The last 2 weeks have been excruciating. We have vacillated between so many emotions, at times barely lifting our heads and, at other times, rejoicing through tears. We have so much still to process, remember, grieve, and celebrate. As we do, we may continue to make posts to the blog for those who need or want to follow along. We anticipate posting some tributes, written by those who knew Katie in a special way. I am amazed at the number of lives touched by Katie, either through her courageous battle over this past year or through her life on a day to day basis. In some small way, it helps to know a little bit of the impact she had on the world around her. We want to express our appreciation for so many of you. We cannot possibly send thank you notes to everyone, as we do not even know the extent to which many of you have blessed us. So many people have brought dinner, paid for groceries, given gifts to my children, cleaned, laundered, donated, encouraged. You have sent flowers, cards, money, hugs, smiles, pictures. You walked, sang, served, spoke, carried, and loved. Katie's service last Sunday was just what we wanted it to be. We wanted it to honor and celebrate her and it did. Thank you for those who were able to be there and stand with us. Below, Chad and I have decided to attach the eulogies that we wrote for Katie's service. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to raise her, love her, and then give her back to Jesus. We were honored to speak for her. Chad: There is a right way to live this earthly life. Jesus said it this way. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Katie had a lot of light in that little body of hers, and for 14 incredible years, she made this world brighter. Katie lived her life, loved her God, and fought her fight in such a way that people were impacted and pointed toward God, including me. A few weeks ago while we were in Cincinnati, I was able to take her to a Broadway musical, and there’s a line in the musical that embodies Katie’s life that says, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” I can honestly say that because I knew Katie, I’ve been changed for the better. I know that I’m the parent, but she taught me a lot about how to live life with joy, kindness, and determination. She lived her life with such joy. She was always quick to smile, that smile that could light up a room. And she had an infectious laugh. She and I had the same sense of humor, and there were so many times when we’d start laughing at something silly to the point where we couldn’t breathe. And Sarah would just walk in the room and shake her head at us. She loved life and had a lot of fun. Those that know Katie also know that she was a great friend. She was kind. She chose to think the best of others. She was generous and thoughtful. She was easy to like and easy to love. Katie may have been little, but she made up for it with determination. She was as organized and disciplined as anyone I knew. In every area of her life, she had a plan. Whether it was tackling cross-country or learning volleyball or studying the Bible, she’d just set her mind to it and tackle it one step at a time. She was determined to live her life for Christ and she left this world a better place as a result. She lived and loved well. She ran the race set before her. She’s finished her race and she’s now at home with her Savior. And I can’t wait to see her again! But until then, I encourage us to follow her lead in how we live. Laugh more than you need to. Be more kind than is necessary. Determine to make this world brighter. That’s how Katie lived and that’s the legacy that she leaves behind for us to follow. Sarah: When Katie was first hospitalized this week last year and we were awaiting the diagnosis from pathology, I had an early morning conversation with God that was mostly me crying out in words like, “I love her” and “you can’t take her from me” and “I don’t want her to do this.” And God spoke to me in the most audible voice I have ever heard as he said, “Shhhh. This is not about you. This is her story.” I wish cancer had never been part of Katie’s story, but it was. Later on, as we would be on our way home from a treatment of some sort, I would tell her, “Katie, I don’t know why this is your story. And I don’t know why you have to live it in front of so many people. I am so sorry that you have to do this. All I know is that God will not waste this in your life because He wastes nothing.” The first round of treatments went so smoothly for her. She handled chemo without very many side effects or setbacks. She felt good and was still able to spend a lot of time hanging out with friends and enjoying life. We encouraged her, saying that Hodgkins is such a treatable disease that this would be a tough 6 months or so but then it would be part of her past. When she relapsed in April, just 1 month after a clean scan, she had to face her biggest fear. That her Hodgkins had come back. We spent 3 months in Cincinnati trying to get control of the cancer and some infection and, by the time she was discharged in late June, her doctors and I knew that the chance of getting her