Our Sweet Little Cooper........

christmas 2011

2011-12-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

we made it one more year. although our hearts are heavy and ache for our dear cooper, we know where he is and we know without a doubt that we will see him again. we as a family are so grateful for our savior, jesus christ; especially at this time of year when we can pause and reflect on the great sacrifice that he made so we can once again be with cooper.

our favorite sight is the sunset up at the cemetery. tonight, we just so happened to capture that view with coops christmas tree and decorations. we hope you enjoy your holiday season! remember what the true meaning is as you tuck your little ones in bed this night.

happy birthday cooper:

2011-10-04T15:05:00.001-07:00

we love you so much today buddy! happy and sad tears have been shed as we remember you and your loving spirit. we have felt you and we hope that we can continue to feel you as the days go by.

be well angel boy, till we meet again.

we love you!

two years- a letter from coop's sister.

2011-07-31T09:43:00.001-07:00

today; july 31, 21011, marks the 2 year anniversary since your passing.

wow how time has flown by. it seems like just yesterday you were bossing me around, refusing to let me put sunscreen on your tan tan body, running around without clothes or shoes on, refusing to eat anything i made for you, being your silly silly self. i miss it. i miss you

around this time every year, memories come flooding in. feelings come flooding in. its hard. it takes my breath away, and sometimes i just want to sit and cry. but i know i cant. i have to keep going, keep breathing, keep living.

every once in a while, your accident will ring heavily in my head, and i will remember the emotions and feelings that i had that day and the days and weeks that followed. its not fun. i remember when chance told me about it. i remember the long, hard drive home from 7 Peaks. i remember how i couldn't sleep at all that night, and how i got in bed with mom and dad. i remember when the feeling of shock and numbness went away and reality hit me; that you were really gone. i remember that feeling of absence that no one could take away. i remember feeling SO frustrated because i couldn't see or hear you.

but then i remember the good things. the reassuring peace re-enters my mind, and for a moment everything is okay again. i remember how strong your spirit was for a long time and how grateful i was that you stayed close to my heart. i remember holding your hand at the mortuary, and for the first time since your passing, seeing your face as you ran to me. i remember being able to hear your laugh, and hear you say my name the way you did when you were here. i remember the time when you visited me in my dream, the most real feeling dream i have ever had. i am so grateful for those amazing experiences that i have had. i hope they never stop!

cooper, i have learned a lot through this trial. i have learned that you cant have happiness without a little pain. but i also have learned that through that hurt, i will be made strong once again. i can rise above this, and i will. it seems that every time i have one of those, "this isn't fun" experiences, something comes over me and lets me know that this is only going to make me better. after every dark feeling i have, i remember you and your sweet face and i am made whole once again.

i miss everything about you. honestly. even though you were a little stinker most of the time. i miss hearing you whine because you want gum. i miss helping you secretly reach the chocolate even after mom told you that you couldn't eat any till after dinner. i miss teaching you. i miss taking pictures of you. i miss snuggling with your warm little body, and feeling your heartbeat and your small, shallow breaths. i miss hearing you laugh and cry. i miss your little hands. i miss your tiny, yet perfect nose. i miss you skinny stick legs and your flimzy arms. i miss your pearly white teeth, and your perfect blonde hair. i miss bribing you to hear you say "i love you hunter, my favorite sister ever." i miss your giggle. i miss the soft kisses that you would give me as i left for school. i miss coming home and recieving a big bear hug from you.

i love looking back and being able to remember times that i helped you. i am grateful for those times. they show me to never take for granted what you have. you never know how quickly something will be gone. i cherish all of those funny little memories, and think of them often. some of them make me laugh, while others move me to tears. each of them good memories.

i am so grateful for the eternal perspective you have helped me to attain. because of you, i know where i want to end up, and who i want to be there with me. because of you, i like the way i should so i can stand worthily at the feet of my heavenly father and have him say to me, "you served me well my little child, come into my arms to stay."

