November 5

Today is the day I set aside and remember the little girl, and her mother whose gift gave me my son back. Her heart beats in my son's body and has kept him strong and healthy for almost 11 years now. Today would have been Breanna's birthday. 

Her mother made the decision to donate her daughter's heart, in the midst of suffering no one but a mother could understand. 

I'll never forget her saying, that the reason she did it was because it was "the right thing to do."  She also didn't hesitate. She said yes. 

I have to pause sometimes and think about the enormity of that. 

It's impossible for me to imagine what our lives would have been like without our son, Jordan. 

I owe that gift to Breanna Maree and her heroic mother, Nikki. She gave me back my son, when all the doctors around us said it would be impossible.  

Breanna Maree Loomis

11/5/2004 - 1/25/2005

1/26/2005

Our heart angel

Forever. 

Rest in peace, beautiful girl. 

Ten

Ten years ago, a little girl was born.  She was named Breanna. 

I think of her all the time because my son has her heart. 

Today, I make a point of remembering her here - to share the memory of the gift she gave us.  It helps remind me, and those of us who love my son, Jordan, just what a difference one person can make.  She was born today, ten years ago.  Though she only lived for two months, she blessed us all in her short time here on Earth.

As I think about how much my son has changed and grown in ten years, I can't help but wonder what Breanna would have been like.  Would she be a fashionista, like my Mina?  Would she have insisted on dressing herself and brushing her own hair?  Would she have sung along to Taylor Swift or Katy Perry?  Would she be laughing with her friends and giggling during sleep overs?    Rolling her eyes at her older brother or storming off to her room when she was upset?  I imagine her mother must have thought these things a million times over.  She must also have wondered what kind of big sister Breanna would have made to her younger siblings. 

I'm so sorry she won't ever know that joy.  My heart hurts when I think about how she was taken.

I do know she won't ever be forgotten - ever.  When I look at my son, I see ten years of miracles, wrapped up in a big, loud personality.  Somewhere in his laughs and jumps and flips, there is the spirit of a very special little girl.  I hope, as he soars in the air on the trampoline, or flips over on the rings, her spirit laughs a little bit too. 

He has her heart, and her joy.

When I see my son, Jordan, I see Breanna's gift.  When I see how blessed our family is, I think back and wonder how different our lives would have been had Breanna not been born.  Her butterfly effect rippled across so many lives. 



For her, and her mother - Nikki, I am forever grateful.  Prayers for you, getting through today.

Happy Birthday Breanna, rest in peace.

Breanna Maree Loomis
November 5, 2004 - January 25, 2005
Heart Angel January 26, 2005

Every heart has a story to tell.

November 5, 2004 - January 25, 2005.

"May your heart always be joyful.
May your song always be sung.
And may you stay ... forever young."

-Bob Dylan.



Nine years ago, a little girl was born.  She was loved. From the smiles on her mother's face, you  knew how much she was loved.  A baby girl, wrapped in pink, with crystal eyes - she looked like an angel. 

If only there were more pictures of her, more memories of her, more chances to hold her as she drifted off to sleep.  One more chance to say how much she was loved.




Today would have been her birthday. 

I'm not her mother, but this day, I will always honor her memory because her life and Jordan's are connected.

Today was her birthday.  And she is still loved.

Because of her, and her mother Nikki, I have my son. 

Dear Breanna,

I will never, ever be able to thank you for the gift your mother gave me.  She gave me a part of you.

Your heart beats on in my boy. 

Your heart has allowed him to do so many amazing things. 

I know he carries you with him every day. 

You make him fearless.



and funny..



And the most loving big brother ever..



Rest in peace, beautiful one. 

November 5, 2011

"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?" Anon.







Breanna Maree Loomis.
November 5, 2004 - January 25, 2005

Our heart angel.
January 26, 2005.

Thank you Breanna.
You would have been 7 years old today.
Your gift has given me a reason to be thankful each and every day of my life. But it's the kind of gift I will never be able to thank you for in person.
I hope you know, you will never, ever be forgotten. Your heart has kept my son alive and happy since he was eight days old.

Rest in peace.

We love you Nikki. You are in my thoughts today too. I know this is a hard day for you. I wish I could take that pain away.