You were my first nephew, whom I met on August 14, 2008.
I wasn’t supposed to meet you till months later, but since your little body wasn’t forming correctly, God took you home. Both our “hello” and “good-bye” occurred on the same day.
You made your entrance in an Indy-area hospital, and I drove two hours west the night before just so I could be near your mama, daddy, and the rest of our family. On August 13, I was routinely going about my day at home in Ohio. That’s when I got the call. Someone (either your daddy or your mommy–I can’t remember) told me that your heart had stopped beating. Instantly, I remembered how I saw them the week before, when they passed through Ohio on a trip east. Your mommy’s belly gave all indications that you were still growing.
But that wasn’t the case.
I went for a walk with my roommate, full of tears, and waited for more phone calls. When I returned home, I hastily packed a bag, and drove two hours so I could be with our family. My tears didn’t cease the entire trip.
The drive to the hospital the morning of August 14 was brutally sad, knowing your pending arrival wouldn’t be a happy occasion. Hours later, your mama birthed you, Cooper Allen Henderson, and I bravely held you. You comfortably fit in one hand. I loved the name your mama and daddy picked for you: “Cooper,” because your daddy loves baseball and the National Baseball Hall of Fame is in Cooperstown, New York, and “Allen” because that was your mommy’s last name when she first met your daddy. The name is fitting, and I bet you’ve enjoyed playing catch with Jesus many times already!
Oh, how I longed for circumstances to be different. That your Aunt Kristen wasn’t so far away in Scotland and could’ve met you. That we’d met in December like we were supposed to. That your little body had been growing with no genetic flaws. Saying hello and good-bye to you on the same day left a hole in each of our hearts. The days and months following were very, very difficult and painful.
This coming December you would’ve turned three. But you’re dancing with Jesus, who has restored your little body and given you ten fingers and ten toes. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, Little One. I wish you were here. Did you know you also have two younger sisters? Callie Marie arrived a few months after you, much like you did—too early and without a breath in this world. Then again, you’ve probably already met her, haven’t you? Give her a kiss from Aunt Trish, okay?
Your other sister’s name is Camille Liana, and she’s a little 16-month firecracker! She loves spending time with Mommy and Daddy and both sides of the family (especially grandparents and aunts and uncles who spoil her way too much!). Camille loves pointing at the moon, saying “turtle” and “no!” especially when she doesn’t get her way. She loves to play outside, Mickey Mouse, her Jesus Story Book Bible, and her dog, Charly. I tell her about you and Callie. She can’t wait to meet you both some day.
Cooper, you went to be with Jesus far too early, and we miss you every day. Don’t think for a moment that you’re far from our thoughts or hearts. Keep enjoying heaven and hold a place for us. We’ll look forward to seeing you soon.
I love you.
Aunt Tricia
Oh Trish, this is beautiful. Love you and your fam.