30 day photo challenge

30 DAY PHOTO CHALLENGE

This is a fun way to creatively express yourself.

Join in on the 30 Day Photo Challenge. It will be fun!

Create a Facebook Photo Album labeled 30 Day Photo Challenge.

Each day there is a new challenge to meet with your photo.

I can't wait to see what you come up with

Who wants to join me?!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with the longest.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 05 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of your night.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the silliest things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts - March 7, 2011 -
I took liberty with day one by creating a picture to support some of my "fifteen facts".
(1) I hold the record for youngest female waterskiier. I started waterskiing behind a boat, in the ocean at 19 months old.
(2) I am incredibly accident prone. I don't just hurt myself, but it is usually a catastrophic affair. Most incidences happen on major holidays or while I am pregnant or on vacation. This fact alone could create a "fifteen injuries you wouldn't believe" post!
(3) I love science. In elementary school I won fist place at regional science fair and second place the year later for 2 different projects (which both involved animals). The one that took me to the top was "The Effects of Noise and Light Pollution on Fiddler Crabs".
(4) Reptile Expos, Livestock Auctions, Animal Shelters ... I cannot be trusted at these places. I can't help myself. Kid in a candy store doesn't even begin to describe it. My heart skips a beat and I must buy something.
(5) I drove past the feed store downtown that sells all kinds of farm animals and I was suddenly headed that way without even realizing it.
(6) My life has turned out completely opposite than I had ever imagined, and I love that!
(7) My original drive for having an out-of-hospital birth was because I am a control freak and I don't take "no" ... ever (referring to the OB telling me my birth plan wasn't possible in a hospital at 36 weeks pregnant).
(8) I met the kid who played 'Budnick' on Salute Your Shorts at a birthday party when I was in middle school. We hung out and talked. He was just a normal kid. I was star struck!
(9) I was less than easy to deal with as a teenager. I dropped out of high school in tenth grade and was ordered to complete a full 15 months at Teen Challenge. Thank the good Lord for everything I received there. I graduated highschool a full year before my class and started college before my friends were out of high school.
(10) Kale was on "Monsters in the Morning" at Real Radio 104.1 when he was 7-months-old. He was a hit.
(11) I had two goats and a very large pig in my backyard in a cookie-cutter-neighborhood, with a rigid HOA in East Orlando.
(12) My grandmother was a nurse and delivered twins way back when. I just recently found this out. WOW!
(13) Jesus Christ saved me from eternal death and He has saved me from myself. Knowing this, I vow to die to my own selfish needs daily, but I still just cannot make enough time. A never ending battle.
(14) I will NEVER be whole. My oldest child lives in Missouri and my sweet girl ... I can't even :'(
(15) I am an open book, but most people are ready for me to 'shut it'!

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with the longest - March 8, 2010 -



Me and my Mommy. I wanted to be just like her.
I certainly hope I am!

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show - March 9, 2011

Luckily, I just so happen to have pictures of the cast of my favorite show that I had the privilege to photograph myself!!

Day 04 - A picture of your favorite memory

It was really hard to decide on a photo for today!

Day 05 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

MARCH 12, 2011

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day. 

-March 13, 2011-

I thought for a bit about all the Broadway actors and other famous people I adore. When I really thought about who I would love to trade places with it I kept thinking of a friend who has already done everything I would love to do in my life ... and then some.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Here is someone, the good Lord brought into my life as a client. I love this picture as she is standing in Guatemala with her second daughter working towards a better future for the people there. When we met she had recently taken leave from the Peace Corps with her husband, but took a small piece of Guatemala with her - a pup who needed some gentle guidance and love. She was pregnant and they were running their newest venture - a family owned local vegan restaurant that encouraged community and buying local. I am thrilled that God brought be into her path.

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

-March 15-

Story's worn, unwashed clothes and Keegan's worn, unwashed first outfithttp://www.infusionorlando.com/

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

-March 16, 2011-

I was attending a birth and Kale was with Daddy.

I came home to find this picture (and many others like it) on my camera.

Day 9 - A picture of my night

-March 17, 2011-

Chapel asleep hugging her blanket

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the silliest things with

~March 18, 2011~

Yup! These are actually wedding pictures that we paid for. We're standing at the alter and Casper whips these out of his back pocket! What would I do without him?!

