Of birth and death....

Friday morning was Cassidy's birthday breakfast date with mom. We were in my bathroom getting ready because this was the first time she could wear makeup and doll up. We were really excited and she had picked Denny's for her special day. The phone rang as I was curling a lock of her hair and Cassidy quickly grabbed my phone. I saw that it was the father of my sweet Breanna, the girl who has been battling Leukemia. I grabbed the phone from her and ran from the room. And as I heard him sobbing on the other line, I knew my fears were confirmed. Breanna passed away on Friday morning and returned to her Heavenly Father. I was happy that she was no longer in pain. I was happy that I had spent the afternoon with her on Wednesday talking and laughing, a memory that I will always treasure. But I was sad. Sad for the Pena family, and sad for the whole she left that no one can fill. She truly touched so many lives and helped soooo many people. She even bore her testimony in church five days before she passed away and what a neat Spirit must have filled that room. What a blessing she was to all of us.
             I didn't want to keep Rick on the phone long, because he had to return to his family. But I told him now much we love them and then I hung up the phone. I came back into the bathroom and looked at my own girl, turning 12 that very day. What a blessing it is to have her.
               Cassidy and I had a wonderful breakfast filled with laughter and memories and then I took her to school and I was glad when she went into the classroom. She was healthy and happy and now it was my time to mourn the loss of my dear sweet friend. I will never forget the example Breanna was and always will be to me! That fighting Marine brat spirit was with her till the end!!!! Love you Breanna!