I thought about it and it made me smile. :-)

Love the sweet pics.

September 24, 2007 7:14 PM

Kimmiemcneely said...

Our son lost his best friend, my husband's great aunt right before he turned three. He had such a deep understanding of the loss that I asked our pastor how he could be so at ease with Aunt Elsie's death. He explained that children understand heaven better than we ever will because they were there so recently. As they get older, he said, their memories of heaven fade. It made sense to me then, it made sense to Mac and it must be what Sellers is feeling. She looks so proud of her sister.

Anonymous said...

God is using everyone you love to remind you how much He loves you. Sellers knows love. What a credit to her parents.

Kecia said...

I found you through the Living Proof blog...I'll be praying for all of you. It just breaks my heart. Your girls are beautiful.

Anna said...

Boothe,
We have not met, but I am a friend of Mary Caines...we've been praying for weeks for your family, and I have been so touched, inspired and in awe of your faith, love, compassion, and honesty. You are a beautiful writer, but more importantly, your words come from a beautiful heart! We'll continue praying for the four of you...your girls are PRECIOUS!!! What a gift these photos are of Sellers holding Copeland! Praying for a peaceful heart, rest, and joy in the midst of tears...

Anonymous said...

Your family is as beautiful as your faith, and your faith is so refreshing even though you have sorrow. I pray that the Lord will continue to lift you up, to comfort you, to guide you, to love you, to hold you.

I have a site I want to pass on to you, called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep photography. Here is their website:

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

I don't know if you have heard of this organization, and I can't remember how I happened upon it, but once you enter the site you can search for photographers in your area, or find one who may be willing to travel. Perhaps you could have an amazing photo-op while you still have your precious Copeland here. I just wanted to offer this site - the pictures posted on your page thus far are gorgeous, but so are the photos these photographers take. It's a volunteer service that professional photographers join, and is funded by donations. It is a beautiful site.

Praying for your comfort, and sending hugs from Michigan,
Katie

Anonymous said...

Precious Boothe... you are an amazing mommy, an incredible wife and most importantly a child of the King... your honesty floors me, and i thank you for it. Your words bring so much life and breath to the meaning of real live pain... He never said it would be an easy road traveled here on earth and somehow we find ourselves desiring to handle life's difficultys as you have...we have never met, and yet it is like i have always known you and your sweet family... and for that i thank you... what a priviledge it is to pray for Copeland, for sweet Sellers and for your marriage... i am asking for peace, the peace that surpasses ALL understanding... you are loved so deeply and prayed for so earnestly by so many... it is okay to be, just be....

Anonymous said...

Boothe -

Thanks for sharing your experience with us...Copeland has touched our hearts and made us richer through you.

We love you all and pray God's blessings be with you!

Pat Powell

Elizabeth S said...

Praise God that he answered the prayers of someone who commented before that He would use sweet Sellers to minister to you today. So sweet. Still praying...

Anonymous said...

Copeland looks like she is winking and smiling at us, all, as if to say "I made you believe in miracles, didn't I?".
And YES! Copeland you remind me to believe. Believe in my faith and believe in Him. Thank you Boothe and family for sharing your miracle with.
Prayers from Chicago

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your honesty. Praying.

Anonymous said...

What a precious love! May God's grace continue to supply you all with strength as only He can. We are continuing to pray daily.

Daniel and Carla Breland

Anonymous said...

What amazing children you have. Sellers shows wisdom way beyond her age. And precious Copeland, she has brought out the love Christ meant for us to show one another all along. What incredible gifts they are. He understands your pain, but he also knows you will persevere though it. For He does not give us more than we can handle, ever. We are praying without ceasing...

Heather said...

We are praying for you all!

Unknown said...

Boothe, you are such a beautiful person inside and out. Your daughters are SO lucky to call you Mommy! Thank you for being so honest, it only shows you are human and have true feelings as a Mother. Your daughters are stunning! Sellers will help you get through this time as well, she has the faith of a child...and sometimes...that's all we need! May God continue to bless you guys and watch over you -- comfort you and reasure you how you are loved by so many. Much love.

