it is finished…our courtney is in the arms of Jesus…

ByMary Lenaburg



“Each child that is born brings to us the smile of God and invites us to recognize that life is His gift, a gift that must be accepted with love and protected with care, always and at all times . . .” 

—Pope Benedict XVI, Sistine Chapel Baptisms
7 January 2007, Baptism of the Lord



Our beautiful daughter Courtney Elizabeth Lenaburg has gone home to her Beloved Lord. She took her last breath at 1:51 a.m. this morning on the Feast of St. John the Beloved. It was a peaceful passing. She was surrounded by those who loved her the most. 


She is finally healed and whole. No more seizures. No more pain. Just all encompassing joy and love for an eternity. 


That is the only thing keeping me from completely falling apart in this moment. To know that she is free from a body that never did what she wanted it to do. To know that when she closed her eyes for the last time here on earth, she opened in heaven and looked upon the face of Jesus. 


Today, twenty-two years of daily prayers for her healing. This mothers prayer has been answered. Beautifully, gloriously answered. 


Jerry, Jonathan and I want to thank each and every one of you for every prayer you whispered, every sacrifice you offered, every monetary or practical gift you gave to our family over the last twenty-two years. Know that we are humbled and so very grateful for your constant love and support. Truly we are. 


Right now, all of our physical needs have been met. Please know there is nothing else to be done but walk through the next few days and lay our girl to rest. All details regarding her funeral are taken care of, thanks to your help. You have been entirely too generous with your support, especially with the beautiful Christmas you provided our family as well as other practical support.   

We will have all the details of the wake and funeral put up in the next day or so. 


Thank you for all you and your families have done on behalf of our daughter Courtney and our family. God is good, ALL the time.


The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. 

119 Comments

  2. Christmas Eve morning I saw an image of a candle in my Instagram feed and was led here. I began to read your story then amid all the preparations that come with a great feast. I shared Courtney with my family and we prayed all through the day for you all and offered our vigil mass. We prayed through Christmas and the 26th and I kept reading. Tonight, as I finished the story, I refeshed the page and read of her passing.
    Our hearts break for your loss but rejoice in the promise of eternal life. To think: she has looked upon the face of the one who gave sight to the blind and made the lame walk! God is so very, very good!
    We will continue to pray for you all in this time. I am asking our Sorrowful Mother to pull you close to her heart and to bring you peace and joy. We are lifting you up from here!
    Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.

  3. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. Praying for your family and so sorry for your loss. Courtney's story and the love you poured out for so many years has been so beautiful and inspiring.What an awesome mama you are and what a mighty God we serve.

  4. I came to know of your story just a week ago, but my heart and prayers have gone to you so many times in the last several days. Praying for comfort and peace that passes understanding in the coming days-sending lots of love from Texas, and praising God for the legacy Miss Courtney left…may you hear stories of her influence for years to come.

  7. May she rest in eternal peace and be surrounded by angels. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you miss your precious daughter. Thank you for inviting us into her journey. She touched many lives xx

  8. Words fail but God and love never do. Praying for rest and peace for your family in this time. So glad that you have shared Courtney's journey with us.

  10. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 7. Know that Courtney has been prayed home into the arms of our Lord. So many of us will never forget her. Or the faith of her family. I will continue to pray for all of you.

  11. God bless you and your family, what a tremendous witness and example you are. I pray for extra graces to help you through this time, I'm sure you will miss her dearly.

  17. Praying for you and weeping too. What a glorious life lived so well! May Our Lady and the Child Jesus console your hearts. Thankyou Lord for Courtney's life, for her prayers and heroic virtues. Blessings to all the family at this time. xx

  20. There are no words, thinking of you. Wishing you some gentle moments in the upcoming days. The scripture verse you quoted from Job was the Magnificat reading for the day our son was killed. We held on to that verse those first weeks. Thank you for sharing your journey and your Courtney with us. Pax.
    terri@backofthenorthwind.com

  21. Mary, I am so sorry. Courtney and your family have touched so many lives, including mine, though we have never met. Your faith and love through this long, heartbreaking and grace-filled journey has inspired me and others. We will continue to pray for peace and comfort.

  25. Loved everything you wrote. You are an inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing such a special time with us. Continued prayers for strength, for all of you. The thought of Courtney in heaven, through tears, make me smile. She can help us all now. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with us.

  26. Praying for you and your family this morning. May the grace of our Lord see you through these days ahead. I have learned so much about love and faith through your sharing. Blessings be upon you today and always.

