Sunday, September 23, 2007

prayer

Dear family and friends,

I am asking you to pray specifically for Copeland right now. She has had a few more "blue spells" than we are comfortable with, they are lasting a bit longer than usual, and she's somewhat lethargic. Right now I am letting her cry as best as her little lungs will permit simply to ensure oxygen is rushing through her body. It could be a rough night. Please pray she will make it through. It is frightening and so difficult as a parent to watch your child suffer in any way. Pray that Conor and I will be strengthened.

75 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying without ceasing!
Love without end!
Aunt Cindy

Melissa P. said...

praying for all the things you asked...you are a wonderful mother and are loving your girl so well. peace to all of you this night!

Anonymous said...

I'm praying right now, and will continue to through the night for you. May you feel the guidance of our Great Physician as you walk through tonight. We love you-

Kati said...

Absolutely.

Anonymous said...

Just had the chance to catch up, and see both her eyes! How beautiful she is.
Praying for you today, tonight.

Jenna said...

Praying and praying

Anonymous said...

praying for you all with all my might...

Alison said...

still praying....

Mommynurse said...

We are praying!

Anonymous said...

Praying right now and will continue...

kristin and matt said...

as romans 12:12 says, we will be joyful in hope and remain faithful in prayers for y'all.

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I am praying. We love you.

Anonymous said...

I've been anxiously waiting all day to get time to check the computer to see how precious Copeland is fairing at home. Your pictures are beautiful. The one of Sellers with her mouth wide open holding her baby sister is my favorite. We have been praying with our friends for you for several months now. We will continue that tonight as we did in our Sunday Bible study this morning.

Love, Betsy

Mary Alice said...

Praying and praying and praying. Lifting you up to the Father has become like breathing for me, as it obviously has for so many.

The pictures are so beautiful. But how could the not be, with such beautiful subjects?

May you rest tonight - whether you sleep or not - knowing that you are being lifted up!!

Whitney Akin said...

praying for all of you and of course baby copeland. praying that you will have a peaceful evening.

Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. May God give you peace and wisdom now and throughout the night. Your daughters are so beautiful!

LWB said...

praying for you and Copeland and the night ahead.

Laurie Wunder Bolden

Anonymous said...

We will be praying. Thank you for posting pictures, both your girls are beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.

Anonymous said...

will be praying for Copeland all night.

Anonymous said...

praying constantly...

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you're letting her cry :( What an unfortunate thing for such a little person to experience! Babies don't cry just to cry. They cry because they need something- in this case, probably your presence and comfort so she knows she's not being abandoned during something so scary.

I'll be thinking of you all!

Anonymous said...

continued prayer-
mary t.miller

Anonymous said...

Praying for you in Arkansas.

Anonymous said...

I pray the Lord will give you all of His strength and give you peace that passes all understanding through the night. The Lord is walking before you and will prepare you as you continue to walk through these moments and days!

Unknown said...

Oh, we are on our faces praying for your family, and entreating our loving Father to give all of you what you need to make it through the next second, minute, hour, day......this fire you all are walking through just now is refining you so that God's reflection in you is SO clear to everyone who sees you. As you become more like our Savior, we will keep praying that you will feel His love and peace in your hearts. There is nothing and nobody who can help you but God, and your faith and love in Him are strengthening so many people. May Copeland be blessed to know your love for as many days as God knows you need. Love in Him, xoxooxo
mari

erika said...

on my knees for you...

TMB said...

absolutely, we are praying...

Lyric said...

You have my prayers as well.

Emmanuel.

Anonymous said...

praying now.....

Shelli Allen Photography said...

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Anonymous said...

Praying...and believing in you as doing your very best for your child. Do not let other people's opinions (about crying or other things) upset you....you know what's best for your child. Crying does not hurt a baby...and like you said, she needs oxygen. Focus on what you know to be true about God's provision of strength and wisdom. Will be praying for peace, wisdom, and comfort through the night.

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for you tonight that God will give you His peace and calm your hearts. He has Copeland in His complete care and will guide you. Trust His promise to you. I will pray without ceasing.
Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Also, praying without ceasing in SouthCarolina!!! May you feel the the Lords hand on you guys and your precious family!!!

TMB said...

i also just want to post in response to a comment posted at 6:21, in which Copeland's crying is being referred to. i just want to say that i have been absolutely amazed at the way you have loved, cared for and parented Copeland in these 6 days. you are truly inspiring parent's. i don't think any of us can come close to understanding what ya'll are going through, unless having also gone through something similar. there is NO doubt in my mind that Copeland absolutely feels the intense love ya'll have for her. you have truly done an amazing job at caring for her while she has been entrusted to ya'll for her earthly walk. we love you...

