Today my nephew, Jantsen Barrett Cope, would have been 22. He was a happy, faith-filled teenager who loved fishing, telling jokes, watching goofy movies, sports, and being with his family. His life ended suddenly of a heart malfunction in 1999 when he was 15.
Our thoughts are, of course, with Randy and Pam today.
How appropriate that this year, JB’s birthday falls on the first Sunday of Advent, a time of hope and anticipation.
Peace to the Cope family.
Our losses are heaven’s gains - but still our losses.
Because November is such a time for thanksgiving, it is also a time for remembering. All of you have been in my heart and in my prayers most especially this past week or so as I count my blessings and also as I remember special loved ones who help make up our cloud of witnesses.
And because you are all so dear to us, your losses are our losses.
Love from Kathy
I haven’t seen Randy and Pam in years but my heart certainly goes out to them. I can’t imagine the pain in losing a child. Growing through that kind of loss must be difficult. God’s richest blessings on all the family today.
Amen, Grammy.
I was at Jubilee the summer that this horrible tragedy occured. The pain was so fresh for you then. My heart broke for your family. I was so amazed with your ability to rise above the grief and minister to so many people at this event. I remember you speaking of the grief that your parents were experiencing in having lost 2 grandchildren. My heart goes out to you and your family during this holiday season. Death is a heavy burden to bear during what is usually a happy time. I’d like to hear your thoughts on how we can help those who are having a difficult time dealing with loss and the holidays.
Kelley brings up a good point. With all of the talk of joy and celebration through the Holidays, we need to remember that Christmas is a difficult time for many people. So many memories and regrets come to mind during the Holidays it’s no wonder that there are so many suicides at this time of year. We need to be sensetive to those who are suffering in the midst of our joy.
Mike and Diane
Yesterday was filled with too many errands and activities to allow my comment here. Also, I probably avoided it since it hit home.
My 13 y/o nephew also died of heart complications. He was such a joy. Small for his age but all boy. Blond crew cut, big blue eyes and the famous “dusting of freckles” over the nose.
He had undergone valve replacement and enjoyed three wonderful years of being able to ride his bike, breathe without pain, also enjoying, with a droll sense of humor well beyond his years, the audible click-clack-click-clack of the new valve opening and closing.
His body began to reject the valve, caused a stroke which in turn put him into coma.
He died in 1975.
I still miss that sweet face - miss being his roomie when visiting my brother and family. The trundle bed wasn’t that comfortable but talking with him in the dark for precious moments, giggling about the clicking valve made any discomfort unimportant.
I share your tears and sweet memories for our dearly loved missing ones and even more fervently beg, Maranatha - let us be reunited soon, dear LORD!
Google is the best search engine
how may I make a donation to the Cope’s ministry, Touch A Life?
Hello, Dana. Thanks for asking. Just click on the “Touch-a-Life” link at the top of my blog and it will lead you to the info you need.