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The Cole


 
  "The Cole"
"The Cole"

What can you say about Cole? Cole was cool!!! He was an avid drummer and loved sports and playing with his friends. Cole's MySpace name was "The Cole". He will remain a sweet, loving boy forever in my heart.

My son, Cole, was declared brain dead on March 13th,2007 from an aneurysm that ruptured in his brain. On March 15th Cole's organs were donated, and by 4am on March 16th, Cole's heart was beating in the chest of a 14 yr. old boy in California. Cole was 12 yrs. old.

Cole Richard Baldwin
March 31, 1994 to March 13, 2007

Marta J. Baldwin

 
 
 

Pamela Shane
 

Marta, I am so very sorry for your loss. You, & your family are in my prayers. This is a loving, & beautiful
dedication to your precious Cole.


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March 16, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  Thank you Pamela! I am still numb from the loss but it helps to get words of comfort.


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March 17, 2007

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  Oh my gosh, Marta. I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling. Just went to your gallery to see what was new and discovered this beautiful tribute to your son. I am crying as I write. God bless you and your family.


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March 17, 2007

 

Tony M. Chambers
  Marta,

My heart goes out to you and your family. Rest assured that you are in our prayers!


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March 18, 2007

 

Amy JACKSON
  Marta, I am so very sorry to here about the loss of your son. This is a wonderful image and dedication!


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March 18, 2007

 

Melissa G. Meiselman
  Marty, my heart goes out to you and your family for this sudden loss. I think losing a child has the be the worst thing that can happen. This image is a wondeful tribute to The Cole. Marta, you are in my prayers.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Su Sana E. P

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  Marta, I was told by a BP friend about what happened. I'm so sorry for your loss. With prayers, Susana.


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March 18, 2007

 

Chua Wee Boo
  Marta,my heart goes out to you and your family.This image is the most wonderful tribute to The Cole.Marta,please look at the bright side & believe that Cole is living in a better world now.He is a hero and has saved another boy's precious life.God bless him!


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March 18, 2007

 

Nadine A. Lewis
  Oh Marta, my heart is aching for you. I am so sorry. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. <><


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March 18, 2007

 

Jim Huffield
  Marta, I am so sad about your loss. What a horrific ordeal and shock this must be. You and your family are in my prayers. Jim


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March 18, 2007

 

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna
  I am so sorry to read about your loss, Marta. This is a wonderful tribute to Cole! The loss of a child is the most difficult but with the help of God and prayers from your family and friends the pain will ease in time. My prayers are with you and your family!!


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March 18, 2007

 

David Pratt
  Marta, I am so sorry about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.


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March 18, 2007

 

Laura Clay-Ballard
  Words cannot describe how I feel right now. I can't even imagine how you are feeling. I've lost most of the people in my life, but, not my one and only son. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful child. May God bless you and your family.


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March 18, 2007

 

BetterPhoto Member
  Marta
May God bless you and your family at this terrible moment in your lives. I can not imagine the pain you and your family are induring. The Generous gift of life your son has given and for a family to make such a decission is very heroic.

May God bless and keep you Your tribute to Cole is beautiful.


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March 18, 2007

 

Colleen Farrell
  Marta, this is a great tribute to a well-loved son. I am so sorry for your loss. This may sound weird, but I am sure that Cole knows and is happy he was able to keep another boy alive.


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March 18, 2007

 

Jayne Martin
  Oh Marta, my heart goes out to you in your time of suffering right now. Please know that you are not alone. You and your family are in my heartfelt prayers and thoughts. I am so sorry. God bless.


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March 18, 2007

 

Sam Britt
  Marta, I'm very sorry for your loss. I know it must be very difficult. A part of him will still live as his heart continues to beat in the 14 year old recipient.


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March 18, 2007

 

Lynne Morris
  Oh Marta I won't pretend to know your pain, and as a mother I can't even try to imagine. I know the loss of loved ones but not a precious son, my thoughts are with you and your family and the family who have received your precious gift.


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March 18, 2007

 

Joy Rector
  I am so sorry to hear about such a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.


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March 18, 2007

 

Melissa G. Meiselman
  Marty, my heart goes out to you and your family for this sudden loss. I think losing a child has the be the worst thing that can happen. This image is a wondeful tribute to The Cole. Marta, you are in my prayers.


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March 18, 2007

 

Sharon Day
  Marta, you have my deepest sympathies for the loss of your son! Wonderful tribute to his memory and he lives on in the lives of others!


