The Macs » Blog

today we remember

Today we remember the doctor announcing, “It’s a girl!”
Today we remember the instant love we felt when we first met our daughter.
Today we remember carefully choosing her name…just for her.
Today we remember bringing her home for the first time.

Today we remember transitioning to a family of three.

Today we remember her smiles.
Today we remember the day we dedicated her to the Lord.
Today we remember her sweet temperament.
Today we remember being so proud to be her parents.
Today we remember all the firsts.
Today we remember the giggles.
Today we remember hearing her say “dada” and “mama”.
Today we remember the baths.
Today we remember our trips together.
Today we remember her bedtime routine.
Today we remember curling up in the rocking chair and reading together.
Today we remember how much she loved her striped blanket and pacifier.
Today we remember her pretty hair and little barrettes.
Today we remember how her daddy taught her to high five.
Today we remember feeling like we couldn’t love her any more.
Today we remember the moment our world was turned upside down.
Today we remember fighting for her life.
Today we remember holding her little hand and stroking her hair.
Today we remember how sick our baby was.
Today we remember the surgeries.
Today we remember facing the hard reality of cancer.
Today we remember begging the Lord to heal her.
Today we remember the prayers poured out for our daughter.
Today we remember that our little girl was loved by so many.
Today we remember saying goodbye far too soon.
Today we remember walking out of the hospital without her.
Today we remember feeling pain & heartache like we didn’t even know existed.
Today we remember a huge outpouring of love.
Today we remember the many, many tears.
Today we remember seeking the Lord’s strength to move forward.
Today we remember how far God has brought us two years later.

And today we remember God’s faithfulness to us through it all.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
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  • Rob and Corrie - Today…I’m praying for y’all!ReplyCancel

  • Todd and Courtney - oh sweet Cora. Her name is still on my sidebar to your blog. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years – over 2 years that I have kept up with ya’ll and prayed faithfully for your family. She is so beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • JESSICA - Beautifully stated – you are so eloquent!! Even though I didn’t know Cora, I feel like I did. Joel and Levi are so lucky to have you.

    Today, I choose to remember what a great lady you are. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Jessica - So beautiful. Praying for you with tears in my eyes.ReplyCancel

  • Jessica - I have no clue why my post has linked to yours, except I was on my blog and just clicked from my sidebar to yours. So sorry. Trying to figure out how to remove the link…ReplyCancel

  • Christa - Cora is beautiful. Praying for you and your husband today.ReplyCancel

  • purejoy - today we remember too.

    {{hugs}} from tennesseeReplyCancel

  • The Fishers - Saying many prayers for all of you and remembering your beautiful Cora.

    Blessings from WA.ReplyCancel

  • Jenae - Praying for you all!ReplyCancel

  • Sarah Johnson - Been thinking of your family all day today. Praying for continued healing and God’s comfort.

    Marc, Sarah, and MarleighReplyCancel

  • Chelsy - I pray as tears stream down my face. As a mother to a little girl myself, I cannot imagine your loss.ReplyCancel

  • Gail - Beautiful post–I know you remember her all the time. You are such wonderful parents–hurting and hoping with you today!ReplyCancel

  • Jody - So beautiful…someday that painful part will fade to the background and all the good memories will shine brighter…until then I pray God will comfort your family.ReplyCancel

  • ej236 - Praying for you all and can not even imagine what you are feeling. So beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Melody - In tears for you as you remember your beautiful little girl. The world would never be the same once she came into it! Praying for you guys.ReplyCancel

  • Ashley and Garrett - I am absolutely thinking of sweet Cora today…

    It is a beautiful snowy day…yet it’s bitterly cold and sad…ReplyCancel

  • Erin Tagle - Wow. Beautiful. Praying for you and your family.ReplyCancel

  • Polka Dot Moon - Cora and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Especially today.ReplyCancel

  • Stef - blessings to you today.