cooper, today i am thankful for you. for everything you have taught me. for the doors you open up for me each and every day. i am grateful that i can take quiet moments to remember you, and in those quiet moments, i can feel your sweet spirit. i am grateful for the memories. i am grateful that because of you, i know without a doubt that i am a daughter of god. i know that my heavenly father loves me. i know that i have a savior that died for ME so i can live with you once again. i know that he felt every sad and lonely feeling that i have ever felt, and he is always there to renew my spirit and mind. i know that i can live with you, mom, dad, carson, kennedy, duncan and lincold again. i know so many things because of you sweet boy. i truly know that when i crumble to my knees, you will be there to hold my hand and walk me through this. you have many times, and i have seen your hand in my life.

i miss you, but i know where you are. i can feel you in my heart every day. i know that you are watching over me every day, and i know you're not gone forever. in heavens time, you're only seconds away.

i love you cooper, and i miss you more and more every day. i also appreciate you more and more every day, but i know that you are here with me.

dont get too big on me, okay? i love you.

love always and forever,

your sister, hunter.

rest well my little angel boy.

don't forget

2011-06-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

2nd annual cooper's run 2011.

it is going to be so fun and we would LOVE to see you all out there. we have some amazing things planned!!

so get on your computer and REGISTER!!!

coopersrun.org

you'll love it.

even if you're not a runner, get a bike... rollerblades... ANYTHING (:

just come and support!!

2011-04-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

APRIL

{as of now}

this month is easter. we are so lucky to have each other. we are so lucky to know that we have a savior who died for us so we could return to him again. we are so lucky to know that he was resurrected and that we will live again. we know that he lives, and as long as he lives, he loves us. we are so lucky for this gospel. it makes us all want to be better. we can not wait to see our little cooper again, and we cherish every memory and feeling that we have. we are so lucky to have had so many in the short time we had him on the earth.

this month, we also put coopie's little headstone in::

it is perfect, and it is even more beautiful than we imagined.

thank you to everyone who helped.

thank you for all of your love and support.

we love you

2011-03-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

MARCH

this month, we are lucky to love each other.

scroll to read about the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011

lately.

2011-03-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

it has been so crazy lately. we've slacked on blogging! so so sorry!!

CHRISTMAS

we sure do miss skiing with our little buddy!!

JANUARY

we hung some snowflakes in the trees and had fun balls hanging.

no pictures for this month!! SORRY!

FEBRUARY

we have no pictures for this month either.

we are awful, so sorry.

as we thought of cooper, we could feel his love.

we love you coopie.

christmas 2010

2010-12-24T11:08:00.001-08:00

another christmas where our hearts are grateful for our eternal family, and for cooper who reminds us every day who we want to become, and for a baby jesus who we love and adore as we cary the light of christ in our hearts.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

We were all wondering what to be for Halloween, when Quinn suddenly thought of this amazing idea! We would be Cooper's Runners! Wear orange pants, and blue sweat bands.

We all dyed our pants to be orange or blue, or a little of both. It was a funny process, but they turned out great!

New Rings

2010-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

This year for Cooper's birthday, we all got new CTR rings.

Not only do these rings help us to choose the right, but they help us to think of Cooper.

(Cooper Think Rings)

They really remind us of who we want to be, and how we need to act so we can live with Cooper again.

Cooper's Run 7/31/10 (sorry so late)

2010-10-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

this year was the first annual coopers run! it was so fun! there were so many people there! the feeling of the day was so peaceful! we could feel cooper all day! he was there, watching over us!

this has been such an amazing journey. lots of ups and downs, but at the end of the day, it has been a very beneficial experience. we as a family have grown in so many ways that we feel we couldn't have otherwise. we miss him so much every day, but we know where he is... and we know he is with us when we need him most!

after the run, we went up to little cooper's resting place, and watched the sun go down. Quinn found a bagpipist that came and played very sweet music while we were there. we as a family sat there in silence, thinking and pondering. we were all in tears by the end of it. good tears. we all thought a lot about cooper, and how much we miss him, and we thought about how lucky we are to have each other. we don't know what we would do if we didn't have each other.

we love, and are grateful to all of you who participated in the run in ANY way! thank you so much for your support!

Happy 6th Birthday Cooper!

2010-10-04T20:08:00.001-07:00

Today was a PERFECT day! There are still no words to describe how our hearts are feeling, but we are taking it one moment, one heart beat, one breath at a time. We know where he is, and that is so comforting. We love each other, and we lean on each other more and more every day. We can hardly wait for the day to come when we will see him, and hug him again.

