Good morning. For those of you who do not know me, I am Brianna’s mom, Jen. I’m used to presenting U.S. History and Government in a classroom full of high school students, so I ask that you please bear with me.
There was a night, one of many, when I was having a difficult time and Bob found me in bed crying. He reminded me of what he said on the day he proposed which was, “I have no idea what the future holds, but I can’t imagine a future without us being together.” He then went on to remind me of our wedding vows…in sickness and in health…explaining that our vows were not singled out just for us, but for our entire family. His strength and love for family and his unwavering faith, made an unbearable journey bearable, and for that I love him. I am counting on his strength to help me through the days ahead and I am asking him to speak on OUR behalf, as his love for Brianna runs as deep as mine. But first, I would like to share a story with you…one I feel was written especially about Brianna.
THE BRAVE LITTLE SOUL By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven, there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there, and often expressed this joy with God. One day, however, the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean?” she asked. God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in peoples’ hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity." Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul, I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you, and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.” God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus, at that moment, the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God’s strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
Brianna was so anxious to be born, she arrived 1 month early on April Fool’s Day. It was just like her to try to make people laugh. Imagine calling people to tell them you're in labor, on April Fool’s Day, knowing the due date wasn’t for another 4 weeks!!
We did have a name picked out already. That name was Brianna, which means strong, brave, virtuous, noble. Can there be a more fitting name for our Brave Little Soul?
She accomplished every one of those things listed above. GOD WAS PLEASED…AND SO ARE WE!!!
I am now going to let Bob speak on our behalf. God bless all our family, friends, neighbors, and especially our blue-eyed angel, Brianna Leigh!
Jennifer
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