    Love you!ReplyCancel

  • Holly - ♥ Cora ♥ReplyCancel

  • Our Family of 5 - Praying for your family today.ReplyCancel

  • Lori - God bless you and your family today. What a wonderful reunion you will have in heaven someday!ReplyCancel

  • anne - Remembering and grieving with you. Love to all of you!ReplyCancel

  • Mormishmom - I remember finding your blog two years ago . . . thoughts and prayers for you and your family.ReplyCancel

  • Devon - beautifully said….thinking of you.ReplyCancel

  • Selena - Oh, how she earned her angel wings… she was just beautiful… just like you, Jess, both inside and out. Thank you for the continual inspiration even through your broken-heartedness… and thank you for sharing our Lord with the world. May our prayers bring you comfort, and may His love, and the promise of Heaven, embrace you and Joel on this day. Love that little brother up… he is adorable, too!! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Kimberley - she was such a beautiful baby girl. sending prayers to your sweet family.ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - thinking and praying for you todayReplyCancel

  • EricaG - Praying for peace for your family.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Your grace and love moves me and inspires me.ReplyCancel

  • Kristin - What a beautiful post to remember your sweet baby girlReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I pray for you and your family and share the sadness but I rejoice because today also marks a day of new birth for Cora. Our faith teaches that Cora lives and that you will see her again.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - So many precious memories, yet some of them are just plain hard. Your Cora is beautiful and perfect and is as precious to you today as she was the day she was born. My heart is with you today. I pray you will feel the love she has for you, your husband and your darling little son. The Lord is taking good care of her until you meet again and He is mindful of your sorrow. You are an amazing woman. You were put in a role you did not want or ask for but you continue in faith, trust, love, and devotion to your family and to God. You inspire me to want to do better, to be better, and to never take for granted my blessings. {{{Hugs from SLC Utah}}}ReplyCancel

  • Sara - God Bless you today and everyday! I am praying for you and your family today!ReplyCancel

  • Allen and Debby Graber - Yes, I remembered too this morning. He IS close to the brokenhearted and promises never to leave us. What a Comforter!!ReplyCancel

  • Trisha Larson - Today…I remember too!

    Hugs,
    TrishaReplyCancel

  • Lloyd Sisters - Praying for.you today….my heart aches for you today…ReplyCancel

  • Marsha - What a precious life and a precious legacy that Cora’s life is. Praying for you!

    MarshaReplyCancel

  • Sarah B - Praying for your family today. Such a blessed little girl to have you as her mom.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Praying for you today.ReplyCancel

  • Heather - Praying for you all tonight…what a sweet sweet sweet dedication to a sweet girl!

    love loveReplyCancel

  • Cora - Praying for your family today. Cora is beautiful! Blessings from AR.ReplyCancel

  • Ruth - Thinking of Cora with you today. May God’s peace be with you.ReplyCancel

  • k and c's mom - Precious Jess:
    You’ve shared your heart, life, pain and joy with us for two years on this journey. I’m amazed (and thankful) at the faithfulness of God to your family. He is enough. He IS enough.ReplyCancel

  • Becky - So poignant and beautiful. Remembering Cora and your entire family in prayer today.ReplyCancel

  • Thomas - Wow! So touching.
    I love reading your blog. It’s my favorite!But my most painful too.I am a mom to three little boys and my youngest reminds me so much of your little Cora. He makes a lot of the same facial expressions.
    I remember exactly where I was when I checked your blog that morning and read that she had gone home. I was so shocked. I too had been begging the Lord to heal her. I was heartbroken for you. I remember praying..”Lord how are they going to go on without her? How are they going to survive the unthinkable? Please give them another baby soon. Not to take away the pain but to make it bearable. Please fill their arms.” I miss her so much and I didn’t even know her. She is so precious. I am so glad you have Levi.He is a wonderful blessing. And one day soon you will be with Cora again. Until then keep pressing on.

    Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I pray for you and your family often. You are an inspiration to me.

    And thank you for showing us more pictures of her! I LOVE seeing pictures of her!

