Brigham Reneer
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| From Brig 1997 |
December 12, 1997
written on the back of pictures by Grandpa Gene. He was amazed that Brigham had painted these pictures.
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| From Brig 1997 |
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| From Brig 1997 |
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| From Brig 1997 |
Brigham James Reneer and his mother Julie Anne Young Reneer |
| From Last Wonderful Days with Brig |
Brigham James Reneer
This part of my blog is all about my noble grandson, Brigham. It begins with the obituary, written by his parents, as it appeared in the Provo Daily Herald: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 tree house, 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 & 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.
There will be a funeral service for Brigham on Saturday, May 23rd, at the Oak Hills 2nd Ward Chapel, 925 East North Temple Drive , Provo , UT 84604 . There will be a viewing from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm. directly prior to the service, which will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at the East Lawn Cemetery in Provo. In regards to condolences please contact our dear friend Elise Dalton at elisedalton@yahoo.com who has information for donating to foundations who have blessed Brigham and our family. Elise also is helping create a perennial garden in honor of Brigham in our backyard where he loved to be. With much appreciation and gratitude, The Reneer Family.
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| From Brig 2004 |
BRIGHAM JAMES RENEER, MY GRANDSON
My memories of Brig are not complete without dear untiring Julie chosen mother for Brigham, tender caring Randy chosen to be his father, and dedicated sister Emily. Another sister and brother added to his world. In the words of pleased Brig for his new sister Ella, "Baby." So happy! Brigham's observation of Yaw, finally the brother for whom he had waited. These are the ones that he knew and loved "day in and day out."
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| From Many more pictures of Brigham James Reneer |
Randy, Julie, Brigham, Emily
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| From Many more pictures of Brigham James Reneer |
Brigham and "Baby" Ella
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| From Last Wonderful Days with Brig |
Brigham and brother Yaw
I can say without a doubt, I never saw or hear unkindness from Brigham James Reneer's parents. My world of memories are filled with family and friends who taught me lessons of unselfishness, patience, and love as they cared for Brig. It was a privilege to serve our Briggy.
I told some family earlier this week how peaceful life would be if we all could consider each other's imperfections in the manner we considered Brigham's physical limitations or disabilities. He did not like contention. He would say "HOLD," which meant for Grandpa and I to hug each other. Then he would excitedly pump his arms and give us his adorable smile. I am so sorry on that last day that I had with him, he didn't see the "HOLD."
The world would be a better place for me if I did not judge the hearts of others and found myself forgiving and understanding as I was with my Brigham. Love is the connection and forgiveness the principle. I never had anything to forgive of Brigham, however he has much to forgive of me. I should have spent more time sitting with him as he watched his movies. I could have taken him on more rides, read him more stories, and encouraged others to do the same. Things just don't happen. They need to be planned with love. Love is the greatest eternal principle.
After Brigham was diagnosed with Leukemia and MPS, I stayed for hours after school with my dear principals permission, sitting in the library, way into the night, night after night. I searched and searched to find what I could on MPS. I went to every site for information about Hunters, to medical site after medical site seeking additional information. To alternative sites for a cure, I called researcher Dr. Hopwood, JJ North Adelaide, South Australia. Visited the medical section of the library and university library. My journey took me to a hopeless end. Where was the miracle? Blessings given to you and prayers for a miracle by friends and family. Why, oh, why, my dear grandson Brigham? Answers, where were they??? One day, the answer came! Brigham, You are the miracle! We are not here to change you. You changed me. What lessons do you hold for me? And those lessons came when my heart was teachable or one might say humbled. I am still learning lessons from the experience of knowing you and loving you.
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| From Brig 2005 |
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| From Brig 2005 |
This is my day, today, talking to Brigham. I share:
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| From Randy and Julie 1992 |
Don't Wait! To make memories!
This past week, my heart has reminisced as I have relived the experiences from photos of you dear grandson Brigham.