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting to write a comment since I first got your blog forwarded to me from a friend of a friend. I was at a loss for words, though, every time I read your inspirational updates, along with the countless others. And after today's thoughts on Sellers, I had to. I always went to Lutheran schools, but the older I got, the further I strayed away from my faith and church community. I feel so envious that you can possess such an amazing faith in this trying time. Your words have been so inspiring, that I truly believe the Lord has our lives destined to be what they are. The Lord worked in His way to get this blog forwarded to me to experience your true trust in Him, no matter what life is handing us. When I was 6 months pregnant with my daughter, doctors suspected she had a slight deformity. It is nothing close to what you have experienced, nor many other parents, but to me, it was horrible. I remember crying all day and night, and locking myself in my room wondering how this was happening. I didn't ask the Lord for help, and looking back, He was the One that could have given me the courage and the strength to deal with it. I did find out a few days later that she didn't actually have it, but when she was born, she in fact, had another defect. Once, again, I didn't look to the Lord, but I was thankful for just bringing her into the world. Your posts have brought me so much understanding, so much hope, and the Lord seems to be calling to me louder than ever! You were called out to be her mother-and in the process of granting her your amazing love and strength, you have inspired so many people to lay their burdens on Christ...you have become a light of the Lord in this dark world. One piece of Scripture that I remember and that came to my head when talking about Sellers, is that we re to have a childlike faith....that is so true. We are to trust the Lord the way Sellers does, and believe if we do that, He will make things ok, because in His way, He will. We may not understand it, but He is our Father, and He does want the best for all of us. Even as I write this, my words still seem small compared to yours. Boothe, I believe you have become an angel to me, as Copeland is to you and your family. You are an amazing, amazing woman of such admirable faith, strength, and compassion. The Lord is proud of you. I have said deep prayers for Copeland, as well as your family. I pray the Lord will take care of Copeland in His own way, whether here on earth, or in Heaven beside Him. And although Satan has attacked many times, you have prevailed with such determination-the Lord will get you through this. If this situation were to happen to someone else, chances are they may not have acted the way you have. The Lord knew you could handle this, and that you would be the best mother for Copeland. I will continue to check in, as I do about 20 times a day! I pray for rest and comfort for you and your family. All my thoughts are with you.

Alexis said...

I just happened upon your blog and your struggles and I'm sitting crying prayer for you. One more person carrying you to the Lord. God bless you.

Pam said...

God truly does give us exactly what we need, and I am so glad He chose to use Sellers today to comfort you. I loved your last line . . . "But praise Jesus that she's been given something I cannot fathom, something I would no more give her the credit for a few months ago than learning to drive a car, and something I realize the Father knew I'd need from her so desperately that without it, I am weaker and less of the mother He intended for me to be."

I so need to remember that He uses my children in my life in the very same way to speak to me. I need to be still and listen more.

Praying, even now.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband, and your two beautiful girls.

What a blessing your oldest has been for you!

You're an inspiration to many moms and dads. Thank you for your honesty.

Prayers from MD

Christy said...

Sellers sounds like such a sweetie and Yes the Lord did know she would have to be there to comfort her mama. I'm so glad you are finding some joy in these little stolen moments.

Tamara said...

Let the children come to me...

She's beautiful Boothe. They both are...in so many ways.

Praying and hugs!
Tamara

Jennifer said...

Do you have any idea the power you testimony is having? I have at least 8 friends who are reading daily and praying for you even without commenting. I am sure there are literally 1000s praying for your family. When my family went through something extremely difficult, someone reminded us of the passage in Exodus 7:10-15 where Moses arms literally had to be propped up my others so he could stay in prayer. He was so tired, the support from others was essential. I hope you know you guys are being propped up by the prayers of others.

Amy T said...

Beautiful, beautiful girls. So glad you were able to have this time with your girls and that Sellers had this time experiencing being a big sister. She'll carry that with her forever and God is using all of this to form an even more incredible person than she already is. What a blessing she is!

Mary Collins said...

you guys are inviting us into share such a vulnerable, holy place in your life/relationship with God. It is a gift and honor.

I'm still praying.

Thank you for being so brave to share with us.

Ami said...

"How do I let Copeland go while at the same time try to mother her? How can I love her this deeply and still allow her, every single moment, to have the permission to leave me when You call?" When you said this tonight, Boothe, I was struck with the parallel to God with his Son, Christ. How He created Christ, only to let him go. And even further, how He created each one of us but still lets us "go" with our own will. He is sovereign, and, although we cannot understand Him fully, I trust that He has your family's best interest firmly within His grasp. Praying for you!

