So many of you have asked how you can honor our sweet daughter and we are tremendously blessed by that. We have a couple of options that we feel truly represent our family. Please read the e-mail below to fully understand the first:
"It is one of God’s greatest blessings for us to be able to celebrate His sweet Copeland’s life! In our new library, slated for completion in the spring of 2008, there is a large window—the visual, physical, and spiritual 'center' of the library. In this window, there is to be placed a window seat; a place that seems to all of us who love to read like a big hug! We would love to honor Copeland by designating this window seat as 'Copeland’s Corner,' a place where every single day and every single page turned is a celebration of her life. A fund has been set up in her honor."
Boothe attended Oak Hill School here in Nashville from kindergarten until sixth grade. It had a tremendous effect on her faith and allowed her to blossom spiritually in many ways that are having a major role in how we will get through this season now. Oak Hill is a part of a church here in town that we were fortunate enough to be married in back in 2001. So this is a place that means a lot to our legacy as a family. Please send donations for this fund to:
The Oak Hill School
Re: Copeland’s Corner
The Oak Hill School Library
4815 Franklin Road
Nashville, TN 37220
Contact Claire Wilkins at 615-298-9543 for further information.
We understand that many of you may not know about Oak Hill and may feel more comfortable with something a bit more global. Therefore, we have also decided to set up a fund to assist International Justice Mission, a non-profit organization that seeks to work out injustices and set free captives around the world, including young girls in sex slavery. Knowing our Copeland is free even as we speak is a great reminder that we are all ultimately called to a life in heaven where the 'chains' on this earth have no bearing. We believe that it is our duty to seek the Father's will for all of His children, "on earth, as it is in heaven." Please send donations in honor of Copeland Farley to the following:
International Justice Mission
PO Box 58147
Washington, DC 20037
You may also give online; if you are interested in this option, please visit their website at www.ijm.org and select "GIVE" from the menu at the top of the screen.
Blessings this day... we are making it through because of you.
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67 comments:
Praying for your family.
If you would like a free little bloggie design, I would love to do it for you, free of charge! I don't do much, but I can fancy it up a tad... http://jennisajoy.blogspot.com
Thank you for sharing your daughter with all of us...
Thank you for giving us opportunities to reach out in honor of Copeland. We will be praying as to how God would best use us.
Praying, too, for all of you each time the Lord prompts.
Conor and Boothe,
I will be honored to contribute to Copeland's Corner.
I went to a private, Christian school in middle school. That school was one of the best things that happened to me.
In addition, I love to read and I love window seats. However, I don't think I've ever read IN a window seat. The least I can do is help build one.
Rebecca
I heard about your precious baby Copeland from a friend of yours on another site. I can't imagine what you are going through, but I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. God is good, all the time, god is good. He does answer prayers, only sometimes, the answer is no. You are such strong people and a wonderful family. You are in my thoughts! God bless you in the days, weeks and years to come.
what beautiful ideas
Blessings,
Karla
What beautiful choices for donations! Thank you for sharing.
Through tears, I read about Copeland's Corner. Oak Hill School is a very special place to our family and we will be honored to be a part of making that a reality.
Copeland's Corner. What a beautiful way to honor that precious little one! I will be honored to donate to that - Copeland is in my heart forever! I will never be the same!
Thank you Boothe and Conor for sharing your journey with us all...I will keep you all in my prayers! My heart aches with yours and my tears are flowing today!
thank you for sharing your story with the world, you've made us all that little bit richer for it, praying for you x
What beautiful ways to celebrate Copeland! Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be a part of honoring her. You have been on my mind all day and I will continue to life you in prayer.
May God comfort you and give you peace.
wonderful choices! continuing to pray....
“Homesick” Mercy Me
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Just wanted to let you know that I ache for you and that I am greatly sorry for your lose. I have a brother who also died of Trisomy 18 and I can kind of relate but to let you know that there is a support group that helps families get thru the lose of thier precious ones! Again I wish you the best! if you have any questions about S.O.F.T (support organization for trisomy 18 and 13) feel free to email me. whatablonde2000@yahoo.com
Kourtni
What a beautiful place to honor your daughter. I will be sending a donation to Copland's Corner tonight.