Thank you for all of the prayers, texts, notes, and other means of your condolences. We appreciate them all, and we love you!

Happy Birthday Cooper Hamblin Kofford! We love and miss you so much!

American Fork Parade for Cooper's Run

2010-07-21T21:54:00.001-07:00

These are pictures from the American Fork parade. We had 2 floats for Cooper's Run. So fun to remember Coop. Remember to register at www.coopersrun.org

4th of July fun

2010-07-15T11:36:00.001-07:00

This year as a family, we made posters and wrote what we miss and love about Cooper. We took them up to the cemetery together.

Happy Easter

2010-04-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

EASTER falls perfectly in the spring when everything around us seems fresh and new. Spring has come with the anticipation of beautiful weather. With it, also brings evidence to our souls that we have a Savior who LIVES. We love him. We know he LOVES us. Through Him, a more than perfect plan was put into place. CHRIST died for each of us. But more importantly, He was RESURRECTED. He made it possible for the Plan of Happiness to give us HOPE. Hope for blessings yet to come and an ETERNITY filled with FAMILY.

Easter morning, our family went up to the cemetery, (in our pajamas) with bubble wands that were left by the easter bunny. Cooper had received one from him pre-school teacher, Mrs. Shack last May. With many thoughts of him, we ran around with bubbles magically floating in the air. It was an incredible sight.

St. Patricks Day

2010-04-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

So LUCKY to have an eternal family. We find joy in every day knowing we will be with Cooper again... Soon!

Valentines Day

2010-04-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Valentines... A time to reflect on those we love most. Cooper remains ever more in our HEARTS.

Christian Buss was Coopers best friend. He came to our home to play with Lincoln and Duncan one day. When he left, we found this drawing that he had created on Kennedy's art board.

Cooper's Bench

2010-02-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

Our experience with Cooper has definitely not been exclusive

to our family alone. Many many people whom we love and who have shown us extreme love in return, have shared their hearts with us, lightened our burdens, cried with us and mourned with us!

We still miss Cooper nearly every minute of everyday. But we are lifted and carried by those who have continued to extend their kindness towards our family. Let us share with you one of the most amazing things that has been done for us and has softened my heart each time I look at it...Coopers Bench!!

Our neighbors all contributed in giving us an incredible gift. They purchased a tree (which we can pick out in the spring) and with the meticulous creativity of Ben Sutorius and design of Jared Connor, a bench was made. It captures Cooper and his love for the outdoors PERFECTLY!! Ben fabricated it from steel rods and

molded them to look like the sticks that cooper loved collecting.

As you can see there is nothing in the world like it. Ben masterfully went to work and caught my vision ever more than I even expected. Its so perfect... more than perfect. Lastly the finishing touch. Shannon and Ben took Coopers flip flops, had a mold made and duplicated them in Bronze! (yes bronze!!) They sit perched on the bench as if cooper left them there and ran off to play.

There are no words to tell how my heart feels when I sit quietly on that sweet bench. Thank you to all my neighbors...especially Ben and Shannon. We love you all!

2010-02-21T13:18:00.001-08:00

These are some of the pictures that I just received from our baby-sitter. They are of Lincoln and Cooper playing in the yard last summer. Had a good long cry as I longed to see them play just once more. I miss my two little buddies, always together. Now I have (thankfully) just one.

The Songs of my Heart

2010-02-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

These are some of my new favorite songs. They are the songs of my heart. I hope they will help you to feel what I feel. Most of all, how I look forward to the day I will see My Savior again. Because of him, I feel peace, I press forward in faith knowing I will be with Cooper again.

(I could not figure out how to post them on the blog, but I will list them.)

When He Calls My Name--Hillary Weeks

Just Let Me Cry--Hillary Weeks

Tender Behind the Mercy--Hillary Weeks

You Give--Hillary Weeks

There are so many more, but these are the ones that speak to me.

Christmas Eve at the Cemetary

2009-12-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

This year, we started a new tradition. We went up to Cooper's grave, and lit candles. With Grandpa's generator, we lit Coop's little Christmas tree, and lights along the edge of the hill. We can see the lights from our home, and it helps us feel closer to Cooper.

