Happy 11th Birthday in Heaven, Sweet Brooke!

My two FAVORITE pictures of Brooke!

In her pretty dress and headband from Grandma Bonnie.  This was her 1 month birthday.

Isn't this just precious?!  I love her grin in this picture!

Eleven years.  I can't even believe it's been 11 years since our lives were changed forever and New Year's Eve would "from now on" be a bitter-sweet day for us.  Eleven years since we were blessed with our beautiful daughter, Brooke Ann.  Eleven years since our lives were turned upside down as we first learned of Brooke's severe congenital heart problems, and shortly after learned that there was nothing doctors could do to keep her on this earth (however, our tough girl lived much longer than doctors expected her to).

So, while Jeff and I were absolutely stunned, numb, and shocked, we also enjoyed EVERY moment with our little girl.  Brooke knew nothing but love, and although we only got to enjoy her for 50 short days, she taught us MANY important lessons about life...too many to mention them all, but mostly she taught us to trust in God for only HE has the plan, and she taught us that all of the money and/or material things in the world do not bring us happiness, satisfaction, or joy.

We miss her more than words can say, but we feel blessed that she is no longer in pain from her dysfunctional heart (although she was a happy baby and did not appear in any pain).  We WILL see her again when our earthly lives are through, and that's what makes it possible to function each day without her...something I was sure I would NOT be able to do when she passed away, but God proved that he is good, all the time.  Until then, we talk about her often, as she is very much a part of this family, and not a day goes by that we don't think of her.  Even though the boys have never met her, they are always sure to let people know they have an older sister who lives in Heaven.

And so, with many memories of her on my mind, Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!  I bet birthdays in Heaven are grand!  We love you, Brooke Ann!

For more pictures of Brooke's life, click HERE.

For more on Brooke's life story, click HERE

Click HERE to view a video I made about Brooke's life.