Blessings.....
What a wonderful way to honor her with "Copeland's Corner"!! THANK YOU for allowing us to do the little we can to help make that dream a reality for you!! I expect there's a children's book that needs to be WRITTEN about Copeland's short life---and how siblings can come to understand better all that happens with this fatal disease... I'm just making a suggestion here!! But you DO Have a WAY with words!! And you ARE led by the Spirit in SOOO much of what you DO do!!! Maybe you could think about it??? =D
Hugs, much love, continued good wishes, and prayers for your comfort from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cheryl
Praying for you as the Lord brings you to mind - it is our sweet privilege.
Thank you for giving us a tangible way to honor Copeland. Both ideas are so appropriate. Praying for you...
truly truly...God is receiving all of the glory today
Thank you for sharing your journal about Copeland for all of us to read. What a wonderful tribute to her...the reading area in the library. My prayers continue for your family as you go through the next days and weeks taking in all that has happened to you. The Lord be with you all and give you the peace and strength that you need.
Love, prayers and hugs,
Grandma of 7 in Maryland
Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a mighty way. Your willingness to love Copeland, to invest your hearts, minds, bodies, souls, and spirits into her-knowing all the while that time was limited AND your incredible faith in God, plus your willingness to honestly share your thought, feelings and emotions with the world...all of these things have touched me in a way that I cannot explain efficiently. I will forever be grateful for having known the four of you. Please know that God knows and understands every thought, feeling, and emotion you have. You have turned a tragedy into a witness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Romans 8:28...And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God
Whenever the Lord sees fit for you to read this, please hug Sellers for me.
Also...perhaps this blog is meant to become a book.
I have heard of your story from a friend of a friend. I have been touched by your sweet child's life and look forward to seeing the outcome of Copeland's Corner. What a beautiful thing you have done. Copeland did more in her 8 days of life than most people will do with their 75+ years. I will continue to pray for your lovely family.
Thank you for including IJM as your designated charity. They are a tremendous agency and doing amazing work around the world. What a legacy to leave attached to Copeland's name.
What a great idea for Copeland's Corner! Brian and I would love to give in her memory. You will have to post some pictures when it gets completed. God Bless you and know you are being lifted up constantly.
Love,
Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com
What a wonderful choice in Oak Hill and that foundation. I have such cherished memories of Oak Hill and that is a precious way for her to live on. I am so glad that something very wonderful will come out of this. Thank you for giving us an outlet to give back in her name. If here's anything I can do to help please let me know.
Love you
Shannon
Boothe and Conor,
Thank you for sharing your entire experience with us. I have been checking on your family for over a week now, and I must say that the Lord has truly used your situation in my life. I have been blessed by your words and the words of so many others as well.
I pray for peace that passes all understanding in your life. I pray that you have the courage to go on and continue spreading the love of Christ as you have. I pray that He will continue to use you all mightily in his service through this situation.
Thank you again.
Because of Him~
Wendy in Johnson City, TN
These are both wonderful tributes to honor sweet Copeland. Can't pick one so will give to both.
The Angels in the vision the Lord gave you the morning of her leaving you are the same Angels that continue watching over your family during this time and in the days ahead. I believe they will remain guarding your entire family through the roughest of times ahead. Again I would like to say that though her little life touched so many in her short stay, the journey of blessings began the day of decision when two warriors of God learned of her fragile condition and chose to give her life, not taking the easy way out. You gave it all you have and I for one am so humbled by God in my life because of this choice you made. Thank you for being two of the sweetest parents on earth.
God Bless your family to overflowing.
Laurie in Ca.
While we've never met, it's been a joy and blessing to pray for you. God has used you in so many ways in our family.
By the way, was Conor involved in Young Life back in the 1990's. He looks very familiar from my time working at the YL camp up in British Columbia one summer.
Jeff
shelbyyounglife@hotmail.com
How are you all doing? I can only imagine what you are going through.