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

I hate that this is real.

I hate that this is needed.

I hate that anyone has to bury their baby.

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

~March 20, 2011~

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

-March 21, 2011-



Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

~March 22~

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

March 23, 2011

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

03/24/2011

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

March 25, 2011

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

March 27, 2011

(I wasn't about to strike a pose - but you get the idea.)

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little

-March 28-

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

If there was any place anywhere that I could travel to - it would be back in time.
I would fix it all!

our pregnancy announcement

I really wanted to insert my thoughts. I re-read this letter from time to time. I look at our pregnancy announcement with such painful desire to close my eyes, click my heals and be back there ... Pregnancy meant having a baby and happy times to come. Isn't that what our future held in this innocent picture? The link hasn't changed since we sent out the letter in 2008. I doubt it ever will.

The Branagan's Christmas Letter 2008

       (Yup, another one!)

Good Christmas to all! Wow, how has another year passed already? How is it possible we just celebrated the kids' birthdays? Kale turned 6 an d Timber turned 2 on December 3. For their birthdays, we were super-blessed by our mom and dad Mamola, who gave us an awesome vacation to Jersey and New York for the kids' birthdays. What an amazing time! Kale and Timber enjoyed every minute of Grandma and Grandpa time, and the touristy stuff in New York City was just icing on the cake. We went to see the Rockettes Christmas Show, which was breathtaking. Our trip to F.A.O Swartz could have kept us there for days – not just for the kids – but the adults were having just as much fun. The freezing cold was refreshing . . . not so much to the kids – but for us, it was great to have a white Christmas. Yes, it snowed the last day we were in Jersey. God knew how much we needed the snow! Kale learned how to ice skate, within just a few minutes, in the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. We visited quite few tourist spots in New Jersey and New York, including The Life Café (to get our RENT fix!), but the main attraction was great grandma's surprise birthday party! If only we could visit more often.
Things have really been happening for Casper at work. I can't brag enough about what an amazing integrity he has with even the highest managers in his company. He has been within the top three sales people in the entire company for four months in a row. Just two months ago he was the number one sales person for Massey Services. He truly believes in what he is doing and cares about all of his customers. He's gone above and beyond the call of his job for years and now his customers and superiors responding with resounding praise. He just took the last state board test to be a "triple threat" he will soon hold accreditations in all three fields that Massey works with – Pest Control, Termite, and he just completed Lawn & Ornamental, he will be one of a very select few within the state who holds all three certifications.
The Branagan's are on a roll with new frontiers! We have a great new project under construction! But you must check this website to see what's going on:  http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq21/cxbranagan/underconstruction.jpg  (As if the letter isn't enough?!) The site should be up and running by Christmas. We cannot wait to hear feedback!
Casper was named the Youth Director of our church. We go to Woodbury Presbyterian Church every Wednesday night and Casper leads the youth group, called Y-Zone. We also teach the middle and high school Sunday school class on Sunday morning. Kale and Timber are the "Y-Zone Mascots" because they hang out with all the middle and high school kids, as well as attend all the Y-zone functions. It's kind of funny how much our young kids have taught the teenagers about life and faith in Jesus. What a blessing Kale and Timber are to everyone who knows them.
We're thrilled with everything the Lord is doing in our lives. We're hoping to close on a house in January. It is a beautiful house in Christmas, Florida that sits on 2 acres. We plan to start a farm and mobile petting zoo. Everyone always said I'd end up working with animals as a career! I'm still caring for children during the day. Right now, I have three great kids that come during the week. They all get along so well. It's a treat to watch them play and interact. Home schooling is working out well for Kale and I. He is very intelligent, creative, and artistic. It just blows me away, how quickly he picks up on anything we're studying. He's reading and writing and has decided he wants to be a mechanical engineer and build robots when he grows up. Timber is a little spitfire who loves to play and do everything her big brother does.  She's talking and it seems she went straight from crawling to running! What a daredevil. There's so much more we could say about the joy and blessings in this past year; but for now, we'll just say Merry Christmas and may the coming year bring you joy, and blessings too!
Love,
Casper, Andrea, Kale, and Timber

awesome advice -warning- snarky

You can always have more [children].

Focus on what you have. You are blessed to have your [living] children.

We decided, ok I will be honest, I decided and my sweet husband felt the same pull, to have another child. We told no one of this thought.

