I’m sitting here in the same spot where I wrote most of my other posts on this blog … Toot was in my belly, constantly kicking away and reminding me that she was safe and cozy. How I miss those little kicks … It is nearly impossible to believe that an entire month has passed since our precious Brienna Marie was born. One month since we held her in our arms, rocked her and kissed her perfect button nose. One month since we smelled her sweet smell and marveled at the fact that we had created this perfect little being.
It has not been an easy month, but we are so blessed to have the support of our families and friends. We have received so many beautiful cards and things to remember Brienna by. My brother and sister-in-law gave us a pink rose bush called “Sweetness” to plant in Brienna’s honor. Jenny wrote this poem for us as well. We are excited for the rose bush to bloom, and know that it will be beautiful, just like Brienna:
Meant to live in heaven, not on earth
She showed us what life is worth.
Blessed your lives for just a while
But never ceased to make you smile.
And though she’s gone far too soon
She’ll live on in all you do.
In love and laughter, in every day
She’ll be revealed in little ways.
So may this rose bloom and grow
Brienna’s spirit, for all to know.We finally had a break in the rain and were able to plant the rose bush this weekend. My friend Sarah had given us a beautiful garden stone as well, and we created a little space in our backyard that is now Brienna’s garden:
The garden stone contains the last verse of the poem on Brienna’s prayer card. Sarah had sent me this poem earlier in our pregnancy, and we fell in love with it. The bottom of the stone is inscribed with, “Always Remembered, Brienna Marie”.
While time has passed, the ache we feel for Brienna has not lessened. The uncertainty and worry we felt during our pregnancy pales in comparison to the grief we now feel. We’d give anything to turn the clock back and hold our little girl in our arms again. We know that is sadly not possible, and take comfort in the fact that Brienna is now safe in God’s arms. We are so proud of Brienna and are inspired by the number of lives she has touched. She was truly the greatest gift we have ever received and we are honored to be her parents.
Thank you again for your continued support, encouragement and love. We are so thankful to each and every one of you. We’ll leave you with one of our favorite pictures of Brienna’s feet. Her second and third toes are webbed, just like her daddy’s and it makes us smile every time we see them. We love and miss our daughter more than words can say.
Love,
Laurie and Patrick
Laurie,
This post is beautiful. I love your garden for Brienna. How nice that you can enjoy it every day. Her feet are precious and so special.
love,
Shannon
Dear Laurie & Pat,
I love you both so much. I love & miss Brienna more than words can express. I visit her each day & tell her how much she is loved & missed and then I pray that in time you will find peace & healing. Thank you for sharing your journey & most especially your beautiful daughter,Brienna, with us. I will always treasure the time we spent holding & loving her and the tremendous love that surrounded all of us in the hospital room the night of her birth. You are both a wonderful example of what love really is and I am so proud of you & honored to be Brienna’s Bana. You all remain close in my heart.
All my love,
Mom
Not a day goes by that I don’t pause to think of you, Pat and Brienna. Thank you for sharing her with us and for setting such a fine example of love, faith and strength. When you see fireworks this weekend, think of Brienna and her vantage point from Heaven. She is watching over you. xo
I love Brienna’s garden and stone. I can’t wait to see the roses bloom. I miss my little niece so much and wish so much that she didn’t have to go. I absolutely adore her toe rings picture. I love you guys and think you’re doing a wonderful job honoring sweet Brienna.
My favorite quote to live by is the one that I selected for Dan’s stone, “to love is to remember.” Love you lots. Talk with you soon. Xoxo
Erin
Dear Laurie and Pat, The garden that you planted for Brienna is a beautiful reminder of the very special spirit that your sweet angel possessed. Dad and I are priviledged to be her grandparents, and will always hold her close in our hearts.The poem that Jenny wrote to accompany the rosebush is so touching. We hope that all of the special thoughts, prayers, and cards sent your way
help to ease your pain at the loss of Brienna. We continue to remember you both in prayer every day. With love always, Mom and Dad Marr
LAURIE AND PAT:
THERE ARE NO GREATER WORDS OF COMFORT THAN THE FOLLOWING POEM WRITTEN BY MARY ELIZABETH FRYE. THE WORDS ARE SUCH COMFORT TO ANYONE WHO HAS LOST A LOVED ONE, SO I THOUGHT HOW PERFECT THIS WOULD BE FOR YOU AND PAT BECAUSE YOUR LITTLEST ANGEL BRIENNA MARIE IS EVERYWHERE. LOVE, GINNY
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Dear Laurie and Pat,
Briennas’ garden is lovely! As you both lovingly take care of Briennas’ garden, may you experience special moments of peace and tranquillity in remembering and honoring beautiful little Brienna Marie in such a meaningful way. Thinking of you as always
with all my love,
Nana
Peace and healing, my kidies!
You are always in our thoughts.
Peace and healing is our wish.
We need to give you hugs,soon, and hope that time will take you to the place you must go to, so you can breath easier, remember always, and yet, see your future as a place of light, healing, and new joys to come!
The road is bumpy, the rewards are still there for you.
Know we love you, and Brienna, and will NEVER forget what she brought to us all.
Your Family, Uncle Michael, Auntie M, Jaden, and Tara!