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| From Brig 1994 |
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| From Brig 1994 |
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| From Brig 1994 |
I remember you as an engaging infant, looking deep into my soul. From the beginning of your life, I felt that you knew me and loved me in spite of what you saw.
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| From BRIGHAM JAMES RENEER |
You went to Uncle Daniel's band concerts and listened to loud music while Uncle Daniel sang and played the guitar. As Uncle Daniel played the guitar and Emily sang at the graveside, I remembered concerts of years gone by with you. I would hold you close and feel your sweet spirit. You did not cry as I held you.
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| From Brig 1995 |
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| From Brig 1995 |
Mama Argie and Grandson Brigham James Reneer
Brigham and his smile.
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| From Brig 1995 |
Halloween was a favorite time because Brigham loved to "dress up."
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| From Brig 1995 |
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| From Brig 1995 |
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| From Argie 1995 |
Grandma Argie or otherwise Mama Argie Hoskins Shumway
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| From Brig 1995 |
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| From Brig 1995 |
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| From Brig 1995 |
Sitting in front: Daniel and Brigham
Sitting girls: Caitlin, Ruth, Meghan and Mazie on Meghan's lap
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| From Brig 1995 |
Brigham were your little hands hurting when you were 1 year old? This picture brings tears to my eyes. I had no idea.
I loved to watch the artist in you and think "It runs in the family." The first picture was when you were 1 years old.
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| From Brig 1996 |
One day you did a water color and told me that it was the stable with Joseph and Mary.
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| From Brig 1996 |
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| From Brig 1996 |
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| From Brig 1997 |
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| From Brig 1996 |
Simba by Brigham Reneer
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| From Brig 1996 |
Lion by Brigham
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| From Brig 1996 |
Baboon by Brigham
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| From Brig 1996 |
Mighty Joe Young by Brigham
Christmas came to the Blue House. That is what you called your first home, "Blue House."
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| From Brig 1996 |
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| From Brig 1996 |
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| From Brig 1996 |
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| From Brig 1996 |
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| From Brig 1996 |
Cousins Brigham and Mazie
Brigham would enjoy ride after ride on JoWillow and Perky. Through the kindness of Kathy who is in charge of Steve's horses would bring JoWillow to the Children's 4th of July Parade for Brigham to ride. Does anyone have a picture of the event with Brigham on JoWillow? I can't believe that I didn't capture those moments.
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| From Brig 1997 |
Steve Young generously shared a special horse with Brigham. Brigham with sister Emily and his father Randall, Randy Reneer. JoWillow passed away and then Perky was the friend of Brigham.
A week after Brigham turned 3 years old he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Three days later, he 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.
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| From Brig 1998 |
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| From Brig 1998 |
Hospital visits and more and more of the same.
We went to MPS fund raising events. Oh how I wanted a cure for Brigham's monster.
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| From Brig 2000 |
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| From Brig 2000 |
Grandma Argie with her own wonderful grandchildren: How I wish this were a better photo!
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| From Brig 2000 |
Mother Julie Anne Young Reneer, Father Randall Leamon Reneer with their children Emily Anne and Brigham James celebrating Emily's Birthday.
| From Brig 2000 |
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| From Brig 2000 |
Brigham at Grandma's home.
Days at Disneyland!
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
Brigham James Reneer
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
Look at that happy face! Brigham Reneer
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
"Taste of Kapolei" with Brigham and Emily
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| From Brig 2002 |
"Taste of Kapolei" Argie, Gene, Brigham and Emily
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
"Taste of Kapolei" with Brigham Reneer
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
He wanted to be a pilot when he grew up. He is my "pilot."
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
buzz's original steakhouse, kailua, hi - buzz's original steakhouse reviews and details - 10best
not far from kailua beach on oahus windward side, this venerable institution captures the spirit of hawaii as it existed in years past. rustic and comfortable, buzzs also boasts walls full of photographs, which add a note of personality.