First Christmas without Coop

2009-12-24T19:46:00.001-08:00

We miss Cooper profoundly, but we are so grateful for each other!

Cooper's Scholarship Continued

2009-12-24T19:38:00.001-08:00

This is the framed photo that is at Cooper's preschool. They were gracious enough to ask us if they could hang a picture of him on the wall.

Quinn and I have set up an account in Cooper's name. This will help those in need of assistance with tuition for their little preschooler. We will contribute monthly to this fund. If you are interested in donating, please contact us via e-mail at cooper10404@gmail.com.

Funeral Transcript

2009-12-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

If you weren't able to make it to the funeral, the link below will take you to where you can download and view the program.

http://cid-7f0ce68763a48ce7.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.Public

Cooper's Heart

2009-12-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

Paula Hart, a dear friend of ours, came to our home in early August. Our hearts connected and she experienced the sweet feeling of peace and reverence that resides in our home. Through her amazing talent, she was inspired to design a magnificent heart, which represents the change of heart we all have had because of Cooper's love.

We would like to share with you the sweet note that she sent to us after we received this beautiful heart:

August 13, 2009

Dear Quinn, Jana, Hunter, Carson, Kennedy, Duncan, Lincoln, and Cooper,

This whimsical, free form heart was a design I had been tinkering with for some time. Only very recently did I begin to apply it to some copper wire; twisting, bending, pulling, distressing, polishing, and transforming that simple wire into something special. Three weeks ago that wire heart was just another trial and error at the work bench.

After Cooper's accident, I searched my own heart for something, some token to share, to extend my love to all of you. On a whim, I put the two finished hearts I had on cords and threw them in my purse, thinking that they were far to simple to bring any comfort and that I possibly would decide not to share my homemade trinkets.

Upon arriving at your home, I knew I needed to share my simple gifts and when I gave Jana the heart, I found myself asking if we could call the design "Cooper's Heart". At the time I did not realize how much this would come to mean to me.

That evening in your home was one of the most sacred experiences of my life. The peace and comfort that filled me as I entered was amazing and I can only compare it to the feelings I have when I am in the temple. You were all yourselves, but there was an overwhelming feeling of love that wrapped itself around every breath. We were blessed by the invitation to stay for family prayer, and we were humbly taught as Quinn shared his testimony of Jesus Christ with a niece and nephew who were present.

This same amazing, enveloping comfort was freely offered at the funeral. There are no words to describe the spirit that was conveyed during that meeting.

To me, Cooper's heart has become a talisman. A physical reminder of who and what I have the potential to be if I choose to accept my divine heritage. It will forever remind me of the love, comfort, peace, and reverence I experienced while I was among you and the infinite love our Father in Heaven has for each of us.

Mere verbiage is far too limited to express my gratitude sufficiently for the beautiful gifts I have received from all of you. I love you, and again attempt to express my sincerest thankfulness for changing my life through your faith.

Love,

Paula Hart

You can view Cooper's Heart at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33132404&ref=em or visit Paula's personal Blog at hartofthemountain.blogspot.com where you can see Cooper's heart in the right hand column of her page.

Cooper's Scholarship

2009-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

At Cooper's preschool, we decided to help others who may be in need of assistance in beginning their education by setting up a scholarship fund.

Cooper adored his school and his teacher Mrs. Shaack, and we wanted his love for the school to continue through helping others to have the same blessing.

Stay posted, we will give more information at a later date.

Obituary

2009-08-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Cooper Hamblin Kofford (a.k.a. “Coop”) was born October 4, 2004 and returned to heavenly surroundings on July 31, 2009. Quinn Macdonald Kofford and Jana Lynn Worsley Kofford (Orem, Utah. Married 23 years) are blessed to have been Cooper’s earthly dad and mom. Cooper is the fifth of six children. He is one of four boys and two girls. Cooper loved his sisters and brothers. He loved climbing into bed and snuggling with his sister, Hunter (13), and loved “playing house” with Kennedy (9). His oldest brother, Carson (12) taught Cooper about baseball. Duncan (7) loved playing legos and swimming with Coop. Lincoln (2) was Coops wrestling mate, car seat buddy, and “partner-in-crime.”