Anonymous said...

Still praying and sending my thoughts your way. Dear God...please be with sweet Copeland and her amazing family.

Anonymous said...

I am praying with all of my heart and soul. You and Copeland are in my every thought and prayer.

with love,

Anne

Anonymous said...

I am praying and praying. Your sweet baby has completely changed my life. I am looking at my daughter diffently and my husband too. You are doing the best that God has educated you to do. You are the best parents imaginable. That is why Copeland is YOUR daughter! She always will be!

maximus woltage said...

Boothe- I've been following your blog and praying. We also have two girls, ages 3 yrs. and 4 months...Our family of 4 is praying for your family of four!

Heidi(Rannells) Wolter

Belmont Church and Oak Hill School

Anonymous said...

Constant, constant prayer for your precious family. My heart aches for you and I am trying to not become totally angry with people who post hurtful things at this time, but to lift them up in prayer too. You have taught me so much during this time, I have become closer to the Father thru my constant conversation with Him regarding your family and Baby Copeland. Forever in your debt, prayers & blessings, from Susan in Ama, TX

Laurie in Ca. said...

PS. I also completely agree with Connie and the Browns comments. Trust your hearts and the Lord who is leading them in caring for this baby.
YOU are her parents and He has equipped you to follow her. There are many opinions, but this is Gods plan working in you. She has so much love surrounding her, you are wonderful parents.

Unknown said...

Oh, Boothe and Conor,
How mightily God does love you and is pouring out his gracious care on you through so many channels. Yes, he knew before the formation of this world that you would walk this valley with Copeland. I pray God's kindest mercy on you tonight, for your rest, for her breath. Her life is a mighty blessing, as is your faith in the face of overwhelming suffering.
My love, Beth Williamson

Anonymous said...

The crying comment bothers me too. You have wisdom & guidance from the NICU nurses. You are accomplishing each tiny task so prayerfully! If crying is bringing oxygen throughout that precious body, I pray we would all make such a wise decision. That sweet little angel girl will know without a doubt how incredibly loved & cared for she is. Most of us will never understand how many difficult decisions your family must make, throughout each day.

This blog has taught me to make sure I love & enjoy my daughter in a more meaningful & thankful way, day to day.

Boothe, I've never met you, but I'm inspired by you, have learned from you, and pray to have such amazing wisdom & reliance on God in such a time as this. You are a wise mother.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your family during this trying time. Your little girls are precious. May you find peace and needed rest tonight.

Grandma of 7 in Maryland

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for you, Connor and Copeland. I will pray for what you have asked. You and Connor are AWESOME parents. I so applaud you for allowing Copeland to cry, knowing that by her crying she is getting the oxygen that she needs...I'm sure this is not easy. You all continue to be an inspiration to me. Thank you for allowing all of us to be a part of your lives.

Love from KY

Anonymous said...

Carter and I are praying extra hard for her tonight!

Love
Shannon G

Anonymous said...

I dont think i realized how many people were loyally fighting for you until I scanned through these posts. boothe: angels are covering your entire house inside and out. The holy spirit is guiding you and conor both and there is no doubt that your ears are attentively listening to his voice. in colossians it talks about glorifying god in all that you do...that is absolutely what you have been doing since the day you found out you were pregnant. angels are singing and your father is pleased in the specific and challenging ways to serve him in the last six days. continue listening to him, the one who created you and copeland in his image, and there is nothing better you can do. im on my knees, my spirit is passionately speaking to the lord on your behalf and am entrusting you and your family in complete confidence. you and each member of your family are a child of the king of the universe. you are taken care of sweet girl

Anonymous said...

We are praying!

Blessings,
Lori

Anonymous said...

I am praying for precious Copeland
and for you and Conor to be strengthened!

Melissa P. said...

Praying that you can rest in the Truth that the Lord has equipped you to be Copeland's mommy. He has called you and He is equipping you. I am praying that regardless of what others might say and what you might feel that you might rest in that TRUTH. You are a wise and loving mother.

I don't think we will be we will be sleeping much tonight as Sydney has a nasty cold, so as I am rocking my girl in the wee hours of the night I will be praying intensily for you and yours! Blessings to you all!!

Elizabeth S said...

I will continue praying for you through the night; my daughter also has a cold so I will be up. I can't imagine going through this; but I know Copeland is in the perfect hands to take care of her. God placed her with you and there is no doubt in my mind why He did.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I are praying for a peace that you will not understand!

maggiemae and family said...

i found your website through an email i got tonight and as i looked through your posts tonight i just wept for you. thank you for your strength and courage. you have changed me. i am never going to look at my daughter again the same way. God Bless you and your beautiful family.

The Growing Goodsons said...

You don't know who I am, I somehow stubbled upon your blog, but I want you to know that I am praying for you. My best friends lost her son to Trisomy 18 he lived for 34 days I'm praying that you get longer than that with your sweet Copeland. I have also lost a son. He went to heaven when he was 6 weeks old. Enjoy every moment with Copeland but when it's her time hold onto the truths that the Lord has given you. God is good all the time and he is so faithful. May God bless you and your family.

Tarah Goodson

Kate said...

praying for strength and His perfect timing...

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you for peace - tonight and always. As a mother to two little girls, your story has touched my heart. Your sweet baby has made quite an impact in only a few short days.

Blessings to you all.

Anonymous said...

Praying for God's grace and love to overwhelm you all. He will give you the strength you need!!

Jennifer said...

Praying here!

Anonymous said...

Praying in Atlanta, GA

Anonymous said...

Dear Boothe,

You have always been incredibly wise for your years, yet somehow I'm still totally amazed at the way you are walking through this. Your soft heart towards the Lord and fierce faith in Him have blessed me and so many others, in a life-changing kind of way.

We all are praying for you. Michael interupted my prayer at dinner to remind me to pray for "Baby Copa."

I pray for amazing peace for all of you tonight, and I pray that you trust the incredibly wise instincts that God has given you.

Love you,

Betsy, Sean, Addison, and Michael

The Hiatt Family said...

We sit here in awe of how God has already worked and trust that He will continue that work tonight. This morning at church we sang "Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." My first thoughts were of y'all and Copeland. You are his. Blessings and peace and rest tonight.

Anonymous said...

all our prayers

Sunny said...

Praying even now.
Sunny Thomas

Anonymous said...

Praying without ceasing. You are truly amazing parents and I stand in awe of the number of people you have touched and I know tonight prayers are being prayed throughout this country for the two of you,for precious Copeland, and Sellers.
Trish C.

Tamara said...

Boothe, I will continue to pray for your family and I will also pray the person who doesn't understand about building lung capacity would maybe do a little research as I am sure they must not know that crying builds lung capacity. We were told with our little girl to ENCOURAGE crying as she had struggled with breathing when she was born.

God sure knew what He was doing when He gave Copeland to her precious family!

Anonymous said...

Asking God to keep friends awake around the clock to cover you in prayer.

Mary Alice said...

Sweet Boothe,

I am incredibly saddened by the fact that someone would post such harsh words about choices you are making in regards to your precious baby girl. I can't understand how anyone who either knows you personally or who has read even ONE of your posts would take it upon themselves to add to the pain that you have experienced in the past few months.

You are a wonderful mother. And more than that, you are COPELAND'S mother, hand-picked by our Father over every woman ever born or to-be born. And as a mom myself, I know how easy it is to be affected by the casual and often thoughtless comments of others on how we choose to raise our children. As women, we tend to hear the one negative comment far louder than the many positive ones. So, walk in confidence, sister - complete confidence in who and WHOSE you are.

I love you and continue to pray for peace and comfort from all of you.

(And Jack asked if you would please give Sellers a hug from him!)

Anonymous said...

May God give you the peace beyond all understanding, and let you all feel his presence and comfort.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys.. I am praying for you tonight as always. I cannot imagine how hard this is to watch. I know God will give you the strength you need to get through the night. I am praying that the blue spells cease and you have a peaceful night with your precious baby. We love you two and Sellie so much!!

Shannon & Stefan

Anonymous said...

Isaiah 49:13
Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Isaiah 66:13
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.

praying praying praying for a calm and peaceful sleep for you all.

Jen said...

I ran across your blog last week and have been praying for you all since.

We had our first baby at Baptist Hospital.

I thankful that you all have been able to share such sweet moments together. I pray that God will fill you with His peace.

"God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace." 1 Peter 1:2

Stressed and Distressed said...

Prayers for peace, rest and strength for you throughout the night.

Unknown said...

Mike and I are praying for you both, and sweet little Copeland. I ran across this verse:
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me, the breath of the Almighty gives me life....
I'm asking that the Lord will continue to give Copeland the breath of life......
I know you love music, and one song that comes to mind right now, that reminds me of you is "Breath of Heaven". If it will help, listen to this quietly while you rock her....
The Lord is with you and the baby tonight....

Anonymous said...

"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me....

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Psalm 139:1-5, 13-16

courtney said...

Praying fervently....

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of a friend of a friend. :) Your willingness to be so open about God's work in your life has captivated, amazed and inspired many of us. A group of strangers way out in California prays for and worships over baby Copeland and all of you several times daily. The Lord has used Matt Redman's song, "You Never Let Go" to speak to me about your family. We're still praying...