Karen said...

Your strength continues to amaze me. Your girls are beautiful and I am so glad Sellers can bring you joy and stregth during this time. How precious!We continue to pray for your peace......Love-Karen

Ruth said...

You and your family are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing these moments with us.

Aimee said...

I just found your sight, and I'm a bit speechless. I just don't know what to say...

You're girls are absolutely beautiful! You're strength is amazing! I just can't imagine what you're going through right now.

I will be praying for you and your family!

erika said...

Just wanted to share an excerpt from my daily devo that hit home for me this summer, I scanned it and re-read it often:

The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered IN adversity, which is something very different. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling…” (Psalm 91:1, 10)- the place where you are at one with God. God does not give us an overcoming life- He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. God cannot give us life, liberty and joy, unless we are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.

Boothe when it seems you can't do it anymore that's not an unreasonable thought... I pray you can rest in the truth that God is going to deliver you. Rest and let those around you care for you. The mystery of what you are facing must be agonizing. My prayer for you tonight is that you will find hope in Sellers words "it's going to be awight Mama".
lots of love and many many prayers,
erika mcpherson powell

Sunshine said...

God has often times used my children to speak something to me that I could not otherwise hear - most times that He loves me...this is the most precious post - your girls are beautiful! We are praying for Connor and you and your beautiful family. Praying that God continually speaks to your heart and reassures you and comforts you all through this. His peace to you - His grace covering you like a blanket...Sunshine

Jennie-Marie said...

Again, beautiful babies, beautiful family, beautiful faith! You continue to inspire me.
Still praying in Decatur.

Anonymous said...

What beautiful girls! Thank you for being so transparent on this site. You are not wrong to feel the way you do. You are only feeling what any loving mother would be feeling in your situation. Your story is a great reminder for all of us- to hold onto our loved ones today in the here and now beacause really- None of us are promised tomorrow.
Keep pressing on and know that you have many many people standing behind you and praying for you!

- John 16:33 -
"I have said these things to you that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you are having tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.”

Anonymous said...

that needs to be kept for all enternity. that when sellers is older you will be able to give her that, that she would know that even then at such a young age Jesus and His light were in her when she seems to be doubting or to have lost her way. your family is covered, angels are there, his spirit is present.
you will make it boothe. on his strength and his alone but you will.
those pictures will forever be embedded in my mind. He is precious in His intimate and tender way that He is loving you while at the same time he is our greatest warrior. in first john it talks about every battle that we face in this world we have already overcome because of the testimony of Christ- that he has already overcome this world. in chapter 5 it continues with this is not our testimony but christ's. well you and your family and these daily blogs are God's testimony through you. people are seeing HIS glory, HIS sacrifice, and HIS mercy over you guys. you are learning and experiencing God's compassion and great grace upon us with each moment that your suffering increases and as you come a little closer to the suffering He endured for your precious daughters. you are coming to know it in a way that it is embedded in your heart, tears flow for others and their suffering now in a way that they never did before. that is a gift that you might not ask for but one that he will use in you often.
as my african mama would always tell me: one day sweet daughter we will run with the lions and dance at His feet together. I can't wait to do that with baby Copeland as well...

ali

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and my prayers go out to your family. Trisome 18 is the same condition that claimed the lives of three of my husband's cousins. The only living sister of these three gave birth to a gorgeous little girl seven years ago. This little girl was also born with Trisome 18. As you are aware this little girl's future looked bleak. Her parents were told that she would not make it through her first night but she did. This little girl received miracle after miracle. She lived just short of six years and oh the joy she brought to so many in her short life. With God anything is possible !

Ryan said...

What a beautiful family you have!!! You are in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

Your daughters are beautiful my husband and I are praying for your whole family. We will pray you all get good rest tonight and have a good day tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for allowing us to experience little Copeland's life on earth through your words. She has already touched so many! What beautiful girls you have. We will continue to think and pray for you all every moment.

Anonymous said...