I was afraid. We were afraid. I was afraid that “trying” for another baby was betraying the sweet girl we had buried. I was afraid that I wouldn’t get pregnant. I was afraid I would get pregnant. I was afraid to imagine a future at all. Taking things a day at a time seemed the best we could do. I kept hearing my favorite musical “There is no future. There is not past. We live each moment as our last.” It felt too real. I understand now, that every moment really could be the last. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the last for me. I wasn’t suicidal; but like any mother, I wanted it to be me, not her. The chorus played constantly in my head. I’m a Christian, yet this musical that I love would play more often than I read the Bible. Why must it go against most of what I know to be truth? Why does it resonate so deep? I still haven’t been able to wrap my head around the primal bond with rent.

Back to the issue at hand. I was replacing her. It was that simple for anyone who saw the situation in black and white. It is that easy. Just have another one. Of course, we could just run to the supermarket and buy a new one! If it is super valuable, we may have to search ebay, but we can always find a replacement. ~Snarky as hell~

Yes, that is really what people think. “Just have another.” That will, <smacking forehead> make it all better. Why didn’t I think of that! I can now solve all grieving mother’s problems based on the awesome advice – just focus on the children you have and be thankful. If you don’t have other children, just have another one. <beating head against wall> I am so glad I was able to incorporate all of the useful advice and help so many.

THANKS!

random thoughts

I have the cutest picture of Chapel that I took with my archaic phone camera. It's grainy and blurry but you can see my little girl is dwarfed by the boppy I have her posed in. At 8-hours-old she is all scrunched in a ball, wrinkly, and very tiny.

I look at her now, at 8-months-old, and already, I can't remember her being that tiny. Then, a pang in my chest ... I can't fathom Chapel ever being that tiny, but what kills me; I never, ever considered that Story wouldn't get big. 

death?

I cried this morning. That is nothing new. What is new; I cried because our bird was dead. I wasn't crying just because she died, but because my heart broke in two as I told the kids their only pet was dead. They loved her and took care of her. I was sad that my son was in tears. I was sad that death is all too familiar. I asked him if he wanted to write about it. He sat down and very simply composed this -

it won't ever be real

That morning .... Was it morning?  ... I couldn't see through the haze. Could I just pretend it was the cloudiness that comes when waking from a long night's sleep? Everything was fuzzy, it looked like a dream sequence in a really bad movie. The voices, movement; it sounded like slow motion speech ... an echoing sound that was beyond comprehension.  Could this echoing noise, these voices, be speaking to me? No. I could only be dreaming. Then, I realized ... my unwilling body was carrying what was left of me, because my soul was absent from my physical being. Did I walk through the doorway ... probably not. I must have floated. I was not whole. I wasn't a person at all. I no longer existed as who I had been less than 24 hours earlier.
I don't remember anything about the ride home from the hospital. Perhaps, I had died with her. That makes sense. Nothing was real, except that I was not real. I could not live on without my baby girl.
Somehow, I was in bed. How was I suddenly here? Did I walk in, turn the corner and see our bed? Story's co-sleeper snuggled into our bed as if nothing had changed. I wasn't a ghost. I wasn't having a nightmare, because I was suddenly curled up in the fetal position in our bed and the bed was real. My hand caressing the co-sleeper was real. The people talking to me were real, though the echoing voices were so very far removed. No, I wasn't a ghost. I was still alive.
I jolted out of bed ... I felt like I was there for hours, but I had only fallen into bed in a curled-up-ball long enough to jump out of bed and fly to Kale's room.My son. The first baby I was able to bring home with me. My baby boy. I scooped him up and cried so hard I think I shook his bed, but the sobs were silent, inward cries. They were silent sobs that overcame my body and forced my motherly soul to clutch him harder and longer.

I was just lucid enough to realize I could not let go, because "what if" ... could he be next? My safe world had been shattered. I had done everything to make sure my children were protected, safe, happy and loved.

this.could.not.happen.e-v-e-r! 

I sobbed and held him. Then, another mind-blowing realization; I had to tell my children that their sister was dead. I reverted back to the fetal position, with Kale in arms. I closed my eyes tight and just prayed that I would wake up soon. I could not tell my children they would never see their baby sister again. I could not take away their innocent childhood world so soon. I would not do it. I would hold my son and close my eyes and it would all go away.

