Briana Stephen

I had an epiphany today while sitting in the oncologist's office. There's so much talk and paraphernalia about finding cures for cancer. There's bitter talk about why Heavenly Father would allow such suffering. I sat there thinking to myself, No. My heart tells me it's not like that at all! ... Think of the communities and families that have come together to love, serve, and mourn with one another.

Our Father in heaven provides opportunities every day for us to keep his commandments, to follow His ultimate example of serving, loving, caring for His spirit children, our spirit brothers and sisters. I get to experience firsthand on a daily basis how beautiful the hearts of mankind really are.

Turn off the news of contentious politics, crime, and adultery for a bit. You'll find a world of compassion. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE to all those who uplift and show me what leading a Christ-like life is really all about. Loads and loads of LOVE!!!

-Bri, March 2010



Thursday, April 7, 2011

Bri Update

Hello friends and family! We continue to receive overwhelming support and well wishes in all different ways from so many people. The past couple weeks we have focussed on addressing Bri's pain management, nausea, and constipation in order to find her the most comfort as possible. We could probably open a small pharmacy with all the product we have in the home. Somehow Bri's Marinol seems to be a 'guest favorite' and disappears quicker than the rest of her drugs (Dad is not guilty!).

Bri sleeps most of the day while laying in bed or the couch due to the pelvic pain and sedation from pain medications. Though her speech and vision are slowly deteriorating, we still find some good times during the day where we can spend quality time with her.

Losing some of her independency has been one of her biggest challenges, and for those of you that know her feisty personality, you can certainly understand this. She overestimates her physical and cognitive abilities and we have to keep a close eye on her. But the kids, Teri, and other wonderful friends have all been fantastic caretakers with love and patience for the situation. We carry on and thank everyone for their continued support and well wishes.

(Photo below: 4/4 Kami's B-Day with Mom)

13 comments:

  1. Bri I love you! I wish I could be there with you right now! Happy Birthday Kami!

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  2. I love you Bri and you are always in my heart. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you and send you my love.

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  3. The Schwarz family sends their love and prayers to you all.

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  4. We love you guys! Eric, nice job with keeping up on the blog. Scott will have to take note of this! Loved seeing the pictures of your outing and the kids. Yes, naps are boring Eric...when you've got that many things to do that are fun!

    It's remarkable to see with all of the pain, Bri is able to find a big smile. We miss you guys. We love you guys. We pray for your family to continue in strength and faith. with love, the Sargents (please tell my dear friend Bri, I think of her example to me each day. She has taught me so much).

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  5. I read this post as"Bri's uptight" "which, unfortunately , isn't far from the oiginal--- II'll add a few more today coney my patheticness

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  6. Thank you for the update. So glad to see a photo of Kami and mom together and we especially love the shirt Kami's wearing. Please tell Bri we love her and think of her everyday.

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  7. Bri, the songs on your blog are with me forever. they are beautiful and now as far as I am concerned, they are yours.

    Eric, How precious are ALL Of the moments you get with her right now... I would give a whole lot to just be with her for a day. Some days its tougher to see the blessings but, they are there.

    Always keep the blog going please.

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  8. We continue to pray for all of you. Not a day goes by where I don't think of you. With love,
    Veronica Chiquete (Rodarte)

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  9. Eric, Bri and family. We pray for you everyday. You are such role models. Eric, we're glad you and the kids had some time away to play. Hugs to Teri for all you do. We love you all!

    Marlund & Shelly

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  10. Oh Bri, you are so far from uptight or pathetic. This shows nothing but your ongoing strength, your fight for life, love for your family and understanding of the Father's plan. And lets face it, your fight for independence shows cancer hasn't gotten everything - you are you, that is truer than true, there is no one alive who can take that from you!!! Nor any disease!! I love you so much. I can't wait to see you after the wedding!! The day won't be the same without you there.

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  11. How nice the kids had a fun weekend with Dad. Bri, we pray for you and your family everyday. You are strong and, even through all the hard things you have faced and are facing, your amazing spirit still shines. The comments here are right, nothing can take away who you are at heart and you are still that and much more. There are things words can't teach your kids, and you have taught them so much strength, love, and faith in times of trial. What an amazing legacy to give to your children. Thank you for your on going example. We love you.

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  12. thinking of your beautiful family ..All of you are in my thoughts and prayers

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  13. Hi aunt Bri,I hope you get the pain away.I wish I could be there. I'll visit you some day. Just to let you know you are my favorite aunt. I love you very very very much. I'm just glad I was able to meet you. I love you very much. Bye!

    your niece,
    Natalie

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