Boothe and Conor, I checked your blog all day during work. You were never one minute away from my thoughs and prayers. Although we have not met you,your family has made such a deep impact on how little I am in Christ. Through you and Copeland God has been stirring in my heart, that I need to make Him more of my life.
Driving home from school today with my daughter in the backseat. She was singing her hymns--and I begin to cry when her little words entered my soul. "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer."
Copeland, the few days you have been here in our world you have shown us all how great a God we have. May God continue to comfort your little body, comfort you big sister, and comfort your mommy and daddy in only a way that He can!!!

God's loving people will hold you up when there is no strenghten to gather. With all of our love--

Anonymous said...

Oh Boothe,
You are truly a beautiful person on the inside and out. Your faith is AMAZING and I have been encouraged and challenged by you in ways you'll never know. Your genuine faith is such a testimony to God's power in our lives. God is really being glorified through you and your family,which I know is your hearts desire. May the Lord bless little Copeland....she's a strong one...just like her Mommy. Praying...praying...praying...
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Shannon said...

I feel like I know you because of how you have shared your life story. I check your blog all throughout the day and I pray for your entire family whenever God lays it on my heart. I have 3 girls and I cannot say I know or understand what you are feeling or going through, but I do know that God is alive and well in your lives and He already is holding your entire family in His Hands. You are not alone - ever... remember you are not ever facing this trial alone. In Him...

Laurie in Ca. said...

Sellers is so capable to comfort you at her age because she has such a pure way of looking at what is happening and acting accordingly from moment to moment. Oh that we could tap into the child-faith of our children, it is so pure and simple. She is free to see the need in mommy to give you love and childlike assurance. What a blessing to see the Lord in our children. You have prepared her and are honest with her. Children always believe in their parents, too many are not fortunate to be told the truth and they learn that it is not safe to trust. Not to say that if and when the time comes for her to let her baby sister go it will not hurt, but she will understand because nothing has been hidden from her. And there is something so sacred and heavenly in the satin corner of a beloved blanket that only a child knows the depth of comfort. She knows what feels good to Copeland. This a precious time for her, rooting her place in your family and knowing she is helping, and learning so much along the way with you, without the anxiety and questions and all else you are struggling with as parents. Let her minister to you straight from Gods heart. Thank her and give her praise, kids eat it up!! You have my heart during all that has come before and what lies ahead. It is still as it has always been, in Gods Plan for you. Your faith is being stretched like never before and it is okay to fall apart at Gods feet. All I know for certain is that He will not let you fall, will not give you more than you can handle(I sometimes tell Him enough already for you) and He loves you all so deep in this that it shakes my heart. You are held in the palm of His hand and pressed against His heart. May you feel it tonight like never before and let His peace, comfort and love flow all over you, refreshing you as you rest. I love you guys so much and will continue non-stop to lift you up in prayer.
The beauty of Jesus is shinning through your lives and you are going through this with so much grace, truth and hope.

Love, Hope, and Prayers for you tonight. Laurie in Ca.

LWB said...

What a precious story. It's amazing how God speaks to us through others - even a 3 year old. Thankful that you were encouraged a little bit today.

Praying for you as the day ends.

Laurie Wunder Bolden

Meredith said...

Boothe...

What an amazing family. I've heard your story through several mutual friends in town. How incredible that your story has touched so many lives - including mine and my husband's. It is obvious that you have so many people praying for Copeland, you, Connor, and Sellers. I wanted you to know that I am praying for you too. I don't have children yet, but I hope that when I have a chance to become a mother that I will be as wonderful as you have been with Copeland and Sellers. I hope that sometime in the future our paths may cross so that I can personally meet one who truly let God speak.

Thank you Boothe. May God grant you and your family the peace that passes all understanding.

Praying for you,
Meredith Moss
Brentwood, TN

derrickandamy said...

Conor and Boothe,

I can feel the agony and exhaustion in your words. Please know that even this minute people are praying for you and your sweet family. I can not fathom the myriad of emotions that you must be experiencing. My mom always reminds me that nothing catches God by surprise.

Rest in the knowledge that these precious girls were your gift from the Father. You are doing all that you are being called to do and you are doing it with such grace in the face of dire circumstance. Nestle in as best you can and let Him love you just as you love your babies.

Praying~ Amy

Anonymous said...

What two truly beautiful girls you have...the pictures are a treasure!
Continuing to pray for you and Connor and Sellers and baby Copeland. May you find peace and rest in the arms of the Father.

ashley sasser said...

