In Loving Memory of Stone Pope

By: Brittany Bevis

Words cannot express the sadness we feel following the sudden passing of one tough, little cowboy, Stone Pope. Born to Shane and Holt Pope of South Carolina, it was clear from the very beginning that tiny Stone would have a long, rough road ahead.

Diagnosed with four, rare heart defects at a 20 week ultrasound, Stone and the entire Pope family relied on their family, friends, and faith to help pull through a very difficult time. Many of our readers will remember a piece we wrote in December 2013, Home For the Holidays: Why One Horse Family Has a lot to be Thankful For This Season, where Stone’s mother Holt gave us a first person account of the highs and lows of the first four months of her son’s life.

“They showed us pictures of what his heart looks like now, and you think, ‘how is that even possible?’ To get past that, you have to believe in miracles, and you have to believe that this was God’s plan. Maybe people on the outside looking in can rationalize it, but that’s the only way I can rationalize it. This was just a complete miracle, because his heart isn’t supposed to work.”- Holt Pope

Now, more than ever, the Pope family will need to seek solace and comfort from their family, friends, and faith in God following the passing of a very sweet little boy. Our prayers and thoughts are with them now and during the days and months ahead.

Finally, we would like to share a poem that was sent to us by Cindy Young.

Heart of Stone

By: Cindy Young

You were born into this world

With a fight ahead of you.

For God had a plan

Which only He knew.

The doctors worked hard; your strength was immense.

As you fought for your life, the prayers commenced.

Your smile, your happiness, your joy so pure.

Was truly a gift of God. That we know for sure.

You made the world aware. You brightened up our days.

You showed us how to care, reminded us to pray.

For you, little boy, God’s work on earth is done.

You’ll have no more pain and now you’re free to run.

On our own understanding, we cannot rely.

But to say you were special, one cannot deny.

And now I pray your family knows that they will never be alone.

Oh, the hearts you have touched with that HEART OF STONE.

 

Family and friends are encouraging that donations can be made in Stone’s memory to

The American Heart Association – Attn Holly Bagyi
1113 44th Avenue North – Suite 200
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 282-2907

Flowers can be sent to
200 Aquila Ct
Conway SC 29527

We are confident everyone will have the sensitivity to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

We have recently learned that a visitation will be held at 5:00 pm this Friday at Beach Church. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm Saturday at Beach Church. Then, everyone will go to Hill Crest Cemetery over by Coastal on 544. Then, everyone is welcome back to the church.