Nearly two years ago, I met a little girl when I was working as the assistant in her kindergarten class. Her name was Brielle, which means “God is my strength.” This is so very relevant, because little Brielle somehow knew how to take the strength she was given and hand it to others. Though she lived with cancer for most of her short time on Earth, her face always had a smile on it, her arms always had a hug ready, and she somehow knew how to make everyone feel like the most important person in the world. Brielle seemed to have insight that extended way beyond her years. Before each of her many chemo treatments, her mother would ask her, “Are you okay?” Brielle would answer, “I’m okay if you’re okay.” She knew how to touch people’s hearts in unlimited ways, and yet she was perfect at being a typical five-year-old as well. Did I mention her infectious giggle and joyful way of running everywhere she went? So adorable and so, so lovable.
Brielle left us one year ago today, after courageously facing and fighting her disease. She had just turned 6.
6 … Just 6! What good reason could there possibly be for a six-year-old to lose her life? Why should her family have to go on without their child, sister, granddaughter, cousin? These are questions we have no answers to. Not now, anyway. God has His grand plan, and I’m sure that Brielle is now privy to the reasons behind her challenging life and early death.
Living in the land of no pain, tears, or suffering, Brielle is now chasing butterflies, dancing on clouds and sliding down rainbows. Her favorite number was always 11, and she left us on the 11th of July. The number 11 is said to be “the light within all, strengthened by the love of peace, gentleness, sensitivity, and insight.” All of the traits that Brielle possessed.
She taught me to smile often, giggle more, dance joyfully, love fiercely, have a hug for everyone, and look for the good in all. My little 6-year-old girlfriend showed me what’s truly important in this life. I pray that she knows how much she has given me and that I can somehow live the way she did. “God is my strength.” I love you Brielle! Shine on, Angel.
The World of Author/Mom Alicia Murphy! 
Beautiful!!! I used her words “if you’re ok, I’m ok” when my mom went on hospice. My mom asked me what I thought about her going on hospice. I said “if she was ok & at peace with her decision then I was too.”
Love this, Lori. Xoxo
thank you for sharing this with us. Love to you, and to her family.