One year ago this morning, we woke up early. It was our last day in Hawaii. We would be leaving that night, our trip having been cut short because of Katie's worsening symptoms, and we were trying to cram as much into our time as possible. I have such sweet memories of that morning at Hanuama Bay. I could recall so many details to you. The trolley ride to the bottom of the hill. The gathering of snorkels and masks and flippers. Katie's deep desire to have that experience, made evident by her willingness to don the swim cap she hated over the bald head she hated even more. The chilly water and how it took her breath away -what breath she had left at that time. Me trying to convince her to just duck under the water and then she would get used to it. Her final submission that it really wasn't so bad to just sit on the beach in Hawaii and watch the rest of us. Seeing Aaron swim with Daniel on his back, allowing him the opportunity to view the fish up close like the big kids. Ben's excitement as he and Chad found surprises in the reef. Annie sitting on a towel with Katie in the sand, no doubt annoying her as much as she adored her. I stood on the shore that morning, the tears rolling down my cheeks then as they do now, thinking, I absolutely love these kids. We stopped for malasadas on the way back to the hotel, then washed them down with a round of shaved ice for lunch. An afternoon in the sunshine, frantic packing for an over night flight, and one last family picture. Which became one last family picture. Lack of sleep over the next few days leaves some blurry patches in between the very vivid memories of one year ago. I had walked by her side for months and would hardly be farther than arm's distance for the next 3 days. I made the decision to get on the plane that night even though I didn't know if she could make the trip. Every transition between flights was tumultuous. It would be a head shaking story even if it didn't involve a girl in a wheelchair whose smile belied the gravity of her situation. Somehow we got her to Cincinnati. I don't even know how her body compensated that long - except by the grace of God. Hidden in those next hours is a lot of pain and some very quiet blessings. Moments of weakness. Moments of strength. A lot of love. We said the hard things. We did the unthinkable. One year later, what do we do now? Some days it's hard to know exactly what to do. Or what to feel. We live in the present while we yearn for the past and grieve what could have been the future. We look through the tears as we cling to the hope that we find in the Gospel, and we wait ... we wait for redemption ... we wait for reunion. We miss you fiercely, sweet girl. We'll see you soon, Katie bird! Forever, The Cobb 7 Katie Cobb
8/28/03 - 10/10/17
5 Comments
10/8/2018 02:32:55 am
Barbara, Chase and I continue to mourn your Katie. It is hard to believe it has already been a year. We will never forget Katie and know that we will all see her again someday. Until then, if anyone in the Cobb family needs something, any time, day or night, please call on us. Love and prayers...
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Barb Blankenship
10/8/2018 07:21:16 am
I didn’t know Katie personally but I’ve come to love her through your testimony and through sweet Ben and adorable Annie. I’m praying for God’s arms to wrap you tightly as you grieve.
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The Poling Family
10/8/2018 08:52:09 am
To The Cobb 7, we love you all very much. Thanks for being so intentional, transparent, and accessible in the sharing of this journey and your testimony....to so many. We think of each Cobb 7 member, everyday. Just last week, our Home Group reflected on our Katie, and the date... How so many from our community and even outside, came to Winfield, WV to celebrate her and support the Cobb family. I value your posts, appreciate the photos, and love your family. You all are always in our prayers. We will all be thinking of you, each of you, on October 10th.
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Andrea Duhon
10/9/2018 07:31:23 am
You are a strong woman Sara ! Thank you for continuing to share your story with such grace. Katie has made an everlasting impact on this community and she is a beautiful example of gods work. I pray for your heart and your continuous healing. I pray for strength and courage. I look forward to the day you get your reunion in heaven!
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Shannon Louk
10/9/2018 08:58:15 am
I imagine God has planted every small detail from those days in your memory and on your heart for safekeeping. You all have been continuously on my mind in recent days. I continue to pray for the comfort that only He can provide each of you until your sweet reunion.
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