cancer into remission was almost negligible, even though we remained hopeful. But her incredible doctors gave Katie 3 good months this summer when she felt great. She spent time with many of you - hanging out, hitting a volleyball, going to Dairy Freeze. She was so happy to have the strength to do a back flip off the diving board just a few weeks ago. She put her toes in the white sand on the gulf coast of Florida and drove a go-kart when we were able to go on vacation in July. She had a super fun 14th birthday party. After missing almost her entire eighth grade year, she was so happy to start high school with her friends. She was excited at the idea of being the volleyball manager and she was so surprised when her class voted her as Freshman homecoming attendant. She loved looking at instagram and she always enjoyed seeing what everyone else was doing, even when it would sometimes make me a feel a little sad or bitter. She was sooo excited about her Make a wish trip to Hawaii. That was something that she had looked forward to for a long time as she underwent so many different treatments. And I will tell you that she really enjoyed Hawaii. Throughout the few days we were there, she would vacillate between feeling well and feeling really crummy, but if you know Katie, she never complained. She just smiled. She had Hawaiian shaved ice for lunch a couple days. She got all dressed up for the Luau. Last Friday, she swam with dolphins at Sea Life Park. And 8 days ago, she laid on Waikiki beach beside Chad, reading a book, looking at sailboats, and wiggling her toes in the sand. You may not know, but I have been grieving for Katie for months now. I knew my time with her was limited. And sometimes I would just get so angry at all of the things that had been robbed from her this past year. Things that were visible to others, like her hair and her presence at school and participation in activities. But also things that were known only to me or those closest to her. On Tuesday, after we returned home from Cincinnati and were in the early stages of mourning, I was alone for a minute and found myself again recounting to God all of the things that had been taken from her. And he stopped me in the middle of my list and said, “But I restored that today. I restored all of that. Today.” And I believe He did. And I am grateful for that. I am so sad for Chad and me, for my kids, and for you. But I am happy for Katie. She has struggled against the brokenness of this world, but now she is fully redeemed. She isn’t an angel looking down or watching over us. She is Katie, just like we know and love her, enjoying Heaven so much that, frankly, I don’t think she even misses us. And in just a blink of her eye, I will be with her. And she will hug me and smile like she always does. And Katie would want me to tell you to be there too. She loved so many of you and would be so excited to introduce you to her Jesus. Forever Cobb 7
16 Comments
Tim n Bev
10/23/2017 10:04:24 am
We have been so blessed to have the Cobb family in our lives. From coaching Big Kick last year with Katie, to picking on Aaron on Sunday mornings, to Chad counseling me on my walk with Jesus, to your million dollar smile Sarah and loving Annie, Daniel and Ben. We thought the celebration at Winfield was spot on! I especially liked your comment about Katie not being an angel , she is still, and will always be Katie! So many people have so many wrong ideas about Heaven. What a wonderful teaching moment in the midst of your pain. I wondered how God would be glorified in this? The impact Katie has had on thousands of people, especially young people, the community and of course RRC continues to glorify Him. Your great faith and living testimony is a tremendous example to all Christians and non believers as well. We love you all and continue to pray for you 🙏
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Josh & Natalie Addesa
10/23/2017 10:04:27 am
When I walk into Riverridge each and every week I think of Katie. I picture her beautiful smile and her bare feet. I did not know Katie well like some do. I had the good fortune of having Katie babysit my boys overnight one night. I knew her mom had said she was a picky eater so I was careful to fix something she liked to eat (and my boys loved the meal too)! Katie was so mature for her age & took great care of my boys those 2 days. I know Katie loved to sleep in-Caleb & Luke went in & jumped on her that morning to my horror! Another memory I have is of going over & seeing puppies at the Cobb house. How Katie LOVED those puppies & she was so gentle with them. Your family means so much to so many in our community & we are praying for you all daily!
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Gypsy
10/23/2017 10:13:22 am
Chad and Sarah and the rest of the Cobb7. Just want to send blessings with BUNCHES of LOVE,
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Brenda Cobb
10/23/2017 10:57:27 am
I am, and will forever be touched by Katie and the Cobb 7. My heart aches for the family that misses her so. You are all on my heart and in my prayers. Katie will always be a part of our lives.
