From Brianna's mom Jen:
We returned today from our annual Dells trip with all the Siemann family. Our trip turned out to be a blessing as we were able to have an “escape/break” with the added bonus of family support when needed. I admit feeling it was a mistake to go ahead with the trip as soon as we entered our room. We always stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and reserve a kid cabin suite because it has a separate area with bunk beds and a twin bed for the three girls. As soon as we walked in and I saw the three beds my heart sank. I wondered if Eric would opt to sleep in the twin rather than on the sleeper sofa as it would make me feel better not having to look at an empty bed. However, he no longer fits in the “kid” cabin twin beds…he is almost 6 ft tall, outgrowing size 14 shoes, and turning 15 in one month! What a difference from when I first met him…7 years old and wearing superman pajamas.
We went to dinner Saturday night and I could not help but cry wishing that Brianna was there so we could hear her laugh, see her smile, and watch her enjoy being with the family. Needless to say, Saturday night was NOT a good night. In fact, every night we made reservations for 15 people, not 16, just reminded me that Brianna is gone. Sunday morning proved difficult as well since we always attend mass at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. I passed on attending mass and headed to the pool hoping to pull it together before everyone returned. I didn’t want to have a breakdown at church. I wanted to distract myself and thanks to my friend Kim I found the distraction I needed. She gave me the book, 90 Minutes in Heaven: A true story of death and life. The story provides a very detailed description of a man’s experience of a short trip to heaven. I now have a very beautiful picture of Brianna entering God’s Kingdom of Heaven! Thank you Kim, Benny, and kids!!
Though I am having difficulty with Brianna’s absence, I saw two signs late Sunday morning that made me believe she was o.k. First, I saw a beautiful butterfly outside which seemed to linger for awhile before leaving my sight. Not too long after, I saw a white dove fly by. There are not a lot of birds around the outdoor water park and I’ve never seen white doves sitting around before!
I mentioned in my remembrance speech that I look to Bob for his strength and unwavering faith and how I would definitely look to lean on him in the days ahead. I was having a very difficult time until I told Bob about the “two signs.” I told him I thought Brianna was letting me know she was o.k. He looked at me, smiled, and said “good!” He told me he prayed in church earlier that morning for Brianna to show me a sign she was o.k., but he wasn’t going to tell me because I would be looking for signs that might not be there. The next day we saw a butterfly while on a boat tour where you don’t normally see any butterflies. On the way home today I found a song to bring me comfort titled, “She’s a Butterfly”, by Martina McBride. From now on, every time I hear this song or see a butterfly I will be reminded of Brianna.
She remembers when she first got her wings
And how she opened up that dayshe learned to sing
Then the colors came, erased theblack and white
And her whole world changedwhen she realized
She's a butterfly, pretty as the crimson sky
Nothing's ever gonna bring her down
And everywhere she goes
Everybody knows she's so glad to be alive
She's a butterfly
Like the purest light in a darkened world
So much hope inside such a lovely girl
You should see her fly, it's almost magical
It makes you wanna cry, she's so beautiful
Thank you for every act of kindness and support for our family during this difficult time. We are so grateful to all our family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have offered us condolences. As we prepare for the kids to return to school (and for me to return to teaching) we hope to find the strength and courage to deal with our loss while also taking on the stresses of a new school year.
God bless and Peace to you all!
Brianna's mom, Jen
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Brave Little Soul-Jen's Remembrance of Sweet Brianna - August 1
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
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
Friday, July 31, 2009
My Letter to Brianna - July 31
Hello everyone, this is a Maria. I wanted to share with you a letter that I wrote to Brianna. I read it during the wake in front of just the family and some close friends but I wanted to take this opportunity to share it with everyone. Jennifer, Matt and Bob will be posting their remembrances as well.
Dear Brianna,
I made you a charm bracelet. I picked out some trinkets that remind me of you.
PRINCESS – When I met your dad he always talked about how you were his princess.
FOUR LEAF CLOVER – You and Kaitlyn were in Irish Dance. You were so proud of your Irish Heritage.
HORSE – You always talked about your love for horses. I bet you are riding a beautiful white stallion right now.
CANCER AWARENESS RIBBON – I was so proud to walk the survivor lap at The Relay for Life as a fellow survivor. That is a moment I will cherish forever.
CELL PHONE – I was so excited to see the look on your face when me and your dad bought you your first cell phone.