Hello Boothe, Conor, Sellers-
I have been reading your blogs since last I saw you guys at the hospital. Your faith in the Lord and His Sovereignty as well as your honesty and rawness is something that I strive to achieve. You have truely blessed my life as well as many others that came in contact with you. You are in my prayers and thoughts much of the time. Thank you for sharing your daughter, your story and yourselves with us. I believe that the Lord is using your writings to draw others to Him, to encourage and bring hope to those that do not know our God . We are praying God's richest blessings upon you.
Please call if there is anything we can do!
Adie and Michael Hall
We continue to pray for you and are honored to give in memory of Copeland. One of my favorite songs is 'You Are Good' by Point of Grace. These words have especially described how we've felt through our journey of infertility...
"When it's dark and it's cold
and I can't feel my soul...
You are still good
When the world has turned gray
and the rain here's to stay...
You are still good"
Praying you'll embrace the goodness of your King tonight, even as you mourn the loss of your little one.
I too have gone through a tramatic death in my family and I think the only answer that I have to give you is realizing that they were never ours to begin with. God blesses us with these children to learn from and raise. Some are here for just a short time and they furfill their purpose. Im sure you will see as I saw (with our situation) that she has touched so many people with her short life than many of us could wish to touch in our entire life. Know she is with our savior as we will be soon enough. I've been praying for you and your family.
Hello to the precious Farley family. It's Leanne (NICU nurse) and I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. Specifically for peace that only our Savior can give you......perfect peace. Your family touched many lives too. Staff members at Baptist could see the Lord working in you. You will probably never know the impact you had on us!!!! God bless you. Leanne Cullom
Thanks for your transparency during this difficult time. You have encouraged so many people in how your faith carried you through Copelands precious life. I pray God's favor in your healing process. Your strength is obviously from the Lord. Know our hearts hurt with you. Love, Angie
((hugs))
Dear ones.........I deeply admire the man who made the comments I enclose, Rev. John Piper. May his wisdom comfort you, and may you embrace the fact that Jesus is the reason Copeland is safe, loved, and at peace this moment.....my own heart grieves with you. You are loved on this terrain this moment. Kelly
What I Said at My Granddaughter’s Funeral
September 26, 2007 | By: John Piper
Category: Written Posts by John Piper
I had the privilege of sitting with my family while Tom Steller and Sam Crabtree ministered to us at the funeral of Felicity Margaret Piper who was stillborn at full term on September 22, 2007. Her father Abraham asked me to speak for five minutes on “A Granddaddy’s Thoughts.” Here is what I said.
I didn’t know Felicity Margaret. My experience of her life was entirely through other people for nine months. And my experience of her death, even though it was physically immediate and touchable, has been emotionally experienced almost entirely through other people.
So at this moment, what it means for me to be Felicity’s grandfather is that I am living this loss almost entirely through other people’s experience of this loss. And because of my love for all these people, there is a powerful sweetness in this pain.
Being Felicity’s grandfather means that I have tasted her loss through my daughters-in-law, her aunts Shelly, Melissa, and Lesley. The measure of her worth and the greatness of her loss have been written on your faces, and they are the more beautiful for it.
Being Felicity’s grandfather means that I have felt her loss in the shattered expectation of her aunt Talitha, my daughter. It was not easy to go to school on Monday. But you and Mommy made a good plan with the school counselor to inform the teachers and students. And now, in a way you never expected, your heart is knit together with Dasia whose little brother Zach was killed by the dog a month ago.
Being Felicity’s grandfather means that I have felt her loss through her uncles and my sons Karsten, Benjamin, and Barnabas. I broke the news to each of you and watched all your plans change. You are good brothers to each other. And I cannot tell you how much I love the tears and embraces of strong men.
Being Felicity’s grandfather means that I have felt her loss through her grandmother, my wife Noël. Strange and wonderful. Your tears came slowly and have increased. Mine came quickly and have decreased. Almost the story of our lives. Thank you for knitting Felicity’s blanket, and weeping as you decided to give it to her anyway.
