My wife and I want to thank all of you that have kept us in your thoughts while we are dealing with the loss of our baby daughter.  We appreciated the fruit basket from the sunshine fund and the many cards we received.  Even beyond those tangible things, the kind words, a hug, or a pat on the back that many of you offered have helped through this trying time.

Many of you have asked about our daughter (Brianna Lindsay) and the events leading to her death.  Brianna was diagnosed at week 18 with Turner Syndrome.  Turner Syndrome occurs in 1 of 2500 pregnancies across all ages and ethnic backgrounds.  This is the result of a missing X chromosome at conception.  It can also cause problems with development in the womb.  However, those that do make it to full term generally lead productive lives with careful medical care.

One of those complications Brianna was experiencing was that the left side of her heart was small.  We were told that this could be corrected after birth through surgery.  Unfortunately, her heart lost its battle sometime during her 21st week over the Memorial Day weekend.

Gwen was induced June 4th and delivered Brianna the next afternoon.  She weighed a mere 1lb 10oz and was 9 inches long.   Her funeral was the following Monday afternoon.  Gwen is recovering with no complications.

Once again, words can barely express the gratitude my wife and I have for all of your thoughts and prayers.

THANK YOU!
Art  & Gwen O'Brien


    Brianna Lindsay O'Brien

Heaven's Nursery

In Heaven there must surely be
A special place, a nursery 
Where 'little spirits' not fully grown
Go to live in their Heavenly home.

The angels must attend with love
Tiny spirits on wings of doves,
The choir of angels must sing lullabies
Maybe quieten their tiny cries.

The Father must come by each day
To cuddle and play in a special way
These tiny spirits left earth too soon
Little ones called Home from the womb.

These sparks of life did not perish
But came to the Father's love to cherish,
To grow and be taught in His own arms
Safely away from all earthly harm

 

The comforter was sent to earth at once
To the parents who lost their little one
Their hearts so ache, their arms feel empty
The question 'why' seems so tempting.

Then all at once in the midst of tears
There comes a peace that stills the fears
The parents share the Father's own need
To hold their tiny spirit being.

They relinquish their own desperate hold
And release their baby to the Father's fold,
Then comes an angel to whisper the truth
Of a nursery in Heaven bearing rich fruit.

Of tiny spirits chosen to worship the Father
A place that couldn't be filled by another,
Called to be spared from the struggles of earth,
Chosen to be one of Heaven's births.

So Father, whisper words of love from me
To our unborn 'life' in your nursery.
--Author Unknown--


                        First Ultrasound March 15th, 2003                           Our little girl delivered on June 5th,2003


              Very Proud Parents!                                                                       The Obituary
 

                                                                   In Heaven's Nursery