We had to pool our money for this one because they would not take a check or credit card. We made it! I enjoyed their bread with my salad. It was sooo nice after a day on Kailua Beach with all of us playing in the ocean.
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
Going home, Brigham, Julie and Emily
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
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| From Brig 2002 |
As I took this picture, I knew that the plane would be leaving our island for the Mainland taking Julie, Brigham and Emily in a few hours back to Utah. Oh such glorious moments together in the wonderful world of Hawaii.
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| From Brig 2003 |
This is one of my favorite photos of Brigham Reneer.
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| From Brig 2003 |
Disney World
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| From Brig 2004 |
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| From Brig 2004 |
What are you thinking Brig???
I see you laughing and squealing with delight as we danced to the tune of Hercules, with our hands swinging this way and that. You loved the beat of music. Oh yes, Hercules was your hero.
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| From Brig 2005 |
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| From Brig 2005 |
Brigham with cousin Emma, sister Emily, cousins Mazie and Luke, cousins Tony with sister Ella behind the sofa.
I loved to dance with you. One day, you couldn't dance anymore. With energy and continuing delight you jumped up and down with glee. now it seems that quickly, too quickly, you sat, smiling with your bent arms pumping with excitement as you repeated the script just before the plot unfolded. Brigham, in your journey with your body, you went from jumping to sitting, Your laughter was contagious. My world laughed with you. Easily, we both forgot your pain. In fact, Brigham, Mama Argie saw your happiness without seeing your pain. Your spirit was always happily dancing. You still did not cry. The most powerful lesson that you taught me, Grandson Brigham, is that your happy spirit always transcended your pain. At this point my happy heart can only laugh like a clown as I cry.
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
Brigham dancing with his mother Julie
As you would came into the living room headed somewhere in the house, you would stop, play your usual few notes on the piano and away you would go. One day, you played fewer notes, and you looked at me and thoughtfully as you tried to find the familiar notes. It was a look that I had seen in my mother's eyes after a stroke. You still did not cry.
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
I have great memories of sitting on the floor, face to face, feet touching, I holding a jam can and you rolling a tennis ball into the can. Over and over we played the game. You excited and giggling, I loved every minute because you really wanted to play the game with grandma.
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| From BRIGHAM JAMES RENEER |
We would play with a boat or leaf in the small cement ditch by our home.
You would toss the leaf into the water and run to pick it up down stream. Happy and untiring. We played and played. I can see you. Yes, as if it were "right now." Please forgive my tears. I miss you Brigham.
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| From Brig 1996 |
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| From Brig 1996 |
Brigham we camped in your tent on the back lawn and by the fireplace in the living room. Grandpa Gene was the bear. He would try to get us and you always would be brave.
You enjoyed our camping on a blanket under one of our trees.
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| From BRIGHAM JAMES RENEER |
We would joyfully look up into the sky through the green leaves. Precious moments! I see you on the beach, in the water. You were full of energetic enthusiasm.
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| From Many more pictures of Brigham James Reneer |
We had been looking up through the trees leaves
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
Brigham liked the water and sand in his mouth and all over him.
We played on the stairs, the game of you saving me from the sharks. You, the dolphin, would drink your concoction of dolphin milk, which I brewed hoping that it would save your life. You were thrilled to save Mama Argie from the scary sharks. We would squeal, hug and play the game again and again. We would claw the carpet, I hoping that the texture of the carpet would break up the awful storage in your precious fingers. Then one day, my dream came true for you, you played with real dolphins.
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
One day, I saw you bent over and couldn't walk holding yourself up. You still didn't cry.
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| From Many more pictures of Brigham James Reneer |
The last real conversation, words to words came as we sat by the pool in 2002. We talked of your day at the beach. I knew that conversation using verbal language would soon be over, however the message from your eyes told me that language is more than oral.
Years went by, your fingers curled, you would take my nails and press them into your fingers as hard as you could. You did not cry.