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March 18, 2007

 

Tamera S. Phillips
  Marta please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. As the mother of two girls about the same age I can't even imagine facing such a tragedy. May he live and shine brightly in your heart until the day you see him again. God Bless.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Dennis Flanagan

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  Marta, I am so sorry for your loss. With no children of my own, I cannot imagine the feeling of loss you have. Your family will be in my prayers.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Tamara K. Walker

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  You and ytour family will be in our thoughts and prayers.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Linda D. Lester

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  I'm also so sorry to hear about your loss! You and your family will be in our prayers. Wonderful tribute to your son!


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March 18, 2007

 

KV Day
  I am heart broken at your loss and in awe of your courage. My prayers and thoughts are with you wand yours.


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March 18, 2007

 

Cathy Barrows
  I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I can't imagine losing my son or my grandson. Just know that Cole's life beats on in the life him and your family saved. I know it had to be a hard decsion during an equally hard time, but I'm so glad that you made it.


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March 18, 2007

 

Ronald F. Fischer
  A BP friend just informed me about your terrible loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Parents are not suppose to outlive any of thier children. When that happens we are at a loss to explain why. We must simply have faith, even at times like this, that there is a reason God called your son home. God bless you and your family.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Ken Smith

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  I too got this from a BP friend, which is indicative of the spirit of BP. I'm saddened to hear of the loss of your son. What a special child he was. And he gave life to others and lives on in them, and in your heart. God bless you!


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March 18, 2007

 
- Claudia Kuhn

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  What a loving tribute to your precious son. What a time of grief for you and your family. You'll have comfort knowing that Cole lives on in others. My prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family during this time of sadness.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Susan Jane Allen

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  My heart goes out to you, Marta. What a hard time this must be for you! May God sustain you in your loss!


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March 18, 2007

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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  Oh I'm so sorry, Marta!! He looks like he was such a special kid! Heaven will be a brighter (if noisier) place with him in it! I wish the best for you and your family.


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March 18, 2007

 

JO ANN CLEVELAND
  My heartfelt sympathy Mart! I am sure most of us can not even comprehend your great loss!

My prayers are with you and your precious son who cared enough for others to be willing to donate his organs. In a way, he is living through another young man!

jo ann c.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Jill Odice

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  What a beautiful tribute to your son. I am sure losing a child is one of the hardest things to go through. I lost my husband awhile back and the hurt never goes away, but having wonderful memories and photos helps. It's nice to think part of him lives on to help someone else have a life they might not have had otherwise. Lucky that you belong to this beautiful BP family who surround you with love and spirit.


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March 18, 2007

 

Carla Metzler
  A BP friend just informed me of your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy, Marta. My heart cries for you with the loss of your precious son, it also rejoices in your loving and unselfish decision of giving someone else's child the chance to live.

My prayer is that God provides you and your family with strength and comfort, today and all the days ahead.


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March 18, 2007

 

Kenneth Mucke
  Marta...I am so deeply sorry for your loss...I can only begin to image the pain of such a loss...You and yur whole family will be in our prayers..It is such a blessing thought that others will liev to his great sacrifice of giving of his organs. I hope and pray that you will get through this as best as possible...But just know that your family here at BP will be here for you if you need us.

Ken Mucke


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March 18, 2007

 

Marcie A. Fowler
  There are no words to express what one feels for another at a time such as this. What a tremendous loss for you Marta. Thanks for sharing with your BP family. Many thoughts and prayers will be surrounding you in this time of unbelievable grief. You have the peace of knowing that he lives on in this other young person and while it in no way is the same as having him there hopefully the gift to another can help you through in some small way.

What a wonderful tribute to your son as well!!


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March 18, 2007

 

Michelle R. Kovach
  I am so sorry for your loss Marta.
You & your family will be in my thoughts & prayers.


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March 18, 2007

 

Donna La Mattino Pagakis
  Oh Marta, I am so sorry!! I can't believe it!! I wiil pray for you and your family. You are so kind to donate his organs, so Cole can live on through others!! Take care!! A beautiful tribute!

Your friend,

Donna


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March 18, 2007

 

Mary L. Graham
  Marta, My heart goes out to you!! I had a stepdaughter I lost when she was 17 and I know how hard it is. You ever need a shoulder don't hesitate!! Your in my thoughts & Prayers! What a beautiful tribute to him!!

Mary =)


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March 18, 2007

 

Colette M. Metcalf
  I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, Marta. My prayers are with you. Take care.


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March 18, 2007

 

Datha Y. Thompson
  I am so sorry for your loss.. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.... Beautiful tribute Marta


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March 18, 2007

 
- Kay E. Mahoney

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  Marta, I just got an e-mail from another better photo telling me about the loss of your son. Just want you to know you and your family are in my prayers. I couldn't harldly get through readint all the messages. I know what you are going through. I lost my only son Jutin on April 29 2000. He was 19 yrs old. It just doesn't seem right that our children go before us. God gives them to us to love and cherish while we have them. There is no set time that we will have them with us. God Bless.