What precious, adorable little girls in those sweet, sweet pictures!! How blessed you and Conor must feel to have such an incredible 3 year old like Sellers to uplift you both when you need it the most. May you know that you all are in our prayers and that your words along with sweet Sellers actions are such an inspiration to us all. All my love - Ashley

Patience Leino said...

Just learned of your story from Meredith Andrews. Know that my husband & I will be praying faithfully for your family in the days to come. While we have not been in your shoes, we've traveled a similar path in some ways as our sweet baby Isaac went home to Jesus at 24 weeks old. We're praying very specifically for you all. Copeland is truly a precious, beautiful girl.
::Patience Leino

T. Forkner said...

My husband and I are praying for you. My sister works with your dad and she told me your story. You seem to have so much strength and I can't imagine how you feel, but I would just say that if you ever feel your strength slipping, just remember that you don't have to be strong because God does that for you.

Erin said...

Boothe, I can tell you that the very first time I heard about you all and came to your site, you had a picture of Sellers posted. I thought she was beautiful, and her eyes were so clear and full of life. I just kept staring at her and thinking of all that she would go through with Copeland, imagining how this would be for a sweet 3 year old little girl. I began praying for her. And, as I prayed for her, I was overwhelmed with the thought... Like Jesus was speaking to my soul, I heard him say, "I have a special plan for her (Sellers). I will use this, and she will be used by Me greatly in her life." Her soul is precious to Him, as is yours, sweet Boothe. His strength is evident in you. Your love for Copeland is beautiful and selfless - a picture of Christ in a fallen world. May God bless you and bless you and bless you!!!! I am thankful for how you have touched my heart and life. Prayers are being lifted up for you and your family all throughout my day.

Brent~Jamie~Ansley~Ace said...

This morning, I spent extra time kissing my babes and thanking God for my friend who sent me your blog..I am cherishing my kids more than you know because of your post.
Praying for a peaceful night for all of you..
May God guide you throughout the night...

Kate said...

YOUR girls are beautiful. What a blessing. God is using them both to touch the thousands that check this website daily. you are all an inspiration. i am blessed to have found your website through Chelsea. thank you for your faith and honesty. I wish I could do more than pray.

Anonymous said...

No heart is too heavy for our Heavenly Father to hold. I pray you and your family continue to seek Him and His will. The power of prayer is a mighty, mighty force.
God (continue) to bless you all!

Whitney said...

I just found your blog through another blog and my heart aches for you though I don't even know you. We are the same age, and I just gave birth to a daughter with Trisomy 18 on July 31st. She was with us for 5 days before her passing on August 4th. So I know much of what you are going through right now, and your family is in my prayers during this time and the coming months. I know you have a lot going on right now, but if you would ever like to talk now or anytime in the future I would welcome that.

God bless you and your family during this time.

Whitney
yazeus at hotmail dot com

Mama H said...

Praying still......"Suffer not (fobid not) the little children to come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Love, The Holloways

Kelly in Carrollton, GA said...

Boothe---I'm here, too. The Lord has brought your sweet family to mind many times today.......and I am praying for you, dear one. Like so many of us, we've never met, and may not meet this side of glory, but my heart is knit to yours through motherhood and through prayer. Praying specifically for God's sustaining grace to carry you.....Kelly

Anonymous said...

Praying for a restful night for all of you. Diligently and fervently going to pray you through till morning. Keep your faith...it is a beautiful thing. Hold on to Copeland...she is bridging a gap between so many of us and God.

sharon said...

just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. I think you have an awesome set of girls.

Mandy said...

Your girls are the most beautiful things! What a testament to God's love little Sellers is. This passage is one of my favorites. I hope it brings you peace in the midst of this storm.

Psalm 40: 1-3
"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what He has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord."

I hope you do not mind, but I have asked my circle of friends and family to pray for your family.

Anonymous said...

my class at school is all praying for you.

Anonymous said...

i go to middle school and my whole class is praying for you everyday. we check the blog every day a couple times and i wanted to let you know you were in our prayers.

Unknown said...

Boothe - I am once again moved to tears after reading your post tonight. Thank you for giving us a real glimpse into the heart of a mother who is trusting her Savior in the midst of pain mixed with joy. My roommate showed me this video on YouTube that goes along with your title "out of the mouth of babes" and I thought it might bring joy to your heart to watch... it is a video of a little girl from my church reciting the 23rd Psalm.
I will continue praying.
Love you,
Christina Adams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3buLQoCN6KY

Anonymous said...