Just for Today

To My Child
(Just For Today)

Just for this morning I am going to smile when I see your face, and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning I will let you wake up softly in your flannel p.j.'s and hold you until you are ready to stir.
Just for this morning I will let you choose what you want to wear, and I will say how beautiful you are.
Just for this morning I will step over the laundry to pick you up, and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle together.
Just for this afternoon I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles.
Just for this afternoon I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one, if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or how you might have been before your diagnosis.
Just for this afternoon I will let you help me make cookies, and I won't stand over you....trying to fix things.
Just for this afternoon I will take you to McDonalds and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have two toys.
Just for this evening I will hold you in my arms and tell you the story of how you were born and how much we love you.
Just for this evening I will let you splash in the bathtub, and I won't get angry when you pour water outside the tub.
Just for this evening I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch swing and count all the stars.
Just for this evening I will bring you glasses of water and snuggle beside you for hours and miss my favourite TV show.
Just for this evening, when I run my fingers through your hair as I pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you goodnight, I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing.... except just one more day.

I'VE HAD THIS POEM ON THE FRIDGE SINCE KALE WAS BORN.

I CRIED EVERY TIME I READTHE PART ABOUT THE MOTHERS MISSING CHILDREN AND THE MOTHERS VISITING THEIR CHILDREN'S GRAVES.

-NEVER- DID I THINK THAT WOULD BE ME!

I only wish I would have stepped over the laundry a few times in Story's first days. 

Candlelight Ceremony for Story - Held by The Central Florida Birth Network

On September 1, 2009 The Central Florida Birth Network transformed their regular monthly meeting into an outpouring of love. At the meeting, a space was held for a candle light ceremony in remembrance of Story. All members and women in the community were invited. They were encouraged tobring in an object
representing what gave each woman strength during a time in her life when she was grievinga loss, any loss, a death of a loved one, a move, a divorce etc. With sincerity and respect for for all women attending, everyone was asked to open their hearts to healing. The CFBN also spent time in silent reverence for Story and me, blanketing me and our family with love, light and with mindful prayers and meditations.

 

Butterfly Release at Story's "Celebration of Life" Party after the funeral

A very thoughtful friend ordered butterflies for us to release on the day of Story's funeral. Casper and I wanted so desperately to have a birthday party, of sorts, because we would never have the joy of celebrating her first birthday. We ordered a cake, balloons, and sweet, baby girl party decorations. We invited close friends and family to her Celebration of Life party after the service. It was rainy and overcast, but we got a break in the rain and released butterflies to the heavens. I am so thankful a friend thought to video this for us.

Footprints on My Heart

These are my footprints, so perfect and so small.

These tiny footprints never touched the ground at all.

Not one tiny footprint, for now I have wings.

These tiny footprints were meant for other things.

You will hear my tiny footprints, in the patter of the rain.

Gentle drops like angel’s tears, of joy and not from pain.

You will see my tiny footprints, in each butterfly’s lazy dance.

I’ll let you know I’m with you, if you just give me the chance.

You will see my tiny footprints, in the rustle of the leaves.

I will whisper names into the wind, and call each one that grieves.

Most of all, these tiny footprints, are found on Mommy and Daddy’s hearts.

‘Cause even though I’m gone now, we’ll never truly part.

Remembering in realtime - my Facebook Journal

July 15, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan - Baby Girl Branagan born 7:40 am. 7 pounds 12 ounces.
Nicole - So happy for y'all! I hope you and Timber have magically gotten over your colds (one less thing to deal with!) She is a very lucky little girl, but poor Kale! :) Hugs!
Cynthia - Yippee!! Girls rock!! Can't wait to hear about the birth! How was it, besides.......well....you know what I mean! Birth is Birth, right! The most awesome experience we EVER GET TO HAVE........
Debby - What a great way to share the news - Congratulations!
Linda - Congrats!!!! :-) So happy for you!
Crystal - Mama sends her congrats! (Just told her the news while she's at work.) <3

July 16, 2009 8:09am

Andrea McCoy Branagan -  Awake with baby girl (still no name!) She's so beautiful.
Jennifer C. - Andrea!! I'm so happy for Casper and you. Way to go. Good like on the name, I'm sure you'll find a beautiful name for that beautiful girl....Cecila Ann, Eva or Ava Rose????
Taylor - Congrats Andrea! Post pictures soon! xoxo


July 17, 2009 at 12:55am
Andrea McCoy Branagan - What a STORY!!!
Lorrie - Beautiful STORY I have to say


July 18, 2009 8:49pm

Andrea McCoy Branagan - Up and around! Thrilled to be invited to a great birthday party today. Very tired - but I'm so glad to be able to enjoy the day.
Midwife Diane Albright  - It was wonderful having your family join us in celebrating Carter's birthday. Thank you so much for coming!

