Our precious daughter, Brienna Marie Marr, was born into Heaven last night June 2, 2009 at 8:50 PM. She was quite simply, the most beautiful baby we have ever laid eyes on. There are no words to describe how deeply she is loved and how much she is already missed. Her time with us was truly a gift that we will cherish forever. Her name is Celtic and means “strong, she ascends”. There is no better name than that for our amazing baby girl.
We thank you as always for your love and support. It means the world to us. Brienna only knew love, and for that, we’re very grateful.
Love,
Patrick, Laurie and Brienna
UPDATE:
We cannot thank you enough for all the calls, text messages, emails and comments on the blog. We feel so blessed to have the unyielding love and support of our friends and families …
We were very lucky yesterday to have Sharon (from NILMDTS) photograph our beautiful daughter just moments after her birth. Sharon is an amazing person and we continue to be awed by her compassion and generosity.
There will be more pictures to come, but we wanted to share one with you now. Brienna was truly the most perfect baby. We will write more about our experience meeting her, but felt everyone should get to see how cute she really is!
(You can see some of our maternity pictures here.)
Brienna Marie,
You are the sweetest, most beautiful little angel I’ve ever seen and I love you so much. I am so glad I finally got to meet you, hold you and hug and kiss you. You are in my heart forever and always.
Love always,
Auntie Kris
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Laurie and Pat,
You are both so amazing and courageous. I love you and am here for you in any way. I’ll never forget your beautiful little girl, my first niece. I’m so sorry…
Love,
Kristen
Brienna,
Just so you know (as if you didn’t already) you have the best parents that anyone could have ever wished for!
Laurie and Pat,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you both so much and I am here for you in every way!
beth
Laurie and Pat,
Brienna Marie undoubtedly has the BEST parents imaginable. You two are stronger than words can express. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. If there’s anything you need, please know that I am here.
Love you guys!
Beth K.
Miss Toot/Brienna: Hello and, sadly, goodbye. You have changed so many lives and you will continue to leave a lasting impression on all of us. May your little heart rest in peace up in Heaven.
Laurie and Pat: Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful baby girl. Now begins the journey of keeping her memory alive. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you both.
Laurie and Pat,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you both and with precious Brienna Marie. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives. We are so grateful for the time that we spent holding and loving our beautiful grand daughter last night. She is a perfect and beautiful angel, and she will be in our hearts forever.
Love, Nana and Grampa Marr
Laurie and Pat, What a beautiful name for a much loved baby girl. You and your families are in our thoughts. We love you both very much. Love, Kristin and Tim
To Brienna – a perfect name for a truly courageous little angel.
To Laurie & Pat – your daughter’s name exemplifies your unwavering spirit and love through this tremendously dificult time. You are heroes to us all.
Much love and prayer to the three of you.
Vanessa
Patrick and Laurie – Thank you for allowing us to be there with you to meet Toot. I know you are hurting so much, and I would give anything to take away your pain, but your courage and devotion is incredible. Your beautiful daughter, a creation and reflection of your love, has brought so much love and joy to our families’ hearts forever.
Brienna Marie – I held you in my arms and didn’t want to let go. I know you’re resting with God and our loved ones in Heaven. They will take good care of you, and you will bring them great joy. I will always treasure the time our families had with you and your amazing parents. I’ll never forget the touch of your soft skin when I kissed your cheek; your most perfectly cute button nose; your strong fingers clenched for the struggle; your webbed toes, just like your daddy’s; your tiny body, so safe and warm. You are perfect to us all. Your time on this earth was not long, but your love lives in our hearts, memories, and souls forever. Brienna Marie, Toot, darling angel, your Auntie Liz loves you.
Brienna- What a beautiful name for such a strong little girl. You take a piece of hearts with you to heaven. Laurie and Pat- We love you very much and our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We’re here for all of you. All our love, Amanda and Nick
Dear Laurie & Pat,
We have no doubt that she was as beautiful as her name. You are such kind, compassionate and loving parents.