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March 18, 2007

 
- Lindley Johnson

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  Marta, My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. This is a lovely tribute to your wonderful son - you are in my thoughts and prayers.


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March 18, 2007

 

Chris Ebben
  Marta, I'm so terribly sad to hear of your loss, I really don't know what to say that could make you feel any better. I could well have been in the same situation a few weeks ago, & I'm having trouble getting that out of my minds & it was only a close call. I'm told it gets easier to bare with time, if so... I hope that time comes quickly for you. Look after yourself & look back on all your good memories, keep smiling=^..^=


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March 18, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  To all of my BP friends...I can't even begin to tell you how much your words of comfort mean to me. We had Cole's Memorial service on Saturday and it was one of the most fullfiling experiences I've ever had in my life. Cole touched the lives of everyone who came into contact with him and they ALL came to support my family and to share they're experiences with Cole. I felt the same way as I read all of your heart-felt sentiments. I know you really don't know me except through my photos but I feel like I have an extended family here at BP and photography, for me, is a wonderful way to pay tribute to my precious boy. My most sincere thanks goes out to you all.

-Marta Jayne Baldwin-


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March 18, 2007

 
- Robert K. Bemus

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  Marta...so sorry about your loss. I thought it was hard when my two youngest daughters moved back to Florida due to my divorce - I can't even imagine what your feeling. You and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers...Robert


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March 18, 2007

 
dmd-photo-art.com - Dominick M. Dimacale

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  I'm so sorry for your loss Marta, but the gift of life that Cole had given other people is a treasure and will be forever cherished by the family he had helped, Cole still lives on, and he gathered more "family" for you, like the friends you have here in BP...Dominick


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March 18, 2007

 

Carol Teal
  Marta, I just saw your recent entry "The Man" and read what you wrote. I don't know you, so I did not hear about this, but I found out when I checked your gallery. I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful and precious son. I can see from your photos that he had an incredible spirit. While I have a young son myself, I cannot begin to imagine what you are feeling, but you and yours will be in my prayers. Your photos are such a touching tribute to Cole. I am glad a part of Cole lives on.


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March 19, 2007

 

Revonda L. Gentry
  Marta I am so, so sorry for your loss..I just can't imagine the pain. You and your family are in my prayers. This is such a wonderful tribute to Cole, thank you so much for sharing.


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March 19, 2007

 

Barbara Waldoch
  I am so sorry to hear such a sad news. You will be in my thoughts, Marta.


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March 19, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  My thanks to Robert, Dominick, Carol, Revonda, Barbara and all my friends at BP. It means a great deal to me that you all have extended your thoughts and prayers to me and my family. Marta


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March 19, 2007

 

Roxanne M. Bubar
  My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our children are not suppose to go before we do. What an unselfish gift you have given to others with Cole's organs. He lives on in others and always in you.


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March 19, 2007

 
- Terry L. Ellis

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  There's no greater loss than losing a child! My heart goes out to you, Marta! What a beautiful child you had in Cole! And what a blessing you have given to another family! You are in my prayers, too!


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March 19, 2007

 

Valarie Paris
  I cannot even imagine what you are going through right now. I am so sorry to hear about your loss, but what an awesome gift you have given to another family. You all are in my prayers!


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March 19, 2007

 

Tori A. Woods
  Marta, first of all you are in my prayers....and I believe that God will get you through this....second, it's sometimes hard to understand why bad things happen to God's people, but God has a plan and a reason, and I know that it may not sound resonable now, but one day we will understand why...hold on to faith in God...you see your son is already affecting the lives of others whom he or you didn't even know....his heart is living on ... what a wonderful gift .... if God brings you to it, he'll get you through it...try not to lose your faith....BetterPhoto is like a second family you know....we're here for you...
May God bless you........Tori


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March 19, 2007

 
- Cora Miller

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  Marta, I heard of your loss through a BP friend and wanted to offer my heartfelt sympathy to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God whose peace passes all understanding comfort you and your family during this difficult time. ~~ Cora


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March 20, 2007

 

Christy Nichols
  Marta, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and my prayers go out to you and your family. (((hugs)))


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March 20, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  Thank you so much Roxanne, Terry, Valarie, Tori, Cora, Christy and everyone who has been so supportive of me at this time. I do believe that things happen for a reason. Cole's life on earth was short but full of love and wonderful memories. The road ahead is long and frightening but I believe that Cole is still with me now and always will be by my side, helping me to find a new reality.


