November 5th.
I would like to take this day, as I have been doing, to remember someone very special. Her name was Breanna, and in her extremely short life, she accomplished an act of heroism few adults could ever claim. She saved my son.
Today, she would have been three years old. If she had survived.
Celebrating the life of an infant, who was taken away when she was only two months old, takes on a special significance for me because our family directly benefited from her death. It sounds horrific to put it in those terms, doesn't it? It's true though. Truth can sometimes be a hard thing to grapple with. It doesn't always make sense, or seem fair. Sometimes when you lay awake at night listening to the sounds of suburbia, it hits you in the face and knocks you cold.
It boiled down to this: My son needed a heart transplant urgently. He was given a very short time to live. No one believed he would last long enough for a heart to be found.
But he did. Breanna's heart beats inside of him. Do I have a reason to celebrate? Of course I do. My son is alive. But never for one minute do I ever think that...without also thinking about the baby girl who died. The two events are joined together, forever inseparable.
Your life was short Breanna, but you were loved. You were a beautiful and joyous baby girl who will forever grace our memories with your smile. Today would have been your birthday.
Rest in peace baby girl.
Today, she would have been three years old. If she had survived.
Celebrating the life of an infant, who was taken away when she was only two months old, takes on a special significance for me because our family directly benefited from her death. It sounds horrific to put it in those terms, doesn't it? It's true though. Truth can sometimes be a hard thing to grapple with. It doesn't always make sense, or seem fair. Sometimes when you lay awake at night listening to the sounds of suburbia, it hits you in the face and knocks you cold.
It boiled down to this: My son needed a heart transplant urgently. He was given a very short time to live. No one believed he would last long enough for a heart to be found.
But he did. Breanna's heart beats inside of him. Do I have a reason to celebrate? Of course I do. My son is alive. But never for one minute do I ever think that...without also thinking about the baby girl who died. The two events are joined together, forever inseparable.
Your life was short Breanna, but you were loved. You were a beautiful and joyous baby girl who will forever grace our memories with your smile. Today would have been your birthday.
Rest in peace baby girl.
Labels: Jordan, reflection, transplant
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at Tuesday, November 06, 2007.
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Sadaf -
As always your words are so warm and genuine.
I had chills and tears as I read your thoughts.
We are so grateful to Breanna and her family and yet so sad to see such a young life taken away.
HUGS
You have such a way with your words! It gave me the chills and brought me to tears. You should be an inspirational speaker/writer - People that complain everyday should go and read your blog and know what life really has to offer - you are an amazing mom I bet !
Beautiful baby girl...beautiful story ..May her grieving family find some peace and solace in knowing that because of their little angel, another little life was spared. Blessings to all.
Thanks everyone. Of course the real inspiration is Breanna's mom, Nikki. (Hi Nikki!)
On a lighter note, I did get a smile from your comment, A. You give me way too much credit. Being on the receiving end of a miracle has not stopped me from complaining about every day things a-plenty. (hangs head in shame.)
:)
I still remember when I first heard your whole story...I sitting here in tears as I read your blog...it's a truly amazing story..what a sweet baby girl who saved your baby's life..as you said the two will always be connected~
Kristy
Thank you for remembering beautiful little Breanna. She was so precious, and such a tragic loss we suffered as friends of Nikki and her family.
It does bring joy knowing that her heart still beats today and we are so happy that Jordan is doing so well.
Your message brought tears, but I'm so glad that you remember Breanna and Nikki on these special days.
Somehow you've managed to peel back all the layers and write the truth.
Thank you for doing that.
Justin & Sandrine
What a meaningful and touching post. Beautiful Breanna's memory lives on in darling little Jordan..
-SD
wow , im actually surprised that you didnt name your daughter Breanna..in memory of such a special girl that saved your son's life. wow what a story!
wow , im actually surprised that you didnt name your daughter Breanna..in memory of such a special girl that saved your son's life. wow what a story!
Beautifully said. I love the heartwarming photo of Jeff and Jordan. To Breanna and Nikki: I will always remember with love, you and your gift of life to Jordan and his family.
An update-
For those of you who'd like to read Nikki's own words about her beautiful daughter, you can do so on her website.
I've added Nikki's blog to my list on the blogroll, and here's the link below:
http://littletotworld.blogspot.com/
Finally, I wanted to add that my short remembrance of Breanna is done out of respect to her. I apologize if it causes sadness or tears, that is never my intent.
At most, I do hope that it reminds us what a powerful capacity we all have within us to do good. for example, by thinking about organ donation. Thanks again for reading.
Sadaf
its been over three years now that I was called to NY hospital downtown. And every day that I have a bad day at work, I visit jordan's site, look at his updated pictures and realize that I have the greatest job on earth.
thank you for your inspirational words, on updates on Jordan's growth.
god bless
wow, this story still amazes me. I feel so guilty for complaining about the children now, I should count my blessings.
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