The Briana Blackwelder Scholarship Fund

> 

 

The Midwives College of Utah Briana Blackwelder Scholarship fund is dedicated to the “wise woman ways” Briana taught each of us who were privileged to know her. Briana’s legacy will live on in the support of a young, single woman who shares the vision of all it means to be a midwife and is seeking an education to further that vision.  

 

If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may donate

 

Tributes to Briana

 

It is with a heavy, sad heart that I share with you the death of one of MCU's most beloved. On Saturday afternoon, Briana and her younger brother were in a car accident near Santaquin, Utah. Briana did not survive the accident; blessedly her brother did.

Many of you who came to conferences got to experience the incredible way Briana, with her dear friend and soul sister Cathy touched the lives of those families they cared for and in turn touched your life through the sharing of their wise women ways. From the time I met Briana years ago at doula training until our last heart to heart a few days ago, I marveled at Briana's wisdom, intuition and serenity. How could a woman so young have accomplished and perfected that which most of us take a lifetime to learn?

I often teased Briana that I was going to line her up with one of my sons so she could always be my daughter. . . I don't know if I'll be able to walk past her prenatal office to go to my desk without feeling her tender midwifery spirit emanating from within. From cradling the head of a newborn to holding a woman in her arms as she transitioned from pregnancy to motherhood, she truly honored that sacred space of midwifery.

There's a part of me that's a little bit angry right now; I want to stamp my foot and say, "I don't know the reason why and I'm not able to see the whole, big picture, but do you really need Briana like we need her here?" What I do know is that Briana loved and honored our heavenly parents. She is encircled in their arms while our arms ache for her. I know that her spirit will comfort her family and the many that are so painfully missing her. I am honored to have known her--truly a ministering angel.

In contemplation of all we mean to each other,

Kristi

MCU President

 

 

Transition

She sits holding silently
Listening, reverently waiting
Patiently understanding,
She knows that this is the hardest part,
That at times it brings sadness, frustration, anger, fear.
She knows that soon elation, gratitude, and peace follow,
She understands transition.

She is wise beyond her years,
Dedicated to her art,
She is a great midwife, a teacher, mentor and friend
She works to make women mothers, and helps students transition into midwives.

She left so quickly
It came so early, so hard and fast,
And here we are left to transition into a life without her.
Without her smile, her calm intuition
For us left behind this transition will be long and painful.

Her final transition made and over
She is at peace with happiness and joy.
If we listen our dear sister will hold us still
Silently, reverently, patiently understanding
For she is a midwife,
She understands transition.

In loving memory of Briana

Terri Demers

 

It was such a pleasure to watch Briana evolve from an excellent student into the solid, centered midwife we know. Her strength and gentleness said everything you needed to know about a midwife. Her grace and skill were a gift to behold, and I am comforted that every student, client and family she touched will carry her gifts on and on. I am shocked that she is gone, and I am so sad. I will miss her and will carry her beautiful spirit in my heart and mind. I offer blessings of comfort to her family and friends, and to all who are touched by Briana’s loss.

Nicole Croft

My heart is heavy with the loss of Briana.
My heart is sullen for I wasn't finished learning from her.
My heart is joyful that her life touched so many in a way I've never before seen.
Briana, you gave me courage and inspiration that I will be a great midwife some day.
Your life was a blessing that touched us all.
Your friendship and love for our dear Cathy brings light to her eyes.
May God keep you in His perfect peace.
In Sisterhood,

Rebecca Porter

*********

 

I am so so saddened and sorry to hear this. She was one of my teachers, her encouragement and brightness came through in all her emails, while I did not get to meet her personally, I can only imagine the pain and loss MCU's staff and all her family and friends are navigating.

Loss is so difficult, but especially one that is not expected in the least. I can assure you all, Briana is behind each and everyone of you during specific times of your sorrow whispering quietly in your ears and softly kissing your forehead 'take it one step at a time, sister' and do that, take it one step at a time.

Again, I am so sorry.
Christal Bratton

 

*********

I must express my grief over the loss of Brianna. I met her briefly (at the student conference) almost 3 years ago and was touched very strongly and have always carried her in my heart since then. I always imagined the time when we would be in contact more and our lives would intersect more.

Not to be. However her brief presence in my life I count as a gift and a blessing and I honor her memory.

Condolences to all
Channah Goldman 

 

*********

 

You, my friend were an inspiration to us all! 

 

In love and light, 

Pauline Skiftun

 

*********

 

My heart aches to hear of your passing Briana. You were such an inspiration, truly gifted and a natural midwife... a beautiful soul. I pray that you are at peace; you and your family will forever be in my prayers. Blessings to you friend 

Amy Ihrig

 

*********

You are one remarkable woman! Your talent and your spirit are unmatched. I will miss you dearly. 

*********

Andrea Donaldson Lythgoe

You are irreplaceable and will be missed.

 

*********

 

Heather Shelley

We will miss you Briana. May you watch over your midwife sisters from afar. 

 

*********

 

Cindy Cazier Winward

Sometimes life has a way of knocking the wind out of us, getting our hearts right with those we know and getting us back on the path of truth. Brianna I bless your life. I pray for your brother and parents and I hope you'll come and visit us from time to time. I will love you forever.

 

Angela Guertler

I'm just so sad; sad for her family and close friends. She is beautiful and so amazing. I learned a lot from her and feel she has truly sacrificed to leave the physical world. Love you Briana and I'm blessed for having known you.

 

*********

 

Sarah VanTassell Carter

I was one of Briana's students and am so sad to hear she is gone so early and suddenly. She was a talented midwife and an amazing person and will be missed; my prayers for comfort for her family and friends.

 

*********

 

Tara Workman Tulley

So sad to wake up and learn of the loss of such a wonderful and young midwife! You will be missed!

 

*********

 

Treesa McLean

Briana, you will be so missed. You have touched many lives, far and wide.

 

*********

 

Terah Lara-Loney

I am SO sad and confused this morning to hear that my favorite (without doubt) teacher and midwife,Briana Blackwelder, has passed away from a motor vehicle accident. My stomach is in knots and I just don't know how to deal with this at this moment. My small peace is knowing that she is in a better place. She will be sorely missed by the many lives that she has touched.

 

*********

 

Shan Powell Murley

Briana was not only a teacher and mentor; she was truly an inspiration to me. She will be greatly missed. May peace be upon her family at this difficult time.

 

*********

 

Holly Richardson

So, so sorry to hear of Briana's death tonight; she will be missed. 

 

*********

  

Jodie Palmer

My dear friend and midwife, my heart is broken. I'm so sorry for the loss of your brilliant, intuitive, gentle and genuine soul on this earth. Your life was given to the sacred work of helping others come into this world, and go out of it. I am far better for having been touched by you. God bless you dear friend. May comfort shower upon your family. I love you.

 

*********

 

Carrie Corbett 

I just saw it. I'm sick over it. Briana was one of the most amazing women I have known; such an indescribable loss.

 

*********

 

Michael Parsons

Such sad news, Briana was such a great person.

 

*********

here.  Please designate the money for the Briana Blackwelder Scholarship Fund.