Being Felicity’s grandfather means that I have felt the loss through her mother, my daughter-in-law Molly. For her entire life she depended on you more than anyone. You fed her, you cleansed her, you supported her, you protected her, you knew her better than anyone. The grace that God has given you to love her greatly and let her go is amazing. Christ is on display in your life.
Being Felicity’s grandfather means that I have felt the loss through her father, my son Abraham. The words from Saturday morning’s phone call are cut into my heart, “Daddy, we lost the baby.” Nothing, Abraham, has gone deeper inside of me than your loss.
Being Felicity’s grandfather means that I have felt the loss through her great grandfather, my father Bill Piper. And this experience is totally different from all the others. In this case, the loss is all gain. My father died six months and sixteen days before Felicity did. I believe the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ covers the sins of all who trust him and all who are not old enough to trust him here but will trust him later.
Therefore, I believe Felicity and her great grandfather met each other early Sunday morning in the presence of Christ. And my father said, perhaps, “Hello, Felicity. I’m your great grandfather Piper. Come, there is somebody I want you to meet. His name is Jesus. He’s the reason you’re here. You don’t need to be afraid. Your Savior has led you all the way. And Jesus does all things well.”
Still thinking and praying for all of you-
Randi Booth
www.chrisandrandi.us
Sweet family, you are on our hearts and in our tears. We love you and are praying for you.
Praying that you and your extended family find comfort and strength from our Father, from each other, and from all of us who became praying participants of your journey. Hugs from Texas.
First I want to say how deeply sorry I am for the loss of your beautiful little girl. I will be praying for you and your entire family. I found your site tonight accidently, while reading another blog that is no way related to Trisomy 18. I say this because as I started reading your blog, I had an almost surreal feeling. Two days ago, my best friend found out that the baby she is carrying has a 50% chance of being born with chromosonal abnormalities. Four were mentioned and one of those was Trisomy 18. This is the second time in as many days, that I have accidently stumbled across information on this disorder. Thank you so much for sharing your daughter's story. I sat on my bed tonight reading your entire blog with tears streaming down my face. I am in awe of your strength and faith. My friend will not know whether her baby has any chromosonal problems for another week. And while I will continue to pray that the news she receives will be what she hopes for, I thank you with providing me with information and some insight into this disorder.
Conor, Boothe and Sellers, I just want you to know that I am praying for you all. Thinking of you and praying for you, Deuteronomy 31 v 6 b came to mind ... "THE LORD YOUR GOD IS THE ONE WHO GOES WITH YOU. HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU OR FORSAKE YOU." He's going through this with you and He will NOT fail or forsake you. May He uphold and comfort you too.
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you , he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
We love you!
Boothe I am praying for your tired body from surgery. PLEASE take care of yourself. It will make all the difference in the world.
Just wanted to see how y'all were doing today. We're still praying and will continue to do so. Copeland's Corner and IJM are such wonderful ideas and we hope to be able to take part in that in her honor. You are loved and lifted up today!
What a neat way to honor your sweet, precious little one.
I am amazed at the grace you have been given, to share your lives with us and give honor to Jesus through your ordeal. I pray for peace and blessings to be on your family every day and night. What a beautiful testimony you have. Thank you so much for sharing Copeland's life with us. We are all blessed to have 'known' her through your blog.
Truly a beautiful way to honor sweet Copeland!
Continued prayers for you this morning as you prepare for the weekend. I am praying for Sellers little heart as she goes through this with you, and the grandparents also.
May the memorial bring unbelievable blessings to lighten your hearts. I will be there in spirit and praying for you. "Hey Lord, it is still all in your hands so please handle it with your care.
Love and Blessings, Laurie in Ca.
Two wonderful, worthy ways to cherish Copeland's memory and share her story with others.....
We'll be thinking of and praying for your family and tomorrow afternoon's memorial.
Those are wonderful ways to honor such a sweet girl. Your family will remain in our prayers as you go through the grieving process.