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Erin gress
10/23/2017 11:08:09 am
I was a better person to know Katie.We all were.I remember the 1st time I met her when she was about 4,what a bright light she was.I was fortunate to spend a lot of time in hers and Joeys classroom.Despite the size of their grade,they always seemed to be together.Quite often,their chairs were near each other.I read to their class a lot.I went on prob.all of their field trips with them.I took pictures.I went to their field days.I felt like I really knew these kids.I felt like I knew Katie.I remember reading to her class in 1st grade.I noticed she was squinting a lot.She ended up needing glasses.I don't think she was too happy with me!😂I thought about her friends and classmates and teachers.How many hours each week,that they spent together each year.I remember when she and Joey ran track/cross country.I picked her up on occasion and also took her home.I would get them milkshakes at McDonald's and wed have good conversations.I remember their first (?)Track meet.Katie tried her hand at pole vaulting.I was sitting in the stands and when she was up,she couldn't quite get the pole up high enough,and came back down.She looked defeated,but all of the girls,some from different teams,rallied around her to give her support.It was a sweet sight!Katie lifted others.She was like a little Mom,a teacher.She made an impact on people.With her "Katie"smile,her light.I got to see her the night before she left for Hawaii.I had to drop something off and didn't want to be intrusive,but her Dad Chad,let me in.I'm so grateful that he let me in!I got to see Katie.She was so happy about her trip to Hawaii and homecoming attendant that Joey was escorting her.Despite how she felt physically,she was forging ahead and living life to its fullest,with her brightest "Katie"smile.She taught us all something.To live your life,make an impact.Be a light in someone's life.I'm so grateful that Chad and Sarah shared Katie with us.They didn't know that they were,but they did.Her presence will be felt always.At every football game,dance,etc.We will never forget Katie,or her beauty,inside and out,and that bright light that will shine on forever.💜
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Whitney Cox
10/23/2017 11:30:59 am
Beautiful 💜
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Kim Jarrouj
10/23/2017 11:43:01 am
We continue to say prayers daily for your family. We pray for your healing & to be able to smile instead of cry when you think of your Katie. I don’t know how you are to do this since she is not my daughter & yet I cry even typing this. Having 4 kids of my own Ivan only imagine the pain. That’s why we have to leave this in God’s hands. Some things are too immense for us to do on our own. The only thing that brings me comfort is knowing that she is no longer in pain & that she is free from cancer. We lift you all up in prayer & I am sure Katie would want you all to be happy again.
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Nicki Thompson
10/23/2017 12:52:49 pm
I didn’t know Katy, Janessa Harris texted me months ago and asked me to pray for her. I started following your blog. Sharing in hers and your ups and downs. Believing for God to heal her and just amazed at her fortitude and strength in one so young. She loved God and that was reflected in her smile
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Shelli Gerkin-McMillion
10/23/2017 01:39:11 pm
My son is a classmate of Katie. He, Chayce Godfrey, & I were privileged and proud to attend the celebration of Katie's life. It was absolutely the most beautiful and yet sad thing I've ever experienced. Her service was PERFECT!! Everyone should have a celebration like that. The worship was spectacular. I feel blessed to have been able to share that with so many others. Katie taught this community how to come together!! Taught our youth to enjoy life because it can be short. Mostly, Katie shared the word of God with thousands of people. That girl is beyond special. God already used her as a vessel to spread his word and love. The plan he has for her eternal soul must be mesmerizing!!! 😊💕🙏🏻
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Bev Britt Henley
10/23/2017 02:00:11 pm
It was a beautiful service/tribute/celebration💕 Is it possible to provide the the eulogy given by the physician that spoke. It was amazing!
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Ted & Beth Tanzey
10/23/2017 07:13:11 pm
Words cannot describe what we want to communicate to you right now!
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Lisa Reed Wilson
10/23/2017 07:31:55 pm
We never met Katie but she touched our lives in the most positive way. Her story allowed me the opportunity to talk about the uncertainty of life with my kids and reminded me to never take a minute I have with them for granted. My daughter wanted a purple stripe put in her hair. I thought since she is only seven she was a little too young but when she said "I want Katie Purple in my hair" I couldn't say no. She will probably call it Katie Purple for a while and everytime I hear it I will be reminded of a brave ltitle girl that brought a community together. Thank you for sharing Katie's story with us. We will never forget her or her courage.
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Amy Johnson
10/23/2017 08:13:19 pm
Oh my Sarah. That was so beautiful and so sad. I went to my room and broke down. I could not even imagine your pain. As You have wrote throughout I have read and followed and thought to myself " she is going to beat this, she cannot die she is too great of a person and always keeps a smile on her face:)" She was always smiling and I did believe she would over come this never did I dream he would take her back. I know she is in a better place now and I will keep following your blog. I love your family and will pray for comfort for you all. Love to all
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Melody
10/23/2017 08:55:29 pm
I can not even begin to imagine the horrible pain and grief you are feeling. I am praying for your family..
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Melody Helms
10/23/2017 10:18:39 pm
I've never had the pleasure of meeting your family, but have been reading Katie' s story for a while. I've cried a lot and prayed a lot for your family. Your sweet Katie has forever left a place in our hearts. You, your husband, and all your kids are amazing. I love and believe in God and Katie's life has taught so many people so many things. Thank you for sharing Katie' s journey. Sending prayers and love from N.C.
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Elaine Wagner
10/24/2017 03:02:48 pm
While I never had the pleasure of knowing Katie, I have followed her journey....your journey. I've laughed and smiled and cried along with everyone else. And prayed. I can tell that the lives she touched will always be blessed for knowing her. Continued prayers for all of you. And thank you for being such an example of HIS love. 💜
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