Hello and Goodbye Baby Cooper

Over the past few days I have started a number of journal entries that I haven't finished. Even today I went to Cornbelly's (a Halloween place) in Lehi and had a blast. But tonight, I want to write about something else. something that is unexplainably deep within my soul. As I was looking through my Twitter I came across something that touched me in a very profound way. It started about two weeks ago. Vance, Michaela, Brandon, and I went to a cemetery in Orem. We wanted to have some time to honor those who have passed, express gratitude for the Plan of Salvation, and have a period of personal meditation. It is hard to explain the affinity that I have for cemeteries. They are Holy places for me. I always feel the spirit and there is such a peace there. So much faith and so much hope and so many tears.

I remember when I first learned about my draw towards these sacred places. I was spending thanksgiving at Kyle's house in American Fork and he lived right across from a cemetery. When I got bored or felt lonely I walked over there and thought. I would read the tombstones and ponder on what these people were like. I passed one in particular that struck me. I don't even remember her name but as I sat there reading her favorite quotes and her children's names I felt like I already knew her. I wanted so badly to make it to the celestial kingdom so I could meet her someday. The second experience was when we went to Salt Lake to visit the graves of the prophets. We wanted to honor them for their christ-like example. As we walked there was a grave of a little boy. He had a bench that had toys on the top. His favorite toys. When I saw this I wept. It is a strange kind of sadness. There is pain and sorrow, but there is a sense of gratitude and strengthening. A desire to live better and stand taller.

The third person is the person I met that day in the Orem cemetery with vance, Brandon, and Micheala. As I walked and reflected I came across the grave of little cooper. I was impressed by the decorations and saddened by his young age. As I watched from a distance a van pulled up and a young family came out. They stood by the grave together and enjoyed a temporary family reunion. It was a touching reminder of the blessings of the temple.

Then today I stumbled across an article mentioning baby Cooper. It had a picture of this very grave and a link to the family's blog. As I read their words and looked at their pictures I was filled again with a love for this family and a love for my Savior. How grateful I am that He has overcome the grave. He truly is everything to me, and I know in an even more real way He is everything to this family. I honor Him. I honor this sweet family. And I honor little Baby Cooper for being a reminder of the blessings of a loving Savior.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705393262/Coopers-grave-a-reminder-of-the-special-nature-of-burial-sites.html?pg=2

http://cooperkofford.blogspot.com/