As his earthly family we are amazed at the depth of our love and respect for Cooper and his impact on our family. We will miss him very much. We have been and will continue to be enveloped by overwhelming feelings of love and gratitude. We are at peace—including an absolute blameless recollection of the circumstances surrounding Cooper’s last day on this earth. As a family, we have felt the love and support of our extended families, neighbors, friends and the community-at-large, and express our thanks. We have been blessed with clarity of mind and peace of heart and soul which stems from our faith in and knowledge of our Heavenly Father’s plan for all mankind and of Cooper’s progression in that plan . . . and its eternal significance for our little family.

We are certainly biased toward our son and brother and cannot say enough positive about him or his influence on everyone who knew him or came in contact with him. He was always on the go. At home, he was most comfortable outside . . .usually barefoot and in shorts (or a swimsuit)—sometimes even in the winter. He had soft, sun-bleached-blond hair that framed his perfect face and little body and accentuated his amazing deep blue eyes. His two huge dimples (one in each cheek), tan complexion, perfect annunciation of every word and syllable, and his sweet voice (combined with his unique twang) are part of what made him Cooper. He loved to giggle and to make others giggle with him. He loved swimming, riding his bike (training wheels triumphantly removed in May), going to Navajo Lake and Kanab, Utah, and eating otter pops like they were going out of style. He loved taking his brothers for self-made adventures into “Randy’s field” or to Betty Jo’s “bumpy road.” He loved chewing gum—which usually only further accentuated his perfect little teeth, ear to ear smile and deep Hamblin dimples. He loved to snow ski, going “faster” in the water tube at Lake Powell, and sleeping wherever and whenever he chose. He loved all of his friends, cousins, aunts and uncles and would interact and immediately engage anyone. He also loved both sets of grandparents (Cree-L and Ila Jean Kofford of Bountiful, Utah, and Steven and Cheryl Worsley of Provo, Utah) and the horses, kisses, Christmas treats and unconditional love they showered on him. We will miss such things as hearing him yell-back “I Love You” as he ran off to play. We will also miss kissing his soft puckered lips, his refusal to eat anything healthy, and his causing havoc in church. We will miss holding his hands (even though the rest of him wouldn’t hold still), riding bikes to go get snow cone treats, and just playing and laughing together. If you knew Cooper, you experienced a bit of heaven on earth. As parents and as his family, we are grateful to have been blessed with Cooper. Because of our convictions toward Jesus Christ, we absolutely know—with no doubt whatsoever--that we will be reunited with him someday.

There will be a family greeting from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2009 with funeral services beginning at noon. Both will be held at the LDS Hillcrest 8^th Ward building located at 1035 South 800 East, Orem, Utah. Interment will immediately follow at East Lawn Hills Cemetery in Provo. In lieu of flowers, we have asked that donations be made to the LDS General Missionary Fund or Primary Children’s Hospital.

Letter from Hunter

2009-08-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

August 1^st, 2009

My Dear, Sweet, Little Cooper:

October 4, 2004 was the day we welcomed you into the world. I was so excited!! I loved and still love you with ALL of my heart! I remember the moment I first held you. I had never felt anything so special, and so precious in my life. I could not believe that I was lucky enough to call you my brother!!

I remember the nights that you would come down and sleep with me because you were afraid, or you were lonely. How I will miss waking up to your Tan, Warm, Little body! Even though you are not here to talk to me, or snuggle with me when you have a bad dream, I feel you! I am sure I will have plenty of experiences where I can “Feel you.”

People say death is a bad thing, when really, all it is, is someone you love leaving their body, and leaving you. Because of this tragic event, I have become so much closer to my Heavenly Father, My Family, The Spirit, and YOU!

I will miss you so, so much, but there is no fear! I know I will be able to see you again!! I know you are in a better place. I know you have looked into Jesus, and Heavenly Father’s eyes, and said… Please watch over my family… Please let them know that I am ok… Now what can I do to serve?

I love you more than words could ever explain! And there are many people that feel the same way! I cannot wait to see you on the other side! Don’t grow too much ok!?

I love you and I will miss you!!

Love,

Your Sister… Hunter!

P.S…. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Cooper Hamblin Kofford

2009-08-02T00:08:00.001-07:00

(to view in full screen, double click on the slide show and click on "full screen")

2009-08-01T00:34:00.000-07:00