    Cora B.ReplyCancel

  • Amy - Praying for God’s grace for this moment. My heart hurts so badly for you. But there is a Comforter. Thank you Lord.ReplyCancel

  • Carpenter's - Praying for you and your family! I lean on this scripture and know you will too. James 1:2-3ReplyCancel

  • Trish - sending you hugs today! I still have your thank you postcard on my fridge… every time I fill up my water bottle or grab something to eat I see you and your husband and sweet Cora. I often say a little prayer for you!ReplyCancel

  • Allison - Keeping your family & sweet, precious Cora in my thoughts & prayers.ReplyCancel

  • We Three Smiths + 1 - All of our prayers, love and hugs today. We’ve kept up with you and your sweet family since the day I heard Cora’s name for the first time. I continue to be in awe of your strength and love…please know that there are so many of us who pray for you despite never having met you!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Today I remember too.Thank you for sharing your sweet Cora with us. Lots of prayers still going up.

    KimReplyCancel

  • Jane's In The Jungle - Today Jess, we all remember…Cora and His love for all of you.ReplyCancel

  • Stephanie - So sad and sorry for your pain today, but I am also so very thankful for the witness you have been to so many. You have been so faithful to all that God has given you even when it hurts. You are inspiring and encouraging Jess.ReplyCancel

  • Angela - I have read your blog ever since Cora got sick. I have three sons, and every time I see pictures of Cora or read about her, I have to keep myself from crying. I’m not always successful. I’m so dreadfully sorry that you lost your sweet daughter. I’m so sorry that this is your reality. I’m just so sorry.ReplyCancel

  • Jackie - Praying for your family. I am a friend of Kristy McClenahans and I have been following your blog ever since she told me about your family and your sweet little girl Cora! Praying you feel God’s arms wrapped around you today.ReplyCancel

  • Melinda@This Mama's Heart - Praying for your family today.ReplyCancel

  • Kahla - Sending prayers. Two years has gone so fast, it seems like just yesterday I heard and started following your stories. So many prayers for y’all and Cora went out. My heart still aches for you.ReplyCancel

  • Wanting What I Have - Sweet, sweet, sweet baby Cora. I am praying for you tonight.ReplyCancel

  • Amy - I thought of you several times today. I remember so much about that morning. Hugs to you, sweet friend!ReplyCancel

  • Robin in Benton - Such a beautiful expression of all of your memories of a beautiful baby girl. As so many others have said I can’t believe that it’s been two years. Praying for you today and always.ReplyCancel

  • Cristy - ((Hugs)) and prayers for you today…

    CristyReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Remembering your sweet Cora. Hugs..ReplyCancel

  • Lane - This is so precious and has meant SO much to me today. I actually wrote a blog post about how this post really changed my way of thinking and how I will NOT take any time with my daughter for granted.ReplyCancel

  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Prayers for you all, especially today, from our little family in Australia.

    I prayed for a miracle when Cora was sick. I cried when you posted that she had gone to Jesus. I have been inspired by your posts so many times over the last 2+ years. And I thank you for sharing your journey Jess.

    God Bless you, Joel, Cora and Levi.ReplyCancel

  • Toni :O) - I’m still praying, I will never, never, ever forget your sweet girl…she changed my life for sure. Many hugs and love sent out to you right now. Stay strong and thank you for posting such a sweet post, she was a gem just like you all are. I’m proud to be able to keep checking in on you all.ReplyCancel

  • Kim @ Peace of my Heart - So beautiful. Thinking of you today as you remember your sweet Cora.ReplyCancel

  • The Koehns - You and your family have given the world so much through your faith in God. Thank you for your inspirational strength! You all are often in my thoughts. God bless.