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
“I love you a bushel and a peck, you bet your pretty neck I, and you would say do.” The day before you passed, we sang our song. I picked up a stuffed tiger. You said “Tiger” and growled. After having connected twice with your beautiful eyes filled with intelligence and deep with spirituality. You gave me one of your wonderful wet kisses. I love you, Brig, I will miss you, however you will be in the pockets of my heart forever. You didn't cry. Mama Argie will try to be strong, but I cry!
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
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| From Last Wonderful Days with Brig |
Mother Julie and son Brigham Reneer
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| From Last Wonderful Days with Brig |
Brigham James Reneer
November 18, 1994 May 15, 2009
Opening Prayer
Funeral Service for
BRIGHAM JAMES RENEER
May 23, 2009
Our Heavenly Father,We, a few of thy children, have gathered this Saturday morning to pay honor and tribute to our beloved Brigham James Reneer as we so painfully bid him farewell. May thy Holy Spirit and tender mercies rest upon his parents and siblings to buoy them up and sustain them during these services and for the remainder of this sacred day.
We thank thee Father for Brigham’s life and for the great opportunity of knowing him and to serve him during his brief sojourn on this earth. And may we be filled with the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that will not only comfort us, but will also energize us to live lives of purity. It is our hope and our prayer that when we next meet Brigham and our eyes connect with his knowing and penetrating gaze, that we will be filled with the joy and the gratitude that will enhance our mutual anticipation of the future.
We also pray that thy spirit will attend us during this service and the burial to follow that we may draw close to thee and to each other. Please bless those who will actively participate in this service with music and with words, that their minds and hearts will be open to the promptings of Thy Holy Spirit. Most especially we pray that Randy and Julie will be sustained and blessed as they share that tender mixture of Grief, Gratitude, Appreciation and Joy which fills their hearts.
For these things we pray, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen
BRIGHAM JAMES RENEER
A FEW THOUGHTS FROM GRANDPA GENE
A beautiful child and a powerful spirit locked in a severely handicapped body. But it’s a little like a game of golf, where we are the recipients of the handicap. The handicap was really given to us so we would have a better chance of keeping up with him. What we know about Brigham is that he didn’t need either the handicap or that so called reverse handicap in order to complete his mission on earth and to be tested. He had already passed the “tests” with flying colors before his immortal spirit arrived here to obtain a mortal body. I’m assuming that Brigham’s Heavenly Parents already knew how Brigham would handle what we would consider to be a “normal” life in mortality. A life where we have control of our faculties, and where we are free to develop our talents on the one hand while struggling to overcome and transcend our weaknesses on the other.
So, what we got from Brigham might be called a double reverse handicap, if you will, i.e. a chance to catch up with him while having an opportunity to observe him and love him while at the same time giving of ourselves to serve him. When the accurate scroll of this earth’s complete history is unrolled and carefully read, I suspect we will learn that Brigham was well apprised in the pre-existence that his mortal body would come equipped with two terrible disease syndromes, both of which would cause him great pain and suffering and one of which would start the timer which circumscribes the number of one’s days on the earth. All this accumulation of experience will give Brigham a profound appreciation for his resurrected, perfect and immortal body that is free from pain and will never die.
Well, back to Brigham’s mortal experience and the joy he brought to all of us. We frequently caught glimpses of his fine mind, even as his use of language shrank from being “normal” at age three to a preference for attenuated, single word communications which gave clear meaning and were delivered with passion.
It was always a joy to watch children’s movies with Brigham, especially the one which filmed a Broadway production of Peter Pan. Brigham had seen all these movies many times and it was such a revealing experience to hear him so frequently articulate the lines a few moments ahead of the actors. For me, the most joyous moments came during the peak dramatic moments as Brigham jumped up and down, flapping his arms with glee as he made whatever sounds were appropriate to the situation as the hero delivered the good guys from whatever awful fate the villain had in mind for these characters we had come to love. Brigham then encapsulated the entire scene with a single word which was passionately uttered and repeