Cora Caldwell is a family name. It’s the name of a person who had a very big influence on my life – my Grandmother, Cora.
Cora Augusta Caldwell
Cora and Floyd B Caldwell (everyone called him simply - ‘B’) were people I lived with when I was a very young child. They taught me a lot about how to be a good person, how to treat other people, and how you can be a person of faith, but still have a shred of ‘cool’. Mostly they taught me to be myself, to be happy, and to take life as it comes.
Cora Caldwell was a devout Baptist, and spent her life in
the service of the church. For years,
Floyd would be the preacher, Cora would play the piano, and they would spread
the word they believed in. Floyd passed
when I was 13 or 14, but we were lucky enough to have Cora until just a few
years ago. When it was clear the end was
near, Cora asked us all to gather, as a family, one last time at her home in
It took us a few weeks to pull it together, but finally we did. We had a great afternoon of stories, laughter and reminiscence. The family left, and Cora passed the next morning. Her dying wish? That we would all go to church one more time – as a family. We did.
Cora and B were a huge influence on my life, and I am proud to be able to honor them. Thanks to Jen for agreeing to the name so easily. Baby girl, I hope that someday you can learn more about your great Grandmother. I know she would be proud of you.
Love,
Daddy
that is a very moving tribute. also, first!
Posted by: Harold | November 27, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Hey Cora! Welcome. Love your name and can't wait to meet you :) - Rider
Posted by: Rider | November 29, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Welcome to the world, Cora! Congratulations to all of the Caldwells. Lots of love from the Jolly Taits
Posted by: Sally Tait | November 29, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Welcome to the world, Cora! Congratulations to all of the Caldwells. Lots of love from the Jolly Taits
Posted by: Sally Tait | November 29, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Welcome little Cora! What a wonderful name you have (also my great-grandmother's). Looking forward to meeting you--and sending love to the whole family.
Posted by: Tea | November 29, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Cora, it has been 4 days since you blogged! Come on, give us some baby wisdom! I want more pictures of those cute cheeks too! xoxo
Posted by: Cotie Richmond | November 30, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Made me cry, JC! Looking forward to checking this every morning when I get into work :)
Love to all three of you...
Posted by: Trish | December 01, 2008 at 06:47 PM
i loved the name when i heard it, and remembered about your grandmother. i'm sure she'd be thrilled with her new little namesake. :)
Posted by: Shannon | December 03, 2008 at 01:23 PM
What a beautiful story and a wonderful tribute to a special lady! Wish we could have met her nsmesake but we can't wait meet the new Cora!
Posted by: auntie michelle & uncle kris | December 04, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Oh my, what a beautiful spirit to pass on to your daughter. It's inspiring.
Posted by: Gena | December 15, 2008 at 10:19 AM