I am continually praying for you all - I wish I could hug you. Sunshine
I love the "Copeland's Corner" idea. How very special! As I was thinking about you guys this morning the phrase "Trials Turned To Gold" popped in my head. I have no idea if this will speak to your hearts now or not... but, I pulled up the words to this song...
The view from here is nothing near
To what it is for You
I tried to see Your plan for me
But I only acted like I knew
Oh Lord forgive the times
I tried to read your mind
Cause you said if I'd be still
Then I would hear your voice
He's brought me here,
where things are clear
And trials turn to gold
It's hard for me to even think that far ahead now because I wrestle with being frustrated that you guys have had to endure so much through all of this... but, I truly hope and all ready believe that the Lord will turn this trial into gold in his time. He's all ready begun it.
Love you guys and see you soon.
I'm so very sorry for your loss:-( We will pray for you to feel the Lord's comfort, mercy and love during this difficult time.
Blessings,
Bob in Karen Oros
(in McMinnville TN)
I think of your family a lot lately. I just cant imagine the pain you are feeling and yet you are so amazingly uplifting with your words. I am praying for all of you. Tell Sellers that people are thinking of her also. dawn
Words can not express what you must be going through.
Please remember to meet with family/counselor/pastor whomever to grieve through this.
The road after the trama can be tougher than the trama itself.
Hey... I love this post even in your pain. Thank you for sharing your soul and letting us see Him through this difficult time. We're praying for your sweet family.
Both beautiful choices. Thank you.
G-d Bless you Conner and Family.
We wil pray for you all to have the strength you need.
G-d Bless you Coner and Family.
We wil pray for you all to have the strength you need.
Continuing to pary for you and your sweet family. Much grace for the days ahead.
Farley Family,
I continue to be amazed by your willingness to share and allow us to show you how much your journey has touched our lives. For that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You all continue to be in my prayers that our God will continue to sustain you and wrap his arms around you in the days to come.
Love from KY
Still thinking of you & praying for your family...
Praying for you today and for a beautiful day tomorrow!
I love the idea of the library seat, 'Copeland's Corner'. What a beautiful way to honor her! We will be sending in a donation also. Thanks for the information!
I lost my daughter to Trisomy 18 less than two months ago. I love the line in this hymn that says "when we meet ne'er to part."
Oh, what songs of the heart
We shall sing all the day,
When again we assemble at home,
When we meet ne'er to part
With the blest o'er the way,
There no more from our loved ones to roam!
When we meet ne'er to part,
Oh, what songs of the heart
We shall sing in our beautiful home.
Tho our rapture and bliss
There's no song can express,
We will shout, we will sing o'er and o'er,
As we greet with a kiss,
And with joy we caress
All our loved ones that passed on before;
As we greet with a kiss,
In our rapture and bliss,
All our love ones that passed on before.
Oh, the visions we'll see
In that home of the blest,
There's no word, there's no thought can impart,
But our rapture will be
All the soul can attest,
In the heavenly songs of the heart;
But our rapture will be
In the vision we'll see
Best expressed in the songs
We shall sing in our home!
We shall sing in our beautiful home.
Oh, what songs we'll employ!
Oh, what welcome we'll hear!
When we kneel at our dear Savior's feet.
And the heart swells with joy
In embraces most dear
When our heavenly parents we meet!
Oh, what songs we'll employ
As the heart swells with joy,
When our heavenly parents we meet!
It's a couple of minutes after 1 on Saturday, and I am praying for you all as Copeland's memorial service begins.
Conor, Boothe, and Sellers, We are praying for you. Your authenticity through all of this has blessed us. You are so right in the palm of the hand of our Lord. He is big enough for all of your tears and big enough for your anger and your screams and big enough to let you be silent and just say, Hey, sometimes. Your words have brought healing to me in places I didn't know were not well. Thank you for sharing in your brokenness.
Rest in His unchanging love and care for you...even when you cannot feel that love. We are forever changed and challenged by your strong faith and the questions you dare ask. It is an honor to know all of you. We have all been touched by the hand of God. Thank you.
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