July 18, 2009 9:30pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan -

Story Elias Branagan - 8 hours old

Rhonda - Congratulations Andrea, Story is beautiful! Sorry for the late congrats, I haven't been on in a while!


July 19, 2009 at 5:01pm
Marisa -  Did you have your baby??
Andrea McCoy Branagan - Yes! That picture of a baby on my profile . . . that would be her! LOL
Nicole - Congratulations Andrea! I can't wait to see the baby....she is beautiful :-)
Andrea McCoy Branagan -  Love this article. All of my kids were born between 41 and 42 weeks.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1047180/the_lie_of_the_edd_why_your_due_date.html?cat=25 
How the 40 week pregnancy myth came about and why it's totally wrong.

July 19, 2009 at 7:59 pm

Andrea McCoy Branagan - Happy Birthday Keegan. We love you and miss you.

July 19, 2009 at 8:16 pm



Keegan - July 19, 2001






Story - July 15, 2009

 



Michelle - Precious!!!
Angie - congratulations! story is beautiful...she does look like Casper, but I see your gaze in the photos. I can't wait to hold her.
Jeremi - Story looks just like her daddy and older brother!
Andrea McCoy Branagan - Story looks JUST like Keegan!
Cori - She's beautiful! Looks just like a Branagan!!
Marisa - She sure is cute.... JUST ADORABLE! =))

Ashley -  I'm getting the baby bug AGAIN - of course Ty says no more... boo...

July 20, 2009 at 11:03 am

Andrea McCoy Branagan - Good morning!

Linda - good afternoon :)
Tina - should be great morning I know you are on top of the world right now
Cathy - Good night! 

July 21, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Andrea McCoy Branagan  - Peaceful day.
Midwife Diane Albright - I'm glad. How are all the critters?


July 22, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Andrea McCoy Branagan - Bunnies going home today! Yippie!
Lorrie - I had to click LIKE...but let me say I love the fact they didn't come home with ME,lol
Andrea McCoy Branagan - 2 bunnies went today to two different families who are knowledgeable about rabbit care and will keep them inside. I am so thrilled! This is what makes it all worth it.

July 23, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Taylor - Hey girl! How are you feeling? Hope all is well!

Marilyn - How's that precious baby doing?

Jennifer N. - She is absolutely beautiful.

Katerina - BABY!!!!!!!!!! How could I have missed this:( so beautiful!

July 23, 2009 at 7:52 pm

Andrea McCoy Branagan - Ugh! The chickens are out to get me! Stupid chickens!!!

July 24, 2009 at 12:40 pm

Andrea McCoy Branagan - Amazing! Must watch! Still wiping away tears

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw3MRQGY7Zg

Watch how a baby is delivered in a cesarean birth and see the dramatic difference of what both the mother and baby experience in a home water birth after cesarean.

Tara - Thanks for sharing that. My homebirthed water baby didn't cry either - in fact, she came out dead asleep, SNORING!!!
Angie - wow...amazing. I can so relate to much of her story. I was told the exact same thing (baby too large) with my 2nd one right at 39 weeks as well. Of course, I was told that the first time around and that lead to the first very un-necessary cesarean with Z.

July 24, 2009 at 11:32 am

Andrea McCoy Branagan  - Morning has crept into afternoon without me realizing it!
Marilyn - Same here
Linda - it has a way of doing that.

July 25, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan - Story passed away last night. I am a basket case. Please no calls, emails, or visitors.

Michelle - Andrea, I'm so sorry and shocked. May your heart and mind find some peace soon. Sara Au Please let me know if I can do anything. My heart is broken for you.
Maggie-  I am so sorry, Andrea. Prayers are coming your way.
Laura M. - oh andrea, I'm so sorry. I'm at a loss for words.
Christi - Praying for you and your family, Andrea. There are no words.
Amy - anything i can do?
Will - Very sorry to hear it, Andrea. My thoughts are with you.