    AmberReplyCancel

  • amy d - you have such a beautiful way with words…sending hugs through all the snow!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - such wonderful memories tucked away forever in your hearts <3
    Hugs and love to you and your family today and always.ReplyCancel

  • Heather Overton - Beautiful….To God be all the glory….he’s holding your little one right now!ReplyCancel

  • Sarah - I have been thinking of and praying for ur family a lot over the past few weeks.ReplyCancel

  • Erica - Praying for you today especially. What a gift Cora still is!ReplyCancel

  • A - praying for you and your family this weekReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - your daughter and my son share a birthday, only he was born on the same day in 2006.this is why i remember her often.

    also i remember her because, as you said, they share a sweet temperament. and because february 8 has always been my favourite day, it is a holiday here, a day of free cultural festivals, and i count it as the first day of spring. it is bitter, even feels inappropriate. i do love cora.

    i can see the power of jesus in your story, because of you, your happines with your son, i know there is joy to be found even after the greatest sorrow.thank you.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Hugs and prayers from Indiana.ReplyCancel

  • Lauren - Special memories, Jess. Praying for peace, comfort, and joy!!ReplyCancel

  • Jennay - Those memories will carry on for a lifetime and beyond! Cora was very lucky to have you both as parents! As always, sending my thoughts and prayers!ReplyCancel

  • Just Beachy - Tears for you and {{hugs}} for youReplyCancel

  • Amy - Oh Jess…loving you and your sweet family. xoReplyCancel

  • Kristin Stegent - She’s so precious…

    Praying for you guys today.ReplyCancel

  • ml - Praying for you today.ReplyCancel

  • Nancy - Praying so hard for you today!
    God Bless that BEAUTIFUL baby!!ReplyCancel

  • MFuglseth - Saying a little prayer for comfort and knowing Cora is in a better place and you will see her again one day.
    What a beautiful little girl and she was very lucky to have had you as her mommy!
    Take Care!
    MollyReplyCancel

  • Julie - What a beautiful post…for your beautiful daughter. I know we have never met…but your sweet Cora has forever touched my heart. Remembering her…always.

    Hugs and prayers from Indiana!ReplyCancel

  • AshleyAnn - The love of a parent is a powerful thing…the love of your Father is an almighty thing. Truly, Cora Paige has been a messenger of her loving God.ReplyCancel

  • Brittany - prayers for your sweet familyReplyCancel

  • Lauren - We’re all praying and thinking about y’all today!!! What a blessing sweet Cora was!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Karina - More tears here. Hugs to you, Jess.ReplyCancel

  • Wolfpacker's Angel - We’ve left the hospital with empty arms as well. Remembering Cora and your family.ReplyCancel

  • E Truitt - You are in my prayers. How sorry I am for your loss, but how how impressed I am with your strength and courage and willingness to share with others. May God Bless your family.ReplyCancel

  • Tricia - Praying and thanking God for all of the ways that he has blessed your sweet family.

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

  • meg duerksen - love you all.ReplyCancel

  • Tina Coleman - Continuing to pray as you miss Cora! God still sees and He knows! Thanking God for Levi today, too! A little bit of healing taking place.ReplyCancel

  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Today I remembered the day we met and the love you all showed us even though you were filled with pain and sorrow. I said a prayer and shed tears today remembering how precious she was, And the impact that Cora continues to have on us! Love to you all today and always! Sending hugs!

    AMIEReplyCancel

  • Melissa Joy - Today we remember your precious family in our prayers. Thank you for allowing us the privilege to bring you before our Father’s throne. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Cora with us. Thank you for sharing the Gospel with us here.
    I know my children are dancing in the streets with Cora today.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Today I feel your pain…Today I remember her tooReplyCancel

  • The Buchanan Family - Thoughts of your family often cross my mind. Prayers.ReplyCancel

  • Marla Taviano - Tears for you and Joel. I’ll never forget you, sweet, beautiful Cora. Praying for you guys today!!ReplyCancel

  • Andrea - Missing her with you…which may seem a little strange since we’ve never met. But maybe that’s part of the beauty and grace of prayer – I’m grateful God has enabled me to pray for your family and thank you for sharing the beauty of your lives even in the pain.