  27. Oh, Mary…prayers for strength and lasting peace. You have been such a witness of pure faith and a mama's love. You have brought me a new understanding of what it means to love and trust unconditionally. Much love from our family to yours.

  29. Praying for all of you during this time. May the Peace of the Lord envelop you and hold you close and heal your hearts. Much love and many hugs to you my friend. You're faith and testimony and Courtney's life will always shape my thoughts and prayers and deeds.

  30. Our prayers will remain with all of you. May you feel Courtney's peaceful presence and God's merciful grace shining down on you from heaven.

  31. I'm so sorry. We are praying for you and your family. I've been following your story for quite some time.
    Thank you for sharing your and Courtney's journey with the rest of us. I've already started asking her intercession for a special intention. I have a feeling Miss Courtney is going to be very busy in heaven interceding for all of us down here on earth.

  35. Lovingly remembered by our family and seeking her intercession as one of the newly elect in heaven. Thankyou, and we hope you continue to share your journey as God leads you through grief to new life. May His blessings be upon your family especially now as you suffer this great loss.

  37. Oh Mary.

    Praying for you three and your whole extended family in the difficult days ahead and through this next year of bittersweet firsts. I can just see her dancing and singing and rejoicing with her Savior in heaven. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. It has been such a blessing to all of us. And I know she will continue to be a blessing to you and to many others.

    Lea

  38. Heard this prayer and thought of you: "We seem to give her back to you, O God, who gave her to us. Yet as you did not lose her in giving, so we do not lose her by their return. Not as the world gives do you give, O Lover of souls. What you give you take not away, for what is yours is ours also if we are yours.

    And life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing, save the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; draw us closer to yourself that we may know ourselves to be nearer our loved ones who are with you.

    And while you do prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where you are, we may be also for evermore."

    –Fr Bede Jarrett O.P.

  39. I sense your JOY and feel your SORROW; the bitter-sweetness of the end of Courtney's journey, here on earth.
    We continue to hold you in prayer throughout the days ahead, as you lay your beloved daughter to rest; and, in the coming New Year as you take your first steps without her. (Without her, though knowing she is with you, always! I fear Courtney will be QUITE busy in heaven with all of us who will be constantly seeking her intercession! 😉 )
    Love and peace to you and your family. xo

  42. Praise you Father! Bring more of Your peace, comfort and strength to Mary, Jerry, Jonathan and family. In Jesus Name, amen

  43. Prayers for all of you! What a powerful intercessor we all have in Heaven now! May God give you abundant blessings and graces to get through this time.

  47. Thank you for sharing her story. I read all about your journey with her over these past few days. When things calm down and when the time feels right, pls consider writing a book about all this. It would change lives. My brother is a publisher so he can help you.

    In the meantime, prayers for all of you. Courtney knows only the eternal bliss of heaven and has seen the face of God. That must bring you a supernatural joy. Well done, Mary.

  48. I've been thinking of you so much during Christmas…. and the song, "Mary, did you know?". . . "when you kissed your little baby, you kissed the face of God. . ." Thank you for sharing your heart, your story, your strength, your weaknesses, your Faith with us through the years.

  51. My family and I will always keep you in our prayers. We are both sorry and joyful that Courtney has finished her race. Now she can truly run and leap! But how we will miss her.

  52. Oh sweet Courtney. We will miss you. Thank you again a million times for sharing her, Mary. Love, prayers, and asking her intercession for you all. May God's peace surround you. ❤️

  53. Our family is so grateful for the gift of Courtney's life. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. So many times, we asked you to add an intention to Courtney's book. And we will continue to petition for her powerful intercession.

    May you be enfolded in God's comfort and peace, today and always. Sending our best love to you, Jerry, and Jonathan.

  55. In your love and care for your daughter, and in her living her life, you both have been an incredible witness to the dignity of human life and the human person. In all stages. Some preach it, others live it. As you all have. Courtney has taught me so much, as a special needs mom myself, I have learned so much from you. That love is not a feeling, but a choice. I always saw Jesus in Courtneys eyes. Now she gazes directly upon the One she so beautifully reflected to us her 22 years on this earth. Requiescat in pace

  56. Praying for you all. I'm sorry for your loss. Courtney touched a lot of lives. Thank you for sharing your story, you've helped me in my own faith walk. God bless you.

  57. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. While I am sorry for your loss, I know Courtney is no longer in pain, and will be reunited with her family one day in Heaven. God Bless your family.

  58. My deepest sympathy for your loss, but my greatest rejoicing for her gain! May the arms of Jesus and His Blessed Mother encircle you during this difficult time. God bless.