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March 20, 2007

 

Joy E. Cobb
  He will be by your side, Marta, and his spirit will beat on in the other boy, as well.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I heard about this from a BP friend and I just wanted to let you know that all parents out there feel your pain at the very thought.
Prayers from our family to yours.
The angels have a special hug for Cole.


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March 20, 2007

 

Renee Doyle
  Marta, please accept our deepest sympathies for your terrible loss. I can only imagine how heartbreaking this must be for you and your family. Cole will always be treasured in your heart and in your wonderful memories until you one day meet again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.


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March 20, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  Joy and Renee...thank you so very much for your sympathy and support. Today was especially tough as it marked one week without Cole. A few of my closest friends rushed to be by my side and I also read everyone's responses. I know that I am not alone and that I cannot make it through this without a little help from all my friends-old and new. Thank you.


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March 21, 2007

 

Kelly A. Gooch
  Marta - my thoughts and prayers are you with you and your family, I can't began to imagine your pain but to know you are surrounded by family and friends will guide you through this awful tragedy is a comfort. All three of your children are beautiful and your photos will be truly cherished by yourself and your family. Great photos, my God Bless you and your family.


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March 31, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  Thank you very much for your support and encouragement Kelly! It's going to be a tough day as it is Cole and Kayla's birthday but it really helps to recieve kind words, such as yours, and those from all the other BP members who have shown me what a caring group of people you all are.
My deepest thanks to all...Marta


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March 31, 2007

 

Shirley A. Kinney
  Marta, just learned about your loss from my BP daughter. My thoughts & prayers are also with you as a fellow BP friend. We all feel your pain and loss. I lost my husband a year and a half ago and still miss him but concentrate on the good and wonderful memories you have of Cole and that helps ease the pain just a little. He will live through your photos of him and your other children as well as the life you and Cole gave to another young man. May God Bless and be with you.


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March 31, 2007

 

Susie Peek-Swint
  Marta I just wanted to add my deepest sympathy for your loss of Cole ~ you are in my thoughts and prayers today.. I have a teenage son and couldn't even imagine life without him ... may you find comfort in your memories and your pain ease over time.. hugs... susie


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April 01, 2007

 

Holly Hitchcock
  Dear Marta, I had no idea of your tragedy when I opened this image. It is clear from your notation and dedicated photo that LOVE defined your son.

Keep the memories close and know that the world is better because he was here.

God bless you and your family....Holly


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April 01, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  Thank you so much Shirley, Susie and Holly. I really appreciate the support your kind words bring to me. I do hold on to all the wonderful memories I have of Coley and they are definately helping me get through the painful feelings I have endured lately. Take care and hug your babies tight.
-Marta-


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April 02, 2007

 
- Sherry Stricklin Boles

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  Marta, I just found out about your horrible loss. My heart really goes out to you and your family.
I want to commend you for donating Cole's organs. What a wonderful gift you gave to some family in the midst of your personal tragedy! Through that donation, a piece of Cole can live on...
And through photos like these and memories like you shared, Cole will live on in your hearts and lives!
May God comfort you all...


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April 08, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  Thank you so much Sherry for the caring words of comfort. Sometimes I think that helping to give the gift of life is the only good thing that's happened to us lately. I feel like my son is now living on in the lives of the 5 people that have succesfully recieved his organs and that feels pretty good. Take care of those beautiful girls and cherish every moment with them. I will do the same with my girls.

Take care...Marta Baldwin

By the way...I have been a great admirer of your work since I came to BP and I love your gallery.


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April 08, 2007

 

Vicki Zoller
  Marta...
I am slowly going through your shots of your son...
You are a wonderful mom to love him enough to share him with others, not just in the photos but through organ donations. There are many stories out there about "cellular memory" where the recipients begin to love things they never loved before or eat food they never ate before...
My nephew was a recipient of a heart which kept him alive for two years after the transplant. Unfortunately his body rejected it and he passed on. After his transplant he started craving foods that he hated in the past. He had many dreams about people he had never met, started listening to music he had never listened to before.
Cole lives on in your memories, in your photos and in the bodies and dreams of others out there.
Bless you and your family for your generosity and your love...
Vicki


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August 30, 2007

 

Marta J. Baldwin
  Thank you so much Vicki! I am touched by the story of your nephew and so sorry that he passed. I think about the recipients of Cole's organs a lot and say prayers for them. I especially think about the boy who recieved his heart and long to meet him and his family someday. I like to think that they all have come away from their surgeries with a little bit of Coley's wonderful personality. My family and I are going to a gathering of donor families on September 8th and I'm putting together a photo collage of Cole to share. I am so lucky to have tons of pics to choose from! Thanks again for your wonderful words.
Marta


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August 30, 2007

 
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