Kristy - Andrea I am so sorry. If I can help or support you in any way, please let me know. Hugs and love to your whole family from ours.

Jennifer N. - I have not stopped praying for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss, I pray God will help you thru this difficult time.

Nicole U. - We are praying for you and your family...words can't express how sorry we are for you all.

Suzie - I am so sorry for your devastating loss.

Nicole E. - My heart breaks for you and prayers are for you. Words fail...

Tara - Praying for peace for you and your family Andrea.

Cristy - Hugs Andrea... I am speechless and so incredibly sorry... Xoxoxo

Mary - My heart is breaking. We love you. Prayers are being said for your family

Linda - Psalm 18:2 "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the hornof my salvation, my stronghold."


July 26, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan - I can't believe I'm making arrangements to bury my baby girl . . . . This just can't be real. 
Sherry - We are all thinking of you and your family. Our deepest thoughts and kindest prayers to you.


July 27, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan  - We heard from the medical examiner - Story passed from SIDS. One of those things you think will never happen to YOU. There's no known cause. The ceremony is open to the public and will be at First Presbyterian Church in Maitland at 4:00 on Thursday.
Patrisha - Andrea, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. I wish I could take this pain away, please let me know if there's anything at all I can do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Erin - I'm so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Shelly - I can't believe this we are praying for your family.
Judy - We are praying for you and your family. We are so sorry.
Jennifer C. - Andrea and Casper, I know that there are no words that I can say to help you during this time. But I hope that these songs will help you. Tony and I will be here to help in any way possible. I will be there on Thursday and Tony is trying to work something out with his work. We continue to pray for your family.
Doris - Thinking of you Andrea... I've always loved this song myself... Eric Clapton, Tears in Heaven.
Cristy - Here's another song I thought was fitting for where you are right now... it's one of my favorites... Natalie Grant "Held"
Susan - Thinking of you all day today. I cannot be there physically, but please know I am with you.

July 28, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Andrea McCoy Branagan  - Mercy Me Homesick

a great song but its sad that it is now meaningful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3k1rJOQPdY


July 28, 2009 at 10:01 pm

Barbara Snipes (Mom) - Story passed from SIDS. One of those things you think will never happen to YOU. There's no known cause. The ceremony is open to the public and will be at First Presbyterian Church in Maitland at 4:00 on Thursday. We certainly don't expect anything - but I know a lot of people have asked to bring food or send flowers. If you were planning to send something or buy food - we would  greatly appreciate a donation in the amount of whatever you would have spent on something else. We are working on a memorial for Story. Thank you.
She was a beautiful baby that will forever be in our hearts.
Nicole - Andrea, Donovan and I would love to donate to Story's memorial fund. When you feel up to it please post how to do that. We love you all and are praying night and day for you and your family.
Andrea McCoy Branagan  - There will be a collection taken at Woodbury on Sunday. Pastor Rod and Pastor Sam Knight will be doing the memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Maitland on Thursday at 4.

July 29, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan  - Her story was too short . . .
Tara -I am thinking of you this morning Andrea.
Malee - "What we have here, in this huge space, is an invisible solidarity, one with the other. Bereavement can leave you bleak and bitter; it can make some people cry abuse at the universe, or at God; it can strengthen others in their faith or acceptance. Whatever, and there are no rules, when we come here tonight we know one thing that we are not alone. Holding hands in our imaginations, or actually holding them, what we do is this: we make a circle of our own, private grief and share, even if briefly, the pain of others. That is being part of humanity. That is one aspect of the power of love."

July 30, 2009 at 10:36 am
Cori - Andrea, I hope that you know you have so many many friends who love and support you. We cannot totally take away your pain, but hopefully today we can surround you with friendship and uplift you and Casper. Lean on us, We are here for you.
Jennifer - There are no words to say that would bring you comfort but may you find comfort in God, your family, and friends who will surround you today. Those who cannot make it, know that you are in their hearts and prayers. We love you, Andrea and Casper, and we are all here when you need us.
Laura - Tim and I have both been thinking about and praying for you and Casper and the kids.