FLIP-FLOP – I know how much you missed wearing Flip Flops when your coordination was off. I know you’ve got some on now.
PALM TREE – You were so excited to get your room done! The theme you picked was so fun. I hope you’re relaxing under a big palm tree right now.
DOG BONE – Your biggest wish was to get a dog. Little Gizmo is going to miss you so much!
CROSS – I always admired your strong Faith in God. You were an inspiration to so many people.
ANGEL – When I knew that it was only a matter of time that you would not be with us I had to start talking to Gianna about it. This is what Gianna tells everyone about where you are going……..
“Brianna is going to get wings and fly up high in the sky. She is going to live in God’s house which is called Heaven with all the other angels. She will also be with God’s son, his name is Jesus.”
I was saddened but joyful for Gianna when I had to tell her that you got your Angel wings. I told her that she is so blessed because now she can tell everyone she has an“Angel Sister”
I love you Brianna. I am going to miss you so much.
Maria
Thank you to everyone for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Maria Sharp
Proud Stepmother of Brianna and Kaitlyn Sharp
Dear Brianna,
I made you a charm bracelet. I picked out some trinkets that remind me of you.
PRINCESS – When I met your dad he always talked about how you were his princess.
FOUR LEAF CLOVER – You and Kaitlyn were in Irish Dance. You were so proud of your Irish Heritage.
HORSE – You always talked about your love for horses. I bet you are riding a beautiful white stallion right now.
CANCER AWARENESS RIBBON – I was so proud to walk the survivor lap at The Relay for Life as a fellow survivor. That is a moment I will cherish forever.
CELL PHONE – I was so excited to see the look on your face when me and your dad bought you your first cell phone.
FLIP-FLOP – I know how much you missed wearing Flip Flops when your coordination was off. I know you’ve got some on now.
PALM TREE – You were so excited to get your room done! The theme you picked was so fun. I hope you’re relaxing under a big palm tree right now.
DOG BONE – Your biggest wish was to get a dog. Little Gizmo is going to miss you so much!
CROSS – I always admired your strong Faith in God. You were an inspiration to so many people.
ANGEL – When I knew that it was only a matter of time that you would not be with us I had to start talking to Gianna about it. This is what Gianna tells everyone about where you are going……..
“Brianna is going to get wings and fly up high in the sky. She is going to live in God’s house which is called Heaven with all the other angels. She will also be with God’s son, his name is Jesus.”
I was saddened but joyful for Gianna when I had to tell her that you got your Angel wings. I told her that she is so blessed because now she can tell everyone she has an“Angel Sister”
I love you Brianna. I am going to miss you so much.
Maria
Thank you to everyone for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Maria Sharp
Proud Stepmother of Brianna and Kaitlyn Sharp
Monday, July 27, 2009
Visitiation, Funeral Mass and Luncheon
From Brianna's Family -
Thank you for your overwhelming support and sympathy. We are reading all of your messages and finding comfort in them all...God bless you all for taking our precious girl Brianna into your heart and sending unending prayers which have blessed us with more love and faith in the human spirit and compassion that reaches far and wide.
Visitation will be at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home (Naperville, IL), on Tuesday, July 28 from 2-9 pm.
All are welcome to attend a funeral Mass at St.Raphael Catholic Church (also in Naperville) on Wednesday, July 29 at 10 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetary. Upon returning to St. Raphael Catholic Church there will be a luncheon beginning around noon. You are welcome to celebrate Brianna's life and view photos, videos, artwork, and stories about Brianna. You may also want to bring a photo or write a short note about a fond memory you have of Brianna. Come and Celebrate her stong finish to a very difficult race!
One of the members of Brianna's carepage made a beautiful tribute to her and you can cut and paste the web address below, into your browser bar. The address ishttp://www.angelfire.com/tn2/psyches/dedicationbrianna.html
There were so many wonderful and kind words of sympathy and support, we are just overwhelmed as our hearts overflow with love for Brianna, but also for everyone of you who found a special place in your heart for our sweet girl, Brianna. i will like to share many beautiful poems that people have shared, but I will have to do so at another time. If you haven't taken time to read through the other messages people send, they are also inspirational by their deep faith citing scripture as well as finding the most appropriate words, poems, or expressions that lift us up everyday.
We look forward to seeing you so that we may celebrate Brianna's life and share some of her never-ending, never-having a point stories....one area where she failed to "finish the race" she could never finish a story!
