~Our Beautiful Daughter, beloved, sister, grandchild and friend
January 12, 1990 - June 15, 2007
I miss your fun-loving, vivacious personality and most of all your hugs and words, "I love you, mom."
To read about Brianna's fight for her life, you'll find her story 
For us, the holidays are always bittersweet. We have so much to be thankful for, and yet there is a sadness that predominates these days. Our family will never be what it was before 2007. We will never have that Thanksgiving dining table with all of us gathered 'round, because our daughter is no longer a part of this world.
I know she is with us in spirit, but it is not the same. I miss her beautiful smile and her saying, "Oh Mom, the turkey smells delicious!" Or, "Mom I want to help. Let me make the deviled eggs." (She loved deviled eggs!) Most of all, I miss holding her, having her near me and telling her how much I love her.
We do have much happiness during the holidays, but it is always tempered with the deep wound of loss that never heals. So every year, we set out an extra place setting for Brianna and remember all that we had when she was alive, and all that we still have now. And somehow, we are still thankful.
I wish you and your families a most heartfelt Thanksgiving.
I was honored to have an article and art published about how my precious 17-year-old daughter fought for her life and died a hero in my eyes. You'll find it in the Melange section, page 50, in 
Iva, I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Julie B. | November 21, 2012 at 06:23 PM
Thank you Julia. You too...Iva
Posted by: Iva | November 21, 2012 at 06:36 PM
My heart goes out to you and your family. My mother, to her dying day said the greatest loss of her life was my sister. For me, 21 years later, I miss my big sister so much. My greatest wish is to be spared the loss of a child. I know the mothers of the world grieve with you. The best you can do is to live in the fullest in honor of your beautiful daughter. I can not even imagine your bravery. xxxxooo
Posted by: Eugenia | November 21, 2012 at 07:40 PM
I know some of what you must feel. My little brother, Geoff, passed away in 1989 because of an irregular heartbeat. Our family was devastated for several years, but time does heal a little. We all have our memories of him, and our family is stronger because of his death. He is a part of us, and that will never change. We wish you and your family blessing for this holiday season.
Posted by: Gregg Brentlinger | November 21, 2012 at 08:35 PM
brianna has been a part of my life since i met you. i love you so much. thank you for sharing her with us.
happy thanksgiving to you and john..xoxo
Posted by: Lana Kloch | November 21, 2012 at 09:18 PM
I think of you often Iva, God be with you and your family during this holiday season. You are loved!
Posted by: Kitty Forseth | November 21, 2012 at 09:22 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I pray that God surrounds you & your family with Love, Comfort & Peace throughout the year. I love your thanksgiving tradtion.
Blessings-
tabithagrace
Posted by: tabitha grace jones | November 22, 2012 at 03:19 AM
Oh Iva, my heart goes out to you. The holidays are what makes us remember so much of the past, and I can't imagine the pain you're going through. I'm praying for your family's healing, and hoping you all can comfort and love each other through these tough times. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Love,
Martha
Posted by: Martha | November 22, 2012 at 11:43 AM
A beautiful post and reminder Iva of how much we all shall be grateful for. Your sweet Brianna will always remain your heart. I have lost many during the course of my years but not a child, my husband, my best friend, my folks and more. I cannot imagine any thing harder. Sending loving thoughts your way. xoxo
Hugs Marilou of Roses On My Table
Posted by: Marilou | November 23, 2012 at 09:49 PM