I was really touched by this tender story that Elder Godoy shared in his talk. I found Brigham's obituary and cried as I read it. It was a love letter from his parents. Brigham left a beautiful legacy in his short life. He family must have been grateful he lived "one more day.""One day while Brigham and his family
were visiting the temple grounds, Brigham
pronounced a particular phrase; twice he said,
“One more day.” The very next day,
Brigham passed away."
Brigham James Reneer
1994 ~ 2009
On Friday, May 15, 2009, our precious son, Brigham James Reneer, 14 years old, graduated from his mortal existence to return to a familiar home and to the rejoicing of our Heavenly Parents and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Brigham was born joyfully on November 18, 1994 in Provo, Utah , our first child. It was evident from his very first breaths that he was a choice and mighty spirit. He was large and strong and a pure delight to us and his extended family. Brigham loved life. He loved to sing, run, play, eat all kinds of foods, ride his ponies (Joe Willow and Perky), Disneyland, birthday parties, his Tarzan treehouse, swimming, car rides, stories, the beach, movies, his trike, fishing, his dogs Mighty Jo and Olive, camping, and so much more. Most of all Brigham loved being with his family. Brigham had a great affection for his many cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents who all adored him.
A week after Brigham turned 3 years old he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Three days later, our son was also diagnosed with a Mucopolysaccharide storage disorder. We learned that this would be terminal and degenerative. His life expectancy would be between the ages of 10 and 12 years of age. We always knew in our hearts that Brigham would live to the age of 14. He endured with courage and without complaint, painful treatments for his Leukemia and after five years, he achieved remission. For Brigham, MPS was the bigger beast to fight. He fought to not let this devastating syndrome slow him. Every day was an adventure for Brigham. He always found the joy amidst his pain and suffering.
Brigham was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed attending church and singing the hymns. In the early years, Brigham's voice could be heard above all others. He loved the missionaries and expressed to us his desire to go on a mission. We already knew he was serving his mission. However, when Brigham was 6 years old, he was called to be a Youth Missionary. He loved visiting different Primary meetings all over Utah. He gratefully wore his black suit and tie, black shoes, white shirt and his missionary badge as he shared his testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ. We know he knew Him in a very real way. The disease continued to ravage his little body and it became more and more difficult for him to do the things in life he enjoyed so much, as well as all the simple things like walking, talking, eating and breathing.
Brigham never complained. He was an example of courage, bravery, and of enduring well in the face of continuing pain. Brigham "fought the good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith". He lived like no other individual we have known, valiantly fighting, even in his passing. He left this world, encircled in our arms and surrounded by his loving family. He was indeed a pure vessel, without guile and incapable of sin. He "walked the earth with clean hands and a pure heart, an Angel out of his element." We look forward and long for the time when we will all be reunited again.
Brigham is survived by his parents Randall and Julie Reneer, his sisters, Emily and Ella, and his brother Yaw, his Grandparents: Doug and Christina Reneer, Gene and Argie Shumway and Jim and JoAnne Young. He has 9 uncles, 7 aunts and 31 cousins, who all mourn his passing, along with so many dear and cherished friends, (including his dog Olive.)
Thank you Brigham, Thank you, Thank you. We love you. Mom and Dad.
I thought about my Dad after I read this. Like Brigham, he never complained even when he was so sick. His best days were when he was helping and serving others. He loved to have family gatherings at his place. He loved going to church on Sunday. Even though he wasn't officially called to serve a mission, he enjoyed sharing the gospel. One day I was with Dad at the hospital and he said, I wish God would give me a couple more years. He only got about 30 days, but I was grateful for everyone of them.