God Bless You and Brianna is too!
Thank you for your overwhelming support and sympathy. We are reading all of your messages and finding comfort in them all...God bless you all for taking our precious girl Brianna into your heart and sending unending prayers which have blessed us with more love and faith in the human spirit and compassion that reaches far and wide.
Visitation will be at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home (Naperville, IL), on Tuesday, July 28 from 2-9 pm.
All are welcome to attend a funeral Mass at St.Raphael Catholic Church (also in Naperville) on Wednesday, July 29 at 10 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetary. Upon returning to St. Raphael Catholic Church there will be a luncheon beginning around noon. You are welcome to celebrate Brianna's life and view photos, videos, artwork, and stories about Brianna. You may also want to bring a photo or write a short note about a fond memory you have of Brianna. Come and Celebrate her stong finish to a very difficult race!
One of the members of Brianna's carepage made a beautiful tribute to her and you can cut and paste the web address below, into your browser bar. The address ishttp://www.angelfire.com/tn2/psyches/dedicationbrianna.html
There were so many wonderful and kind words of sympathy and support, we are just overwhelmed as our hearts overflow with love for Brianna, but also for everyone of you who found a special place in your heart for our sweet girl, Brianna. i will like to share many beautiful poems that people have shared, but I will have to do so at another time. If you haven't taken time to read through the other messages people send, they are also inspirational by their deep faith citing scripture as well as finding the most appropriate words, poems, or expressions that lift us up everyday.
We look forward to seeing you so that we may celebrate Brianna's life and share some of her never-ending, never-having a point stories....one area where she failed to "finish the race" she could never finish a story!
God Bless You and Brianna is too!
She Finished Strong! - July 25, 2009
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." ~ 2 Timothy 4:7
Brianna passed away at 6:12 this morning. She finished the race strong….living up to the meaning of her name and her cross country motto. She was surrounded by her loving sister, parents, and step-parents.
We felt from the day of diagnosis that Brianna was here to serve a bigger purpose, especially if God chose her to bear such a heavy cross. If a child cannot live out their dreams and God chooses to call them home, we must know His plan is perfect. She always put others first and even though I told her it is o.k. to be selfish for once in her life…to let go if she wants to be out of pain, she held strong for everyone else. She held strong and allowed her family and friends to come share their love with her and she shared her love and so much more. Though she could not speak, could not move, and struggled to open her eyes for even a second, she would gather the strength to let us know how much she loved us. She wanted to bless us with a few more squeezes of the hands, a few more words, and to show us her beautiful blue eyes a few more times.
Though we don’t know all the plans He has for her, we do know she accomplished more in 13 years than most people do in a lifetime. She touched the hearts and inspired so many people, including her parents!
Because of Brianna, family relationships have healed, parents and children cherish each other like never before, and people grew in faith. Brianna would want nothing more than for people to be happy, but we hope she served a greater purpose by displaying the hope, faith and love which inspires people to seek out the little miracles and many blessings in every day. She did accomplish her primary goal in life. Especially as Matt, Maria, Bob and I were able to give her what she always wanted…peace in her family. She was not going to leave until we reconciled our relationships. Only hours after she heard it from everyone, she began to let go and she was lifted up!
We decided if she cannot live out her own dreams (hairdresser, chef, artist, marriage, kids) we would make at least one dream come true, which was to have her family together with her and at peace.Brianna is lifted up, healed in mind, body, and spirit. She is donning beautiful angel wings, and I imagine is being tugged at by two little boys who are asking her to play with them. God Bless Brianna…her Irish eyes are smiling down on us!
May the road rise to meet you.May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face.May the rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Dance as though no one is watching you,Love as though you have never loved before,Sing as though no one can hear you,Live as though heaven is on earth.
From Brianna's extended family - all of us, parents, siblings and more, opening our hearts to each other in love, as Brianna wished it to be.
Brianna passed away at 6:12 this morning. She finished the race strong….living up to the meaning of her name and her cross country motto. She was surrounded by her loving sister, parents, and step-parents.
We felt from the day of diagnosis that Brianna was here to serve a bigger purpose, especially if God chose her to bear such a heavy cross. If a child cannot live out their dreams and God chooses to call them home, we must know His plan is perfect. She always put others first and even though I told her it is o.k. to be selfish for once in her life…to let go if she wants to be out of pain, she held strong for everyone else. She held strong and allowed her family and friends to come share their love with her and she shared her love and so much more. Though she could not speak, could not move, and struggled to open her eyes for even a second, she would gather the strength to let us know how much she loved us. She wanted to bless us with a few more squeezes of the hands, a few more words, and to show us her beautiful blue eyes a few more times.
Though we don’t know all the plans He has for her, we do know she accomplished more in 13 years than most people do in a lifetime. She touched the hearts and inspired so many people, including her parents!
Because of Brianna, family relationships have healed, parents and children cherish each other like never before, and people grew in faith. Brianna would want nothing more than for people to be happy, but we hope she served a greater purpose by displaying the hope, faith and love which inspires people to seek out the little miracles and many blessings in every day. She did accomplish her primary goal in life. Especially as Matt, Maria, Bob and I were able to give her what she always wanted…peace in her family. She was not going to leave until we reconciled our relationships. Only hours after she heard it from everyone, she began to let go and she was lifted up!
We decided if she cannot live out her own dreams (hairdresser, chef, artist, marriage, kids) we would make at least one dream come true, which was to have her family together with her and at peace.Brianna is lifted up, healed in mind, body, and spirit. She is donning beautiful angel wings, and I imagine is being tugged at by two little boys who are asking her to play with them. God Bless Brianna…her Irish eyes are smiling down on us!
May the road rise to meet you.May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face.May the rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Dance as though no one is watching you,Love as though you have never loved before,Sing as though no one can hear you,Live as though heaven is on earth.
From Brianna's extended family - all of us, parents, siblings and more, opening our hearts to each other in love, as Brianna wished it to be.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Peaceful Night and Blessed Morning - July 24
From my mom:
Brianna rested comfortably last night and looks very peaceful as she lies in bed with me. This morning we were blessed with several hand squeezes (and she even moved her left hand/arm today) and she opened both of her eyes widely to say good morning. Her lips were dry so I put moisturizer on her lips and she opened them as if she was relieved. I was especially blessed with her saying, "Mom" very clearly. Her breathing, though staggered, is remaining the same and the congestion is under control.
She is a fighter! Definitely lives up to her name, for sure...STRONG, virtuous, noble. She is cuddling HOPE bear, her comfort item from when she was a baby. How did we decide on the perfect name and how did she happen to cling to a praying teddy bear? I am beginning to see examples of how God's plan is perfect...some may say coincidence, but on our journey there have been too many to "coincidences" to believe that is all that is happening.
Trust in Him, Believe in Him, and be comforted by Him.Just as children view their parents. We are all God's children first and are blessed with the gifts of our precious children. I read this next quote in a book one day and have thought of it everyday since...."If I could sit on a porch and have a conversation with God, I would thank Him for lending you to me." Brianna is God's child first and if He chooses to call her home, He is the only person who loves her more than I...in that I find comfort and peace.
Praying for peace and comfort today, for my hero!
Right now she is really starting to move her arms and her eyes are open...Bye
Brianna rested comfortably last night and looks very peaceful as she lies in bed with me. This morning we were blessed with several hand squeezes (and she even moved her left hand/arm today) and she opened both of her eyes widely to say good morning. Her lips were dry so I put moisturizer on her lips and she opened them as if she was relieved. I was especially blessed with her saying, "Mom" very clearly. Her breathing, though staggered, is remaining the same and the congestion is under control.
She is a fighter! Definitely lives up to her name, for sure...STRONG, virtuous, noble. She is cuddling HOPE bear, her comfort item from when she was a baby. How did we decide on the perfect name and how did she happen to cling to a praying teddy bear? I am beginning to see examples of how God's plan is perfect...some may say coincidence, but on our journey there have been too many to "coincidences" to believe that is all that is happening.
Trust in Him, Believe in Him, and be comforted by Him.Just as children view their parents. We are all God's children first and are blessed with the gifts of our precious children. I read this next quote in a book one day and have thought of it everyday since...."If I could sit on a porch and have a conversation with God, I would thank Him for lending you to me." Brianna is God's child first and if He chooses to call her home, He is the only person who loves her more than I...in that I find comfort and peace.
Praying for peace and comfort today, for my hero!