  59. God Bless you Mary and your family. Such an amazing testimony to the sacredness of life has been written here and I have had tears reading it. The words of Pope Benedict are especially beautiful to read. I can only imagine the pain you and your family must be feeling right now but very grateful for your tremendous faith in God. Will be praying for you all and giving thanks for the gift that Courtney is to so many people including me.

  60. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I know that Courtney is in heaven with her Lord, but that doesn't lessen the missing of that sweet and wonderful young lady. May Jesus comfort you during this time.

  62. Thank you for your beautiful example of a mother. May you find comfort in knowing that she is now with Our Lady, waiting for you to be united again one day.

  63. Thank you God, for Mary and her family. For Courtney and her beauty. Wrap them in peace and comfort and carry them through, Lord. Say hi to Courtney for us all, Jesus! In your name we pray, Amen!

    Loving you from afar, Mary. Holding you and your family close in prayer.

  65. Praying for your family. Even knowing that Miss Courtney is at peace and free from pain, I am sure the next few weeks and months will be difficult ones. Know that there are more prayers storming Heavens doors for you and those that loved your sweet girl. Peace be with you <3

  67. I weep for your mother's pain, and I rejoice for Courtney's triumphant entry into Heaven.

    Mama Mary hold you as you let your baby go.

  68. Continued thoughts and prayers for your family as you walk thru the next few days. Thank you for sharing Courtney with us. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her!

  69. Continued prayers for you and your loved ones. It's ok to fall apart though. You have worried about, fought & prayed for Courtney for 22 years in a way that many of us other mama's just can't fully grasp. We are all so thankful for your testimony of love and faith. Deepest sympathy on your loss mixed with joy for Courtney's gain.

  70. Praying for all of you.

    A song by mercyme called homesick is about a loved one who has passed away, it has always helped me when a dear loved one passed away, especially these lyrics: "In Christ there are no good-bye, in Christ there is no end, so I'll hold on to Jesus with all that I have to see you again. And I close my eyes and I see your face , if home is where my heart is than I'm out of place. Lord, won't you give me strength somehow because I've never been more homesick than now.

  71. Mary, your family is in my prayers during this bittersweet time. So happy for Courtney, so sad for your pain. May God continue to uphold you and your family. God can not be outdone in generosity—surely Courtney, from her new vantage point, will shower your family with blessings and repay your love and generosity a hundred-fold!

  72. Mary, my prayers for you continue. Your daughter was a blessing to many, as you know, even to those of us who never had the pleasure of meeting her face to face. God bless and be with you, Jerry and Jonathan. May Our Lady wrap you in her loving mantle and bring you peace.

  79. Tears. Praying for you.

    Courtney's has been, and will continue to be, a magnificent apostolate. I feel quite certain that only in Eternity will the full impact of it be known.

  80. Praying that you will feel comfort as you go through the grief. She really was inspiring–her spunk in hard circumstances and her joy in simple things. It reminds me of how much I take for granted.

    I am very glad that in her last moments, it was not a seizure that took her, but that she slipped away quietly. One of my biggest prayers was that she would not pass into the next world during the stress of a seizure.

    I hope that you can have a special moment (or many) when you get a little reminder of her spirit. Like a certain song, or a butterfly or a feeling, or whatever little thing Courtney could use to touch you from where she is.

  82. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

    The little Holy Family, please guide and comfort Courtney's little family here on earth.

  86. May God give you peace and Courtney give you prayers of grace from her Heavenly room. And thank you so much for carrying us all through your journey. I'm only sorry I never met Courtney before her departure, but hopefully one day… 🙂

  88. I found out about Courtney through a mutual Facebook friend on Christmas day. I offered your family my prayers then proceeded to read your story in full.

    I thank you for your humble, Truth-filled witness and just finished reading it all today. I'm so grateful for this glimpse of your lives and getting to know you through your many joys and struggles. I am truly blessed to have had this experience and am certain I was one of the many people Courtney held onto life for these last days beyond all probabilty, in order that I read her story.

    You will come to my mind often, and when you do, I will offer a prayer for Holy Peace for your family.

    I can only imagine the mix of feelings occurring now and throughout your special and unique family journey. Give everything to God…..He knows how to place it all in Proper Order!

    Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon her forever. Amen!

  89. I have just finished reading your story and have wept my way through. You and your sweet daughter have blessed me. Thank you. Courtney, pray for us!

