Saturday, February 2, 2008

this is a little awkward...

What I'm about to write, if I were speaking it aloud before an audience, would come from a head looking down at the floor, cheeks flushed, feet shifting uncomfortably. I don't usually have much trouble sharing my heart, but this isn't really that at all. I've struggled for weeks now wondering if it, indeed, is something I ought to share in the first place, if it was something you'd be blessed by, and at this point, I'm simply going to hope that at least one of you will be.

For Christmas, Conor and I found out about a website called Blurb. Through it, we were able to make a book celebrating Copeland's life. It's comprised of blog entries as well as photographs. We went out on a limb and hoped it would turn out right; much to our delight, when it arrived on our doorstep Christmas Eve, it was absolutely beautiful. It's small - only 7x7" - which seemed fitting, somehow, and precious to us. Sellers has loved flipping through the pages.

My desire in telling her story, in ever getting on this computer and sharing my heart, is simply that the suffering we've sown will reap within you a harvest of hope, or joy, or compassion, or faith. If you have someone you'd like to share Copeland's story with in a more tangible way than via the blog, please feel free to order one of these books. Visit blurb.com and search "Copeland Fair."


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21 comments:

Mandy said...

I just ordered my copy and can't wait to see it and share it with my friends and family. Thanks for sharing it. Talk to you real soon.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

jenni said...

I made a 7x7 of my blog this december also. I love it & I plan to make one every year so that the boys will be able to look back on their life through my eyes & writing.

I Love, Love, Love that you made one about Copeland's life & I know you will cherish it forever.

Let's get coffee soon!!
Jenni

Laurie in Ca. said...

This is a wonderful idea and when I click off of here, I want to go over there and order one for myself to share with my friends too. I somehow feel that Copeland was a little bit mine too, like another granddaughter:) I think you understand:)

Thanks Boothe,
Love, Laurie in Ca.

Sarah said...

What a beautiful memory and celebration of her precious little life. I know others will indeed be blessed by this book. Thank you for letting us know.

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Oh, Boothe. I am definitely going to purchase a copy. Thanks for sharing this. Will it be for sale for a short period of time or for awhile? Either way, count me in.

Much love,
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

there are some that I know and thank you for sharing your strength and wisdom god will guide you every step. I track your blog daily.
God Bless,
Terry
FL

Whitney Akin said...

can't wait to look at it. i will check it out.
love you.

Angie said...

Boothe,

I'm so glad you did this! I was going to ask you if you were planning on publishing anything, and from what I saw of it on the website, it looks terrific! I've been working on putting something together for a little while, hoping that I'll be able to do something similar in the near future. I think it is a good record of the journey. Something to hold on to in the years to come.

Much love!!!
Angie

Sarah said...

I found this song posted on someone else's blog. thought you might like it.

Glory Baby
by Watermark

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby..
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…

Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little babies, it’s hard to
understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…

BRIDGE:
I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…

Anonymous said...

My dear Boothe and Conor,
The Lord has obviously laid you heavily upon my heart today. I have been reading and searching the scripture to find solace in my own time of difficulty. I came upon the passage in Isaiah and immediately though of you both.
Isaiah 65:17-25
"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.
NEVER AGAIN WILL THERE BE IN IT AN INFANT WHO LIVES BUT A FEW DAYS, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands. They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,"
...says the Lord.

Love you both
Sarah
www.sarahcshipley.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

What is a beautiful idea! I just looked on blurb.com and saw that "Copeland Fair" is on the blurb.com bestsellers list. Thought you would like to know.

I am still praying for you.

The Adoption Of William said...

The book looks so beautiful Boothe! I will have to order one. What a blessing!

With Love,

William's Mama

Anonymous said...

Boothe, I am going to purchase one of these... so I never, *ever* forget.

Be blessed... abundantly.
Jen in Australia.
(Still praying for a new life for you to cherish.)

Amanda Conley said...

So glad you made a book! You don't know me, but it's funny because in church this Sunday I sat behind your family and as Christy Knockles was leading worship, I thought of that exact same song that Sarah just posted the words to a few comments back. I came home and did a blog about how God's power is revealed through those who suffer (and I put your link, I hope you don't mind). Anyway, sorry to ramble.

CJT said...

I can't wait to order Copeland's book!!! I've missed the last few posts, but I was able to catch up tonight. I especially like the blog about Conor's new tattoo. I too have a tat on my left inner wrist. It's a simple Jesus fish. It's a constant reminder of how much I love Him, and vice versa.
As always, your Spirit-filled words are such an inspiration to me. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your story!

Anonymous said...

It took me a long time to figure out how to see the book so here is a direct link for anyone else who wants to use it:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/search?search=copeland+fair&x=32&y=6

The Agarwals said...

How interesting that last night, before I even visited your blog, I received an email for blurb myself. I am a new photographer and have been getting many promos for coffee table books. I was thinking of ordering one to sample! What a blessing to see your sweet angel on the cover of one! You're right- one girl, eight days, a life that's changed the world! Blessings and love to you!
Annie

Wifeof1Momof4 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Wifeof1Momof4 said...

Thanks for the idea. I don't know if I have enough pictures to make a book for Denham, but I am gonna make a book of her brothers. Missing my baby today (almost 5 years later).

Holly Amburgey said...

Hey Boothe - I stumbled onto you through a friend and have been inspired and have agreeded with your words. My Dad was raised a Southern Baptist with all the baggage and came through so to speak.
I whole heartdly agree with your thoughts on Oprah. Have you thought about talking to her; to exploit trisomy? I think it would be great to get your point of view and possibly "spew" Christ's message. Just a thought. I had never heard of Copeland's disease before you. May be a good message board for her and Him.

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