God Bless Brienna Marie..
Lots of love and prayers,
Aunt Di, Uncle Dan, Sam, Brian & Andrew
Dear Brienna Marie – Your name truly reflects the mission you selected in coming to earth. The strength you demonstrated increased the courage of all in your world to face adversity and, through your parents and extended family, made our faith stronger and deeper. Your ascension reminds all of us of our ultimate goal and that we need to use you as our model as we aspire to join you in that place of the highest joy possible that you now occupy.
Dear Laurie and Pat – A cousin who had to face adversity along the lines of Brienna shared the following with his family: “Today is a time to be grateful for all God has done in our lives . . .And a time to remember not to take anything for granted, not a single gift, or any person, or even one moment in time, for when God gives it, it is precious.” You lived this message every moment with Brienna, and, as a result, she knew only unconditional love. You treated God’s gift like the priceless treasure that she is and, therefore, provided her with the best life possible. No child could ever ask for anymore from her parents than you provided and your parenthood serves as a model and inspiration to all others. Brienna is truly blessed! Your relationship with Brienna Marie challenges and inspires all of us to live out the above quote. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort, peace, and Brienna-like strength during this time of deep sorrow. We are hugging you tightly in our hearts. You are truly blessed to be surrounded by all the love that exists within your family. It is a precious gift which you can cherish.
Pat and Laurie, Im very sorry for the loss of your precious little girl Brienna. My family and I have been praying for you all. Laurie, my family grew up down the street from The Marr’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and your family. Diane, Joe, Matt Kennedy and Colleen, Austen, Nicholas and Jonathan Roskam
Laurie and Pat, my deepest sympathies to you. Brienna is such a beuatiful name, she was loved and cared for by so many. I’m honored to have such strong and courageous friends as yourselves. You are in my prayers.
Robyn
Laurie, Pat & Brienna. We love you all and are with you. She is beautiful and we’re proud to call her a neice and cousin. We love you.
Love,
The Conroys
Laurie & Pat,
The time we spent with you & your beautiful Brienna Marie will remain forever in our hearts. I can still feel her in my arms and see her beautiful little face. She truly was perfect. I love you & Brienna with all my heart. Thank you for sharing her with us. Brienna was truly blessed with her parents. I will love her forever.
Love,
Mom
Dear Brienna,
I love you so much. I will always treasure the feel of you in my arms being held close to my heart. You have touched so many hearts and lives my little one. Rest now with God & the angels and know that we love you. You will be in our hearts forever. You will always be our first granddaughter & hold a very special place in our hearts.
All my love,
Bana
Dear Brienna:
Though we wish we could have met you and held you in our arms you will remain always in our prayers and hearts. You are a precious gift from God, called you to heaven to live amongst the angels.
Love Aunt Pam and Uncle Steve
Dear Laurie and Pat:
We love you and we are thinking of you during this difficult time…May you find comfort and strength in the days ahead in your love for one another and all of those who love you…
“All our Hopes and Dreams,
now carried on Butterfly wings…”
“As a butterfly graces our lives with one moment’s fragile beauty, so too has your baby’s presence blessed you, and those that surround you with their short life, and unique spirit. May you find peace, and joy with each butterfly that passes, knowing that your baby lives on in the hearts of all they touched.”
Love Aunt Pam and Uncle Steve
Laurie, Pat and Brienna…
Our condolences and heart-felt thoughts and prayers. Such a beautiful little girl, and such a beautifully fitting name. Tomorrow, as I walk the beach, I’ll blow Brienna a special kiss… one that assuredly – like her – ascends.
Our love and thoughts to you…
Dan & Linda Allen
Laurie and Pat,
I think you are the most amazing people in the world. I hope you know how truly loved you are. If you need anything at all please let me know. Lots of love with all my heart!
Erin C.
Laurie & Pat,
We are so sorry to hear about Brienna. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lauren & Sully
To the marr family,
What a wonderful family your are. To Brienna you are an angel and and always will be, your so lucky to have been blessed with such amazing and special parents. To: Laurie and Pat, you are two of the strongest people i have ever met, perhaps the strongest. Our love and prayers are with you. We are here when your ready or need anything.
xoxoxo
The ritsons
Dear Laurie & Pat,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful daughter right now….So deeply sorry for your loss… we have no doubt Brienna knows how much you love her and will always love her… Our thoughts and prayers for you will continue in this time of healing find strength in eachother and your family and please know that you are loved and supported by everyone…
Love
Jen & Derek
Dear Laurie and Pat,
Your courage, your strength and your love continue to touch the lives of so many so deeply. Brienna Marie was truly blessed to have shared that special love and she will have it with her always.
Our love, our thoughts and our prayers are with you,
Auntie Di, Uncle Mike, Dan Sean And Meghan
Laurie and Pat,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I am sorry for your loss. Brienna has the best parents any little girl could ask for.
Love, Kyla
Laurie and Pat dears and beautiful Brienna,
My precious and darling Brienna, God has gently called you home without pain and you are now safely in the welcoming arms of the angels and all our loved ones,with a very special welcome from your great-grandpa.
Laurie and Pat, I am so deeply sorry for the pain that you are now enduring and hope that you will be able to take solace knowing that Brienna did not suffer any pain. Through your incredible website, she and both of you were surrounded by an outpouring of love which has left an indelible mark on all of our hearts. Your constant faith and courage have truly been an inspiration and I pray for renewed strength for you as you (and we) now mourn the loss of darling Miss Toot/Brienna Marie.
with all my love,
Nana
Pat and Laurie,
I am in awe of your strength and courage. I miss Brienna despite not having met her. I’m touched that you have allowed so many people share these memories with you. Your daughter would be proud.
Wes
God she is beautiful. That picture takes my breath away I’ve never seen an angel before. Thank you so much for sharing that. Now I have a picture of her beautiful little face to keep in my mind forever. Love, Amanda
Cute, indeed! Especially that little button nose. Again, thank you for sharing so much with all of us and for allowing us to be a part of your family. xoxo
Brienna Marie is truly blessed to be protected and provided for by such great caretakers. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Mike P
In nine and a half months, Toot truly lived and embodied an extraordinary life — one of achievement, meaning, and reflection. And now, she flies with angels.
The three of you have given us all so much to be thankful for. One can only hope to accomplish all that Toot has in her short time on earth, and all that her legacy will continue to reveal.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures. They help me remember her and the light that she and the two of you have brought into our hearts.
Dear Pat and Laurie, This post is from a friend of mine in Paxton who lost a baby about six years ago well into her pregnancy. She wanted to post this herself but was unable to, so that’s why I’m posting it on her behalf. Love, Mom.
God bless you both and your little angel. She was that special that God needed her back too soon. She has her wings and is free to fly and watch over you. You will meet her again one day – I’m sure of it! You all have been in my thoughts and prayers since Judi told me about the trisomy 18. I’m sure Brienna knows how much she is loved! – Linda Coyne
Pat, Laurie and Brienna,
I am truly sorry for your loss. The approach and outlook you have taken to the gift of life and the uncontrollable nature of time is truly an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with you always.
Brienna is a beautiful gift to our family.
Love,
Joe Cundall
Beautiful picture. Both of you look captivated by your daughter. It just looks like time stopped. I know the time you spent with her will last forever in your hearts.
You three are always in our thoughts and prayers, every single day.
Love – Billy, Erika, and Emily
My heart breaks for you. Brienna Marie is a beautiful little girl, and she is so lucky to have such strong, loving parents. You are an inspiration. It has been a pleasure to have gotten to know Toot now Brienna.
With love,
Jenny Conroy
To Laurie, Pat, and the Conroy and Marr Families
Your family photo is one of the most beautiful portraits that I have ever seen. It is of unconditional love and beauty that would be difficult to put into words. What an angel is Brienna Marie. Our love to all of you and our admiration for your courage. We are glad that you could experience holding your beautiful child in your arms. . Brienna will be in everyones hearts forever.
All our love
The Pietro Family
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Brienna Marie. Please know that you are on my mind and in my prayers every day. Love, Shannen
I am sure that you already know how many lives your precious daughter touched. Words seem inadequate at a time like this but know that the circle of prayers for your daughter Brienna, for you Laurie and Patrick and for all of her family is wide. The memories that you have of your daughter are true gifts from God.
Laurie and Pat, Your love and devotion to your little angel shine so brightly in the beautiful picture of your family. The journey you’ve shared is a gift of inspiration and courage. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All our love, Lynne, Steve, Dan and Amanda
Dear Laurie & Pat,
We love you! We are always here for you. Your limitless commitment to each other, Brienna, your extended family and friends is something we all admire. Marianne and I are proud to know we are family with you. The following poem expresses in words what we feel in our hearts.
Little Snowdrop (Brienna Marie Marr)
The world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn’t bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
The little one we long for
Was swiftly here and gone
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
Every beating of our hearts
Says that we love you.
We love you Brienna!
Uncle Michael & Aunt Marianne
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
This photograph truly captures your amazing strength and the beauty of your family. We are thinking of you and Brienna, and keeping you in our prayers. With Love, Cara and Chris.
Laurie and Pat,
we are inspired by your strength and courage; you are remarkable parents. We pray that knowing Brienna is in God’s care now will bring you some comfort. We pray for you and will be here for you always.
Brienna,
What a beautiful, sweet angel.You are truly lucky to have such loving parents, grandparents, and family. We pray for you and keep you in our thoughts daily.
All of our love,
Nick, Julie and colin
Brienna Marie, I know you are a beautiful little angel. Our whole family loves you. You were given the best parents possible. You will never be forgotten.
Love
Your great Uncle John
Dear Laurie and Pat,
You are both such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your precious little gift, your little angel, Brienna Marie. She truly is a miracle, and we were all blessed by her life. Your family photo is amazing – just beautiful. Much love and prayers to you all.
Love,
Katie and Bob
Lau & Pat,
You are an amazing and courageous couple, truly an inspiration to us all. Thank you so much for giving us an inside peek into your beautiful family album. I love you and am here for you always.
Brienna, what a gorgeous little angel you are…you will forever be in my heart…love you.
Love, Andrea
Laurie & Pat,
Brienna looked so beautiful and loved in your family photo. We have admired your courage, love, and devotion to her. She could not have been blessed with better parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We are here for you.
Love, Gin & Wil
Our Dearest Laurie & Pat,
What a beautiful family portrait! Brianna is so blessed to have such love which was captivated in this photo. You both are so courageous and an inspiration. As always, you are in our thoughts and prayers, as is your angel.
Love, Aunt Diane + Uncle Phil
Dearest Brienna,
How many lives you have touched and how you have always been surrounded by such love. You are an angel up in heaven and will be watching over your Mom and Dad,until you are together again. You will never be forgotten.
Love,
Great Aunt Diane, Great Uncle Phil, cousins, Pat + Jared
Laurie and Pat,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Brienna. You are both an inspiration. Witnessing the love in your hearts has truly been amazing.
All my love,
Jen Logan
Laurie and Pat,
Both of you, and your family, are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless all of you.
With love,
Paul Wright
Dear Laurie and Pat,
We are so sad to hear of your loss. Little Brienna looks like an angel in that picture-what a gift you have to have that moment captured forever. Peace, love and prayers are sent your way.
With deepest sympathy,
Lynne and Chris Shugrue
Hey Pat and Laurie,
I am so sad to hear about your loss.
My heart and prayers go out to both of you.
-Demetrius