Inspiring Photo: "The Cole" #3545692

"The Cole"

Uploaded: March 16, 2007

Description

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

Comments

Pamela Shane March 16, 2007

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. #621892

Marta J. Baldwin March 17, 2007

Thank you Pamela! I am still numb from the loss but it helps to get words of comfort. #4062877

Nikki McDonald March 17, 2007

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. #4064724

Tony M. Chambers March 18, 2007

Marta,

My heart goes out to you and your family. Rest assured that you are in our prayers! #4065940

Amy JACKSON March 18, 2007

Marta, I am so very sorry to here about the loss of your son. This is a wonderful image and dedication! #4066278

Melissa G. Meiselman March 18, 2007

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. #4066287

Su Sana E. P March 18, 2007

Marta, I was told by a BP friend about what happened. I'm so sorry for your loss. With prayers, Susana. #4066302

Chua Wee Boo March 18, 2007

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! #4066327

Nadine A. Lewis March 18, 2007

Oh Marta, my heart is aching for you. I am so sorry. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. <>< #4066329

Jim Huffield March 18, 2007

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 #4066332

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna March 18, 2007

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!! #4066372

David Pratt March 18, 2007

Marta, I am so sorry about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. #4066521

Laura Clay-Ballard March 18, 2007

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. #4066576

March 18, 2007

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. #4066641

Colleen Farrell March 18, 2007

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. #4066707

Jayne Martin March 18, 2007

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. #4066733

Sam Britt March 18, 2007

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. #4066748

Lynne Morris March 18, 2007

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. #4066750

Joy Rector March 18, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about such a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. #4066756

Melissa G. Meiselman March 18, 2007

Sharon Day March 18, 2007

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! #4066934

Tamera S. Phillips March 18, 2007

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. #4066944

Dennis Flanagan March 18, 2007

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. #4066980

Tamara K. Walker March 18, 2007

You and ytour family will be in our thoughts and prayers. #4066992

Linda D. Lester March 18, 2007

I'm also so sorry to hear about your loss! You and your family will be in our prayers. Wonderful tribute to your son! #4066999

KV Day March 18, 2007

I am heart broken at your loss and in awe of your courage. My prayers and thoughts are with you wand yours. #4067004

Cathy Barrows March 18, 2007

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. #4067005

Ronald F. Fischer March 18, 2007

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. #4067042

Ken Smith March 18, 2007

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! #4067058

Claudia Kuhn March 18, 2007

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. #4067091

Susan Jane Allen March 18, 2007

My heart goes out to you, Marta. What a hard time this must be for you! May God sustain you in your loss! #4067097

Carolyn M. Fletcher March 18, 2007

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. #4067106

JO ANN CLEVELAND March 18, 2007

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. #4067143

Jill Odice March 18, 2007

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. #4067285

Carla Metzler March 18, 2007

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.
#4067310

Kenneth Mucke March 18, 2007

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 #4067433

Marcie A. Fowler March 18, 2007

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!! #4067473

Michelle R. Kovach March 18, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss Marta.
You & your family will be in my thoughts & prayers. #4067488

Donna La Mattino Pagakis March 18, 2007

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 #4067670

Mary L. Graham March 18, 2007

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 =) #4067693

Colette M. Metcalf March 18, 2007

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, Marta. My prayers are with you. Take care. #4067702

Datha Y. Thompson March 18, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss.. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.... Beautiful tribute Marta #4067718

Kay E. Mahoney March 18, 2007

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. #4067896

Lindley Johnson March 18, 2007

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. #4068029

Chris Ebben March 18, 2007

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=^..^= #4068126

Marta J. Baldwin March 18, 2007

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- #4068426

Robert K. Bemus March 18, 2007

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 #4068467

Dominick M. Dimacale March 18, 2007

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 #4068476

Carol Teal March 19, 2007

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. #4068551

Revonda L. Gentry March 19, 2007

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. #4068556

Barbara Waldoch March 19, 2007

I am so sorry to hear such a sad news. You will be in my thoughts, Marta. #4068619

Marta J. Baldwin March 19, 2007

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 #4069313

Roxanne M. Bubar March 19, 2007

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. #4070985

Terry L. Ellis March 19, 2007

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! #4071048

Valarie Paris March 19, 2007

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! #4071471

Tori A. Woods March 19, 2007

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 #4071706

Cora Miller March 20, 2007

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 #4072944

Christy Nichols March 20, 2007

Marta, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and my prayers go out to you and your family. (((hugs))) #4073998

Marta J. Baldwin March 20, 2007

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. #4074227

Joy E. Cobb March 20, 2007

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. #4074654

Renee Doyle March 20, 2007

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. #4074901

Marta J. Baldwin March 21, 2007

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. #4076897

Kelly A. Gooch March 31, 2007

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. #4115318

Marta J. Baldwin March 31, 2007

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 #4115430

Shirley A. Kinney March 31, 2007

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. #4117303

Susie Peek-Swint April 01, 2007

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 #4117899

Holly Hitchcock April 01, 2007

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 #4118411

Marta J. Baldwin April 02, 2007

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- #4122568

Sherry Stricklin Boles April 08, 2007

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... #4144830

Marta J. Baldwin April 08, 2007

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.
#4145171

Vicki Zoller August 30, 2007

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 #4723356

Marta J. Baldwin August 30, 2007

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 #4723695

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