  90. Mary, I only just stumbled upon your story a few days before Christmas. I have spent much time since then praying for your beautiful Courtney and you family. I don't think there's been a moment that I haven't thought of Courtney since I came to know her through your blog. Thank you so much for opening your heart and sharing your beautiful daughter with us. I can tell you that I have fallen in love with her and her beautiful gentle soul. My prayers are with you constantly. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Courtney is safely home and free from pain. May God Bless you and your family.Thank you for blessing us with your story. It has been life changing. We will continue to pray for you.

  91. I too have only found your blog recently, but I have been blessed by your story. I've been praying for you and will continue to do so.

  92. "The strife is o're the battle won…" i know it is Christmas but it feels like Easter Sunday after following your story. This hymn came to mind immediately after I saw your post. It is finished as you said. A very long good friday for you all but with this dawn came rejoicing. Happy feast of St. John the Beloved.

  93. Dear Mary and Family, I will pray for you all during this bittersweet time. Even when we have Faith that can move mountains it is never easy losing someone we love, especially our children. Take comfort in knowing you will indeed see her again, our Blessed Mother will look after her for you until you are with her again, and please find comfort in knowing that she truly is a Saint.

    Renee Hoy and Family Baltimore

  94. Dear Mary…we will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, and for being such a beautiful witness to true Love. May God bless you always…

  96. My prayers are with you and your family. I will pray to Blessed Mary to wrap you in her mantle as she understands a mother's loss. Thank you for sharing Courtney's story.

  97. I don't think I have ever commented here before, but I have followed your story intermittently for some time and closely for the last few weeks.

    Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

    And thank you, Mary, for the wonderful witness you have given to love, to faith, and to the absolute worth and dignity and beauty of every human being.

    With my prayers.

  99. My family is here and praying in Irish with great love for your Courtney Elizabeth and all the Lenaburgs.

    Sé do bheatha, a Mhuire,
    atá lán de ghrásta,
    Tá an Tiarna leat.
    Is beannaithe thú idir mná,
    Agus is beannaithe toradh do bhroinne; Íosa.
    A Naomh-Mhuire,
    a Mháthair Dé,
    guigh orainn na peacaigh,
    anois, agus ar uair ár mbáis.

    Amen.

  100. Sadness for your loss, joy that Courtney's earthly struggle is over and awe at the faith and courage of your family. Thank you for all your sharing and continued prayers for you all.

  102. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have been following along with Courtney's journey, and praying for you all. Peace to you during this difficult time.

  103. The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if to others, indeed, they seem punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their judgment they shall shine and dart about as sparks through stubble. They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect. Wisdom 3: 1-9

    God bless you as you mourn the loss of your dear sweet girl. But, as you say, now she is free from the body that held her captive. And though God did not bring about a healing for her on earth, He will never forget His promises. I will keep praying for you and your dear sweet Courtney.

  105. Wishing you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for helping all of us, by your example, to love more completely. Courtney Elizabeth, pray for us.

  108. There are no words except to say I am sorry for your loss…praying for you all to have peace.. Well done good and faithful servant….you are loved by many many people… Please let their words and prayers bring you courage and grace at this time….

  110. Mary, I am so sorry for your loss but so thankful that Courtney was gifted a peaceful death surrounded by those she loves and who loved her the most. Our prayers are with you during this time of grief and I will be forever thankful for your witness that you and Courtney and your whole family have shared with us. May the Blessed Mother hold you close!

  111. The chorus of an old song reads:
    But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
    Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!
    Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!
    Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!
    This came to my mind when I read your post of Courtney's home-going and I thought it fitting.
    Blessings and peace to you and your family in the days ahead as you mourn the loss of
    your daughter and sister but rejoice in her being with her creator.

  112. I'm so sorry for your loss. Courtney and your witness have touched many lives, including mine. Praying for fortitude and peace for you and your family

  113. Mary, I will think of this picture of you and Court enjoying that Christmas tree forever. It will be the image I carry in my prayers for you and your family. It was Christmas time and, like our blessed mother,you were left to ponder a beautiful body born into a broken world resting in your arms then offering back to him on a holy night. I pray at that moment you found the everlasting peace that so many seek.

  114. I am so sorry for your loss. I have been reading your blog for a while now and my heart goes out to you and your family. May the peace of Christ surround you. Your beautiful Courtney touched a lot of hearts.

  116. I have been praying for Courtney and all of you ever since I "stumbled" upon your blog, through a mutual friend. Eternal rest grant unto Courtney O Lord and may perpetual Light shine upon her. I will be with you all in spirit. I pray that God gives you the strength of His spirit and the peace of His love.

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