The community of parents who have lost children is frighteningly large … as we’ve struggled through this journey, people (often strangers) have showed us kindnesses I could never have imagined. Carly lives in Australia and as a tribute to her son Christian, writes the names of children who’ve died in the sand. She receives thousands of requests and therefore has to limit the number of names she writes each month. Last month, I was fortunate enough to catch the sign up. I think the result is pretty amazing:
You can read Brienna’s post here. I thought it fitting to share today, because today marks forty weeks and five days since Brienna was born. The exact length of time that she was here with us. The day has been weighing heavily on us. Going forward, the time without Brienna will be greater than the time we had with her. That makes me so sad. The yearning for her to be with us hasn’t lessened; I doubt it ever will.
But seeing her name in the sand with the sun setting above it fills me with a sense of peace. It reminds me of Brienna’s innocence and her simple beauty. Of all the things she’s taught us and continues to teach us. And so despite our sadness, we smile.
An angel for the book of life wrote down our baby’s birth, and whispered as she closed the book, “Too beautiful for Earth.” –Anonymous
This is so beautiful Laurie. I think of you all the time and love you very much. Brienna will always be an important part of our lives and in our hearts
That is so beautiful.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I love you.
So beautiful just like Brienna. How wonderful to know that she was remembered all the way on the other side of the earth. She is not forgotten and although we don’t have our own memories of her she is still very real for us through all that you have shared. Thank you so much for that. We love your little family.
That is stunning. Was thinking of you recently and wanted to let you know Brienna is not forgotten. Hope you are all doing well.
For whatever we lose (like a you or a me),
It’s always our self we find in the sea.
~e.e. cummings
Laurie and Pat,
The picture of Brienna’s name in the sand is so beautiful. What a lovely and peace-filled reminder of your little angel. Thanks for sharing it. We love you.
Mom and Dad Marr
I love that. Thank you.
Dear Laurie and Pat,
How incredibly beautiful and moving! Images of the sea always make us feel closer to God and heaven -and, therefore,closer to darling Brienna. This is so very beautiful and must be a source of comfort and peace each time you look at it,
with very much love to both of you
Nana
LOVE
That is magnificent, Laurie and Pat!
Love you,
Lynne
Laurie ,
I just saw this beautiful picture for the first time, and just finished reading your message. As tears fill my eyes I am struck by the amazing gift that Brienna gave to you.
You have an innner strength that few people will ever know or experience. Although it may be hard to feel that strength at times, it will always be there with you…because you have been touched by one of God’s special angels.
I look forward to the day I visit that special beach and write Brienna’s name in the sand myself.