July 30, 2009 3:55pm Cristy Nielsen (mobile upload) -

Cristy - Love you Andrea... Story's service was beautiful! Hugs to you...
Angie - you are still in my prayers. know that your star is shining bright above forever...lighting your path so someday you shall meet again. the angels are holding her now, keeping her safe and warm for always. hugs to you and Casper today! i hope that being surrounded by family and friends comforted you a bit. know that we are all here for you.
Jennifer N. - thinking of you today and praying
Cori - Story's memorial was beautiful, Pastor Knight did a wonderful job and Kale was adorable. I only wish I could help somehow to take away your pain.
Andre'a - It was a beautiful service and I am so glad you had so much love and support to guide you through the day.. We all care for you and will continue to pray and be there for you always..
Jennifer E. - Thinking of you today &Praying for you every day all day. ((Hugz))
Marisa - Andrea, I wanted you to know that the memorial service today was just BEAUTIFUL, as your Story was too...and I wish there were something I could say to magically wipe your pain away. I saw your grief from far away and felt it with every step you took...I am SO SORRY you are going through this and hope you will someday call on me for help & support. Take it one day at a time....and just remember, you have sooo many friends around you that love you and want you to get past this....stay strong, sweetie.
Karen - AMEN!!
Cori - Beautifully written M. My thoughts as well. We Love you Andrea!
Doris - My sentiments exactly... We do love you Andrea. Please reach out to us when you're ready...

Jennifer C. - I just wanted to let you know that the service was beautiful, like her. When you are ready, know that we are all here for you. Story was a blessing. We love you all.
Sara - my sentiments exactly Andrea. We love you. Thanks for putting it into words, Jennifer.
Patty - Kale was the hero of the day. What a true blessing and a gift of love to Story from this wonderful brother of hers. He touched the hearts of everyone.
Taber - Kale really was a glimpse of sunlight today and Timber's smile was an inspiration. I'm here for you.
Maggie - All my love, Andrea. The service was beautiful, and I am honored to have been there to support you. Please know how many prayers are continually going to you all. Love always...........


August 1, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan - Thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love and support at Story's memorial.


August 1, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan  - Missing my angel. 

Lily - Thinking of you today. I don't have any words but the trite overused ones. Just know that I am so sorry for you and wish I could take away some of the pain.

Malee - I often think on how different my life would be, If the other children I could have had were still here. I know that if my first were still around, I probably wouldn't be where I am at today, although I would be happy with loving my child and not trade that child for anything. There probably wouldn't be Penny. I may not know all the people I know now, and that would have been just fine. Or, if I didn't miscarry my third pregnancy, I'd now have two kids. Penny would have a sibling, I still would not be back in school yet. Would it have been better? I think it just would have been different, and how things are now is just what was meant to be. Acceptance of this fate doesn't diminish the value and importance of the lives lost, nor take the pain of loss away, and it never will. It only helps to deal with what cannot be changed, to persevere and continue on with living my life however I can. It's a process: One day at a time, you survive, for yourself and everyone who still needs you.

August 2, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan  - STORY . . . . STORY . . . STORY . . . STORY . . . . STORY . . . STORY . . .

August 2, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan - Thinking of something to keep myself busy.


August 2, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Andrea McCoy Branagan  - Can't begin to express my gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Thank you.

Suellen - Joe, Katie and I are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Story. Thank you for the pictures - she is perfect! I can still remember that "Baby Smell" - nothing else like it in the world. Please know that we continue to pray for you, Casper, Kale and Timber. I bet that it feels like this nightmare will never end. In going thru adversity, I've been shocked to find that - one day (not today or anytime soon) - it was a little easier to take a breath. The pain is still there, but somehow it gets easier to remember and that memory brings a smile instead of tears of longing. As far as I can tell, it's a God-Thang - pure and simple. Your church family is here and loves you deeply. We don't want to be in your grill, but will be here when you are ready. With much love, prayers and concern.

Mary - Story's service was beautiful Andrea. I'm thinking of you & your family. Praying everyday for you!

Jennifer C. - Andrea, I love you, Casper, and your kids. You have been a blessing to have as friends for our family. We will always be here for you in any way we can be. We continue to pray. I know you are strong and that God will give you the strength you need to come back to us and to survive. You have something amazing, that is God on your side always and forever. He will never leave you and he is holding and loving on Story right now. God Bless and keep you all close to His heart.