People are undoubtedly wondering how we Cooper Boys fared over the holiday season. In simple words, it has been difficult, yet empowering.

In the days since Thanksgiving, we have each found new ways to celebrate Monica’s life. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and sorrow, we created new traditions where old ones once dominated. We also celebrated the holiday season with new friends and families. In doing so, we hope to build a new foundation for how we as a family move forward in our lives without her in our physical lives.

Even in death, the influence that Monica continues to have in our lives will never die. While Monica was still alive, she gave us the tools necessary to carry on with life. It was her eternal gift to us. It is our unyielding gift to her to use those tools to remember her, to honor her and to build a new life with her memory as the cornerstone of our future.

Folks, Monica wanted us to move on. She also wanted us to embrace her spirit and hold her close in our hearts. We Cooper Boys recognize that to attempt to dismiss her from our lives at this time of year would have been the absolute worst thing that we ever could have done.

The holiday season is about giving, yet it is also about receiving. We have learned to treat each act with equal weight.

The goal of moving forward does not mean casting her image into the depths of our past, it means embracing what made her so special and celebrating her spirit by ensuring that we move beyond her passing with desire to keep her memory sacred and complete.

Per the quote, we will never forget the image of her. We will never forget her place in our lives. As we continue to move forward, we will continue to hold her image dear, even though time changes us.

The Glory of New Traditions

On Saturday December 20, 2007, (with Jamie feeling ill) Joey and I headed off to Floris United Methodist Church with a bag of old Christmas tree ornaments that have been in our family collection for a number of years.

With great care, we decorated Monica’s tree with the ornaments and added a number of pink ribbon bows to complete the look.

It was a heartfelt Christmastime tribute to my lovely bride and to Joey and Jamie’s loving mother to be shared with all of the church visitors during this Christmas season.

Dad Update

It is with great sorrow to announce that my father (Col. Charles D. Cooper – ret.) passed away peacefully on January 4, 2008 at about 2:00AM after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

His passing was the second tragedy of the Cooper Boys "2007 Double Whammy."

Here are the funeral plans:

What: Church funeral at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield, VA
When: Saturday Jan 19, 2PM
Where: Messiah United Methodist Church
6215 Rolling Road, Springfield VA 22152

What: Internment at Arlington National Cemetery
When: Thursday February 21, 11AM
Where: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:

• Messiah UMC Music Fund, 6215 Rolling Rd, Springfield VA 22152

• The Jefferson Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Surgical Research,
  925 Chestnut Street, Ste 110, Philadelphia, PA 19107-4216

• Capital Hospice, 6565 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042

Pennies from Heaven Update

I have recieved a steady flow of PfH letters. I am moved by each one. Please, keep them coming. I will be posting excerpts from a few of my letters in the days to come.

As for my personal PfH account, I have found $3.14 in pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollar bills (yes, I've even found a $1 dollar bill). I consider that one helluva Monica day when I find a $1 bill!

I am still accepting your pennies (especially your notes of good will and grace). You can still send your pennies and notes to:

PFH (Pennies from Heaven)
c/o Monica Cooper
3009 Cross Creek Ct.
Oak Hill, VA 20171