Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Happy Anniversary

What are we celebrating?

It's been 1 year since our sweet little buddy Cooper passed away.

Yes, it's been sad.
And at times it's been hard, confusing, & even scary.
But overall, Cooper's death and reflecting on the one year mark brings me happiness.

First & foremost, I am happy for my beliefs, nay, knowledge, on this life and the next.
I love that thanks to a loving Heavenly Father, Pat & Lindsay are promised an eternity with Cooper when their Earthly life is over.

I am happy that I got to be a part of his life & have him in our life.
Happy I got to host his baby shower & celebrate his life even before he was on Earth.

Happy I got to visit him in the hospital when he was born.
I had to fight a couple g-mas, but I finally got to hold him.

Happy I was in his presence for so many moments of his short life.


Happy I got to be present for his first meeting with Santa George.
"Remember, Santa George loves you."
Creepy.


Happy I got to meet up with him & Linds at least once a week for our Rancho hikes when he was a wee-babe. 
It didn't take him long to learn that someone else's snacks will always be better than yours.
I quickly learned to pack 2 of everything.

Happy I got to see him right after his return from 4 months in Germany.
He was no longer a baby, but a toddling toddler who was in heaven with all of Avy's toys in our backyard.

Happy we got to celebrate special holidays together.


Happy my last memories of him are watching him sneak behind Linc's bouncey chair, pull the music toy, then, with a very serious face, bounce up and down while the music played. 
He then ran off to play with the Dora kitchen & would eventually make his way back to Linc's bouncey for the music. 

Honored and happy that Tyler & I had the opportunity to attend his Burial.
As heartbreaking as it was, it was also one of the most peaceful, spiritual moments in my life.
I hope to never forget those feelings.

Blessed & happy that I got to spend time with Lindsay the day after Cooper passed away.
We were getting pedicures, looking out the window, & rather than a complaint or frustration, she said,
"Cooper would have loved this sunshine today.  I wish it were sunny rather than rainy the past few days so he & I could have enjoyed them at the park together."

Happy his mom was crazy enough to agree to train for a 1/2 marathon right after he passed away.
Her doing this is what got me into running.
Honestly, I didn't want to run at first.
I just wanted to drink up every opportunity to spend time with her & learn from her.
I decided to run the 1/2 marathon literally at the last minute, only because I knew Lindsay was doing it for Coop & I wanted to be a part of that.
When I crossed the finish line & saw my kids & Tyler there, I cried.
I knew Cooper was there celebrating Lindsay too.

I'm happy these 2 have chosen to be positive & impact so many lives.

I'm so happy for the upcoming arrival of Cooper's baby sister!

I'm happy I get to have such good times with this crazy lady:

But most of all, I'm happy these 2 are happy. 

(they will cringe when they see that i've publicly announced how much they secretly LOVE singing karaoke & dancing)


       Happy Anniversary, Cooper.
Thanks for touching our lives!

Check out Lindsay's blog for more awesome pics & info about Mr. Coop.

10 comments:

whitney said...

oh i love those pictures of coop as a baby in that cute little plaid short-all. what a cutie.

Matt and Jessie said...

Sweet post my friend. You have a way with words. I have often times thought about your dear friend and this situation. I have even shed tears for these sweet people that I have never met. It is such a comfort to know that the Lord see us through some of the toughest situations we can imagine.

The Bock Family said...

I agree with your other friend. I don't know this couple but I have shed MANY tears for them and thought of them often this past year....not just when it happened. I am totally a blog stalker and enjoy reading her blog as I have also learned from her. Tell her thank you for me!

Johnson Family said...

What amazingly strong friends you have. I too sit here reading coopers story, crying many tears for this young family. I am so glad that heavenly father loves us and has a plan for us to be together forever. What a special little boy.

teuscher travels said...

Love look at all the photos of Cooper, and cute Lindsay and Pat. I have said it before, and I will say it again - everyone should have a friend like Miss Hayley Atwood.

The Mostess said...

Cooper looks just like Pat in the screaming Bumbo shot--not that Pat sits around in small chairs carrying on.

I love-love-love this post. So sweet and well-written. Love the Youngs.

Lindsay said...

So glad I have friend like you to help me through it all!!!

Ashley said...

Love this post. I agree with Kaari--Cooper is such a mini-Pat! It's so fun to see him as a teeny-tiny guy. Of course Lindsay is strong and an inspiration and we love her--but does she have to look so beautiful all the time, even pregnant and bustin' a move?

Hayley said...

trust me ash, that's the only downside of being her friend...she's always so hot & that leaves me gnarly in the shadows.

Molly said...

This us such a sweet post. I love all the pictures!