1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Even though this year has been dreadfully difficult and the past few days excruciatingly painful (we really miss those smiles and laughs of hers), I am surprised that I do not find it difficult to still be thankful. And not just flippantly thankful. Grateful feels like a better, fuller word. Yes, I am deeply grateful for some things this year that may or may not have made my list last Thanksgiving. 1. the Raynes siblings and in-laws. They have been our backbone. 2. compassionate, yet brilliant, doctors. I heard Katie thank God for them so many times this year. 3. friends who get in the pit with us. The ones who say, "I don't know what to do but I'm jumping in anyway." 4. perspective. For all the things that cancer takes, it is the one gift it gives. 5. pictures and videos. I'm so glad we take lots and lots of pictures. 6. budgets. Living on a budget for 19 years has allowed me the freedom to not work this year and not feel stressed about it. 7. our marriage. We have done the work and put in the time to learn to communicate and make our marriage strong, so even with the strain this season brings, I do not fear for our marriage. 8. tears. Although they make other people feel awkward, the tears remind me how much I love my girl. So, bring on awkward. 9. 15 1/2 years with the best big brother. 14 years with my joyful child. 11 years with the middle child. 9 years with my free spirit. 4 years with the D bomb. 10. the opportunity to give back. Thanks to the generosity of many of you, we are grateful for the chance to give back to several organizations that supported us and were instrumental to our family this past year. These groups of people do really incredible things and we would love for you to remember them the next time you consider donating to a charitable fund. Cincinnati Children's Hospital CBDI (Cancer and Blood Disease Institute) Research WV Kids Cancer Crusaders The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation (WV chapter) Ronald McDonald House Baskets of Hope (WV chapter) Make-A-Wish (Greater PA and WV chapter) River Ridge Church Cincinnati Children's Facility Dog Program We will also be setting up a scholarship at Winfield High School in honor and memory of Katie. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Blessings, Sarah and Chad Forever Cobb 7
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On Tuesday, October 3rd, we flew out of Charleston, WV for Oahu. After traveling for 18 hours, Katie spent half of her first night in Hawaii in the Emergency Room. From then on, the trip changed. The week was quite terrible in some ways, yet wonderful in others. Make-A-Wish was amazing in changing our itinerary once we knew we would not be able to stay for the duration. We enjoyed four full days on the island, packing in as much as Katie's body would allow. We left Honolulu on Saturday night, landed in Charleston on Sunday evening, and were on our way to Cincinnati within the hour. Our trip was supposed to last until Wednesday. Katie died on Tuesday morning.
As difficult as they were, I am grateful that we were able to spend those days together in the one place Katie had truly wished to visit. Despite the troubling symptoms that kept showing up, she still enjoyed herself. She laid on the beach at Waikiki, read a book by the pool, swam with a dolphin, attended a luau on the North Shore, watched her siblings snorkel at Hanuama Bay, and ate A LOT of Hawaiian shaved ice! I hope you enjoy seeing some of the fun she had that week. As was her fashion, Katie lived life to the full. Despite the fear that threatened her, she smiled and laughed and truly enjoyed her trip to Hawaii. I miss her so very much, but I am so thankful for these memories. Forever Cobb 7 |
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