Right now she is really starting to move her arms and her eyes are open...Bye
Holding Strong! - July 23
From mom Jennifer:
Nurse Jane arrived and was able to get Brianna feeling better and now appears to be resting comfortably. She was running a high fever and vomited twice. We cooled her down with cold towels and her morphine, ativan (anxiety), and robinal (congestion); then her breathing slowed down and she went back to her staggered breaths. Wonderful Maria came to help Jane give her a bath and change her bedding...Kaitlyn is showing unbelievable compassion and is gaining valuable nursing experience.
Brianna had family visiting her all day long!! As you already know, she has a huge family with both Matt and I being remarried with supportive extended families....
She opened her eyes a few times, moved her right hand a few times, and also made a few sounds all of which we believe shows she is hearing everything we are saying. She is holding on strong as everyone floods her with kisses and showers her with their love.
Nurses Jane and Robin spent the entire day helping us make 3D hand sculptures of each of us holding Brianna's hand. Bob and I made Eric and Haley's last night and for our first time they turned out...Robin is the expert so we are looking forward to seeing how the 7 others turn out! Brianna has perfect hands, fingers, nails...at St. Jude she received compliments every day on her nails because they are so beautiful. Thank you Jane and Robin for spending the day with us and taking the time to make such special gifts for each of us.
Thank you for all of your messages. I am taking the time to read your notes as it has been our source of strength to now we have so many people who love and pray for Brianna. Many of you have praised us for instilling such a deep faith in Brianna. We can take no credit as we have learned everything from her.
When I was a single mom with two toddlers, people kept telling me if you take them to church they will get used to it and will learn to behave. They were always so naughty in church. I would be kneeling for communion and they would be hitting, biting, pulling each other's hair, and kicking each other. I would leave church in tears.
I spent most of the mass every week begging God to give me the strength to get out of there without incident. After the girls realized I was not going to give up, they did in fact learn to behave in church. We started out sitting in the last pew and as they slowly learned to behave we would move up a few rows. We made it to the sixth pew and decided that was close enough. Who knew at the time Bob's parents and his brother's family sat two pews behind us! Brianna has been the only one of our kids who never complains about going to church...now they all accept it and appreciate it!!
I am sleeping with Brianna tonight and will continue to pray. I wanted to share the story with you so you all know Brianna has taught me a lot more than I have taught her.
She is going to finish strong!!
Nurse Jane arrived and was able to get Brianna feeling better and now appears to be resting comfortably. She was running a high fever and vomited twice. We cooled her down with cold towels and her morphine, ativan (anxiety), and robinal (congestion); then her breathing slowed down and she went back to her staggered breaths. Wonderful Maria came to help Jane give her a bath and change her bedding...Kaitlyn is showing unbelievable compassion and is gaining valuable nursing experience.
Brianna had family visiting her all day long!! As you already know, she has a huge family with both Matt and I being remarried with supportive extended families....
She opened her eyes a few times, moved her right hand a few times, and also made a few sounds all of which we believe shows she is hearing everything we are saying. She is holding on strong as everyone floods her with kisses and showers her with their love.
Nurses Jane and Robin spent the entire day helping us make 3D hand sculptures of each of us holding Brianna's hand. Bob and I made Eric and Haley's last night and for our first time they turned out...Robin is the expert so we are looking forward to seeing how the 7 others turn out! Brianna has perfect hands, fingers, nails...at St. Jude she received compliments every day on her nails because they are so beautiful. Thank you Jane and Robin for spending the day with us and taking the time to make such special gifts for each of us.
Thank you for all of your messages. I am taking the time to read your notes as it has been our source of strength to now we have so many people who love and pray for Brianna. Many of you have praised us for instilling such a deep faith in Brianna. We can take no credit as we have learned everything from her.
When I was a single mom with two toddlers, people kept telling me if you take them to church they will get used to it and will learn to behave. They were always so naughty in church. I would be kneeling for communion and they would be hitting, biting, pulling each other's hair, and kicking each other. I would leave church in tears.
I spent most of the mass every week begging God to give me the strength to get out of there without incident. After the girls realized I was not going to give up, they did in fact learn to behave in church. We started out sitting in the last pew and as they slowly learned to behave we would move up a few rows. We made it to the sixth pew and decided that was close enough. Who knew at the time Bob's parents and his brother's family sat two pews behind us! Brianna has been the only one of our kids who never complains about going to church...now they all accept it and appreciate it!!
I am sleeping with Brianna tonight and will continue to pray. I wanted to share the story with you so you all know Brianna has taught me a lot more than I have taught her.
She is going to finish strong!!
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