    Love in Christ,
    AndreaReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - thank you for sharing some of your special memories. i remember the rainbow that God sent after Cora’s graveside service. In contrast, now two years later…the snow is deep and the countryside is pure white. Thank you for reminding us how faithful God has been. the pictures of Levi are always so dear.ReplyCancel

  • Ethansmom08 - Praying for you and your family…I will never forget Cora and her legacy. What a beautiful angel!ReplyCancel

  • Amanda - you are in my thoughts and prayers.ReplyCancel

  • nichole - Praying for your precious family today. Today, I thank you for the person in Christ that you are, for the witness you are to others with your love and faithfulness to Him. May you feel comfort and peace today!ReplyCancel

  • Tara - Lots of prayers sent your way…she is a beautiful girl:)ReplyCancel

  • Pilgrim Days - very sweet post. praying for you today. thankful for God’s faithfulness to you.ReplyCancel

  • Mommy2QTPies - What a beautiful post to honor your daughter. I bet she is smiling down on you today, and everyday. ((hugs))ReplyCancel

  • ashley - Cora’s story and short life touches my heart today as much as it did 2 years ago when I first started following your journey. May God give you peace and comfort today. She is a beautiful angel.ReplyCancel

  • G. - Remembering your lovely Cora.
    And will never forget.

    GenevieveReplyCancel

  • The Morris Family - I was wondering where you got the mouths for the sticks for Levi’s bd party! Did you find them to download?? I have found some but thought these looked better for younger children!! If you could e-mail me I would be so grateful.

    Thank you,
    CindyReplyCancel

  • Lori Wiltse - My son shares the same birth date as Cora. Cora went to heaven on my daughter’s bday. I thought of you, Joel, & Levi all day yesterday. Last week, I happened to drive by a playground in Wichita with the same type of equipmt as Cora’s playground. It made me think of her precious lil chubby cheeks, gorgeous smile, & her parents who are amazing followers of Christ. I know so many lives have been changed by sweet Cora. I am thankful to be one of them, but so very sorry that her time here was so short. I pray that your family continues to be so richly blessed. Thank you for letting us all be a part of this journey with you. Love in Christ, LoriReplyCancel

  • Megan - I am remembering your beautiful girl with you…especially today. Cora is an inspiration to so many and I thank you for sharing her with us. I know that nothing any of us can say will take away your pain, but I just wanted you to know that Cora’s story has forever changed me and I will continue to lift your family up in prayer.ReplyCancel

  • Erica - i still remember this day 2 years ago, and the heartbreak that i felt for you. i cried reading this post just as i cried reading your post that day. how far God has brought you is both encouraging and beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Sara - Thinking of you…Your sweet Cora stays on my mind and I pray for you family daily.ReplyCancel

  • jennifer rogers - oh happy birthday sweet little girl, your time here on earth was way too brief, but through your short time here you have, through your parents loss and great faith, have taught oh so many of us to be thankful for our blessings, to hug our children a little longer, to enjoy every minute we have with our precious ones and to have faith beyond measure. Happy Birthday Cora and thank you from the bottom of my heart.ReplyCancel

  • Miss Em - Cora is still so very much on my heart and I can’t believe it has been 2 years. I bought a pink flower shortly after she passed for her playground and it is a permenant fixture on my son’s shelf. It is a constant reminder to me of how precious our children are and how great God is.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - i think about your baby girl often…but especially this week. praying for you and your sweet family. God bless.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Praying for you all.ReplyCancel

  • nlnlsheils - Jess, I stumbled across your blog a year ago and fell in love with your family. You have given me such inspiration. Sending love and prayers that your days will be filled with precious memories.
    Lynn in Grand Marais, MNReplyCancel

  • Lora - So beautiful! You are so eloquent with words that must be so hard to put down. My heart aches for you and I think of your family often. (((HUGS)))ReplyCancel

  • Tara - so beautiful. i know that i will never forget reading her story. your story. and i will always remember how it changed me and the way that i love forever.ReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Praying for you!ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - Sending hugs! I continue to pray for you and Joel, and sweet Levi as well! God’s love is enduring and He will continue to carry you.ReplyCancel