Whitney--a wonderful friend.

My friend Whitney passed away on Sunday and I wanted to share her obituary and some thoughts I have had about her and her passing. She was a brave a courageous person. She was a fighter--always beating the odds and never giving up. She reached out to everyone, even when she was super sick. She had a special spirit about her--she was a very peaceful person. I have thought alot about why she had to pass away. She has two beautiful young children and was a wonderful Mother and Wife. It just didn't make sense that someone so good had to leave this earth.

As I have thought about it I have been reminded of all the Young Women's lessons I have taught this year about how the Lord knows everything and can see the whole picture, while we can only see a small portion of it. We know that heaven is close and that when we die it is only a physical death and that our spirit is the same only it dwells in heaven not in our physical bodies. I can't tell you why Whitney had to pass away--it doesn't make sense to me--but I know that there was a reason and that Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and our families and loves us and cares for us enough to do what is best for us and his plan. I know Whitney did everything she needed to accomplish here on earth--she lived a righteous life, received the ordinances she needed to live with our Heavenly Father, & married her best friend in the Temple which created an eternal family. She will be able to live with her family again because of her Temple marriage which sealed them for time and all eternity. I am thankful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel. Knowing why we are here on earth, what our purpose is, and having an eternal view is one of the most precious gifts given to me. Learn more here: http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/

Obituary
Whitney Noel Fuller Dow 1983 ~ 2011 Whitney Noel Fuller Dow was born on December 27, 1983 in Boise, Idaho, to Stanley and Debbie Fuller. She graduated from Borah High School in 2002. She married her best friend and Navy man, Ryan Dustin Dow, on May 2, 2003 in Jamaica and was sealed for time and all eternity on May 1, 2004 in the Boise Idaho Temple. They have two beautiful children; Trevor Morris, 5, and Rylie Marie, 4. Whitney passed away peacefully at home after a three year battle with colon cancer on October 16, 2011. The highlight of Whitney's life was her husband and children. She was the most genuine, loving, and kindhearted woman; an inspiration and a fighter. She taught us so much about living. She was always smiling and laughing -- a true peacemaker and peacekeeper. Whitney was a strong courageous woman of God who never stopped fighting. She was a breath of fresh air, a light in the eyes of many, and will be missed for her incredible way of turning everything negative into a positive. Her warm spirit touched many and changed hearts and minds and will continue to do so here on earth. Her short time here inspired so many. Her beautiful smile will be remembered forever.