We received the horrible news of Cooper's passing last Saturday morning when we were about to leave to Jeff and Melanie's wedding in Boise, Idaho. We were devastated. Four year old, whose life was cut short. Cooper was the second youngest child of six children of our oldest friends, Jana and Quinn. Cooper had been playing in the pool with his friends, then got chilly and decided to lay down on a blanket in the garden area to warm up his tiny body and regain strength to go play again. Cooper grew tired and fell asleep on the warm blanket. His aunt, Wendy was leaving the house and even though went around the car and looked for all the possible kids who might be behind the car or around it, she didn't notice little Cooper on the blanket. She backed her car out of the driveway, hitting Cooper. He was killed instantly.
Jana called Quinn at work:"Quinn, you have to come home, Cooper's dead". Quinn dropped everything and ran out of the office, but still had 20 minutes driving time before he was able to get home. Eternity, I'm sure, kissed Quinn and soothed his worried mind. Holy Ghost touched his heart and he felt the most amazing peace in his fast racing heart. "Cooper is not dead, he lives!"
Quinn got home and found his way blocked from their street. It was filled with fire engines, ambulance, news people, police cars, a helicopter hovering above. Quinn received a swift police escort to take him to his wife's arms so he can comfort her and cry with her, and hold his other children close.
Wendy, the aunt, received a priesthood blessing where she was released from all the blame. It was a tragic accident. Nothing to be done. It was God's plan. Jana received a priesthood blessing from Quinn to give her comfort that Cooper is in good hands with our Heavenly Father.
We were able to go see Jana and Quinn at their house on Wednesday night. When we entered the house, it was like walking into the temple. The most serene, peaceful, and reverent feeling was all around us. We found Quinn and Jana and gave them long hugs, but what do you say in a time like this? It is beyond your own comprehension. We assured them that we loved them and we would be there to help them with anything they needed. We found the other children and hugged them and loved them, too. Even though the house was full of people and the kitchen counter was full of food from neighbors and friends making sure that nobody goes unfed, every one spoke in hushed voices and the most sweet spirit was felt everywhere. Our souls were changed and our lives would never be the same.
We were able to view a video show of Cooper's life that was set up in the family room. I was able to run my shaking fingers on Cooper's dusty shoes that now adorned the most sacred place in the house. While sitting there sobbing with Jana and Quinn, I knew that this little boy had touched so many lives in his short life that we would find his time on this earth valuable in our own lives that we could pull strength and love from in the future.
Yesterday mid-morning when left for the funeral, we found the chapel full all the way to the back of the gym and to the stage. We were about to witness something amazing and heart wrenching. First Jenni, Cooper's aunt sang a couple of songs before the funeral service started. She had the most beautiful voice that cracked a few times when she felt the spirit touch her so deeply. Hunter (13), Carson (12), Kennedy (9), and Duncan (7) shared their memories and feelings about Cooper and in the end bore their testimonies that families can be together forever. What great faith these little ones have. They were truly wonderful examples of Heavenly Father's love toward little children. Jenni and Hunter sang the song "Teach Me to Walk in the Light". After this touching song, we were all taught by Jana and Quinn when they shared their thoughts with us. Quinn's question of "how do we keep this peaceful and sweet spirit with us when everyone has gone home and every day life starts again"was answered when Quinn read the sacrament prayer where we are all promised that if we are worthy, we can always have His spirit with us. The Holy Ghost can be our constant companion. Quinn assured us that this life is "All about Families". Jana told us that she knew that she will see Cooper once more, and what great comfort it brings to her heart and mind.
Quinn's father, and Cooper's grand father Cree-L Kofford shared his memories about Cooper. He told us that Cooper only had two speeds: Super fast and Stop. It feels like Cooper had to make the time count here an earth because Heavenly Father needed him more than his family needed him here.
After granpa's remarks, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy spoke briefly and then read a letter from the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf assuring Quinn and Jana that the Plan of Happiness is what they should lean on during the hardest times of their lives.
Cooper's uncle Brad closed the funeral service with a mighty prayer pleading for those who have fallen into either inactivity or not attending church to remember their ancestry and return and partake of the spirit once more. There was no dry eye in the audience.
Cooper's final resting place was selected very carefully by the children. When we arrived to the cemetery, we could understand why that particular spot had become so dear to them. When we stood at the graveside, we could see the whole valley in front of us, and more importantly, we could see Cooper's house.
After the graveside service, we returned to the Kofford house for a wonderful luncheon. People visited and lingered as long as possible to enjoy the peace and quiet that the whole day had offered them.
Cooper is not dead, he LIVES!
