Christ's Embrace

Last night I was so overcome with comfort and peace. I was having a rough day and missing David a lot. But then I started to think about how amazing it must have been for David to pass through the veil, to see Christ face to face and to reunite with our Grandparents and our little brother Spencer and all the other loved ones we miss so much. I will always ache. I will always feel a hole, a space where David should be. But, I know that the rest of me can be filled because of Christ's atoning sacrifice. He feels what I feel. He feels what my family feels. But, he suffered so that we can be whole. I am so grateful for that.In the October 2010 General Conference, Elder Gerrit W. Gong spoke about eternal families and he said,

"Sometimes things go wrong even though we have done our very best. A lamb innocent and pure, our Savior, weeps with us and for us. When we always remember Him, He can stand with us at all times and in all things and in all places that we may be in. His faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death."

David, I love you so much. Thank you for being such a good brother. See you soon.

David Wayne Whitney, Jr.

My brother, David, passed away on November 17, 2010 in a plane crash. He was studying aviation at UVU and while flying with his flight instructor, Jamie Bennee, something went wrong and they crashed. Both he and his instructor were killed.

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It has been the most difficult month of my life. With so many new emotions that I am facing, I can't really say how I am right now. Sometimes I feel great and so blessed with angels around me to help me stay strong. Other times, I am on the downslope of a massive roller coaster.

Today is a good day. I know everything is going to be ok. I miss David like crazy, but, I know he isn't very far away.

David was the most amazing brother any girl could ask for. He and my brother Spencer (who passed away in 1995) are my only brothers. My 4 sisters, my parents, and I miss them both so much.

David was one of those super-smiley guys that brightened up your day just from his happy and uplifting countenance. He was an Eagle Scout, served a full-time mission in Monterey, Mexico, and was married in the Salt Lake City Temple to his beautiful love, Angie.

It's hard living in Provo without him. He's been here since my first day at BYU. Everything reminds me of him. He used to come over all the time, go to all my concerts and shows, come to all my lame parties, etc. He was so loving and supportive.

My family will always feel a hole where David should be. But, we will always look forward to seeing him again and living all together forever. Thank you to everyone for your love and your prayers. We will never forget your kindness.

Highlights from the Christmas Break!

Well, Austin and I were pretty excited to get to Oregon for Christmas! Not only were we pretty burned out from school, but we also couldn't wait to see my family again. It's been the hardest time we've ever faced since David's been gone.

It was really healing to get back to Oregon and spend time with all my family. We made the best of the holidays and tried to make it special since we all knew that's what David would want. Here are some of the highlights of the break!

Dad and Austin went out in the woods to be men! I couldn't help but take this picture because it was precious to see them cleaning guns together! haha. We spent 2 days at Diamond Lake playing in the snow, snowmobiling, making a snowman and playing games in the cabin. We had so much fun together! David loved coming to Diamond Lake. It's something we do almost every year.
Chris bought Devrey this cute little bunny named Leela. She is the softest and sweetest bunny I've ever seen! Leela actually did pretty well with kids too. Bailey and Hope drug her all over the house.
We visited David's grave a few times to sing christmas carols and clean off the temporary headstone. His headstone is still being made.
I made these Christmas Stockings for Austin and I. I was so proud of myself after! Austin's mama, Shawna, helped me make them and gave me the pattern so I can make more as we add to our family. :)
Austin and I set up our own Christmas tree at our house in Provo before going out to Oregon. It helped me feel some Christmas spirit even though I didn't always want to. I'm holding our little Guinea Pig, Todd. He has been my "birth control" for almost a year now. Austin bought him for me last April. I love him so much! :)