Boothe and Conor,
I am continually amazed at how God is working in and through you. You are allowing him to do this, allowing yourself to be a vessel. I know you feel like a crumbled vessel - but that crumbled vessel can pour more living water than the pristine one. Thank you for being real with us and yourself. God knows when we all talk the talk, but don't truly walk and feel it - you're not doing that and I can almost feel him saying 'thank you sweet child' - for revealing a real faith, not a perfect faith - but a real faith. Jesus has done it all for us - God sees you as a clean white and pure child of HIS - Jesus has covered you with his GIFT of salvation....
Praise be to our Great and almighty God!
Copeland has proven herself to be a true miracle, more than you ever dreamed! Sellers is too! I am so thankful for God's provision through them! I thank God that you will be able to remind Sellers as she gets older and matures how thankful we all are of her, and how she helped carry you today. I pray that you both may continue to find hope, even in sadness, in the little ways that he works BIG -through Sellers, through your family and all those that care so deeply for you!
you are all my my prayers continuously-
love your sister in Christ...

JUST A MOM said...

How sweet... hang in there I think of you all day wondering how the Lord is helping you through all of this.... and NOW I see.

Anonymous said...

Hi- I don't know you but I am praying for you and your family. Praying for peace, for comfort, for rest in the Lord. I am currently 3 months pregnant. Your story has really opened my eyes to appreciate even every moment that I am pregnant, no matter how tired or sick I feel, that this is the time God has blessed me with this life. Every moment is precious. Thank you for sharing your struggles and your faith.

I lost my little sister to leukemia when I was 7. I don't remember a lot, but my mom has told me now that I would play and laugh with friends, and then come cry with mom and dad. I grieved in my own way, and understood with the simple faith of a child that my sister is in heaven now. Now that I am older, I grieve more for what my parents went through, and finally found some healing in some journals that my mom gave me a few years ago that she had written during that time. Sellers is a comfort to you now, and your continued faith in Christ and honesty with your struggle chronicled in this blog will be a comfort to her one day. And the hurt will always be there. But the Lord will use you, as he is using you now. Blessings to you and your family!!!

Anonymous said...

I stumbled upon your blog weeks ago, and have been following along ever since. I haven't commented, because your other readers have said everything that I could hope to say, just more eloquently. I have been praying for your family each time I think of you, which has been very often! It is absolutely uplifting and amazing to think that Copeland is still here, yet heart-wrenching to think of the agony that must cause you. Waiting for what you've been told is the unevitable, yet seeing evidence that He is still working. You and Conor have been strong and faithful servants, and are wonderful examples of Christ.

I'm not sure if you'll ever know how deeply this experience has touched so many people, and how thankful I am that you are sharing your journey with us. You have made me evaluate the strength of my own faith, and make me want to be better.

Praying that God's will is gentle and swift.

nancy said...

Oh, dear ones, how I have been praying for all of you since the arrival of precious Copeland. I just today was sent the link to your blog, from a friend, and realized it was you - who I've been praying for. My son, Mark, actually works with Michael and Dan, and has been moved to pray fervently for you, and asked all of us, his family to pray too. There are so many praying for you - be strengthened in that. May God lavish you with His comfort and love as He continues to strengthen you.

Mayhem And Miracles said...

Your faith and honesty and integrity have ASTOUNDED me! I have been a Christian for almost 14 years, but have never reached the level of trust God is developing in you. Your testimony IS reaching people! It is reaching me. I am praying for you all.

Mayhem And Miracles said...

Your faith and honesty and integrity have ASTOUNDED me! I have been a Christian for almost 14 years, but have never reached the level of trust God is developing in you. Your testimony IS reaching people! It is reaching me. I am praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

May the Lord God Almighty make His face shine upon you all. I am praying with you. May He give you the desires of your heart.

heidi @ ggip said...

Thank you for sharing this difficult story on your blog. I am so sorry for your loss. I found your blog in a roundabout way when trying to figure out when to tell our pre-schooler about our pregnancy given that we know our baby has birth defects and don't know how severe or life threatening they are.

Your daughter's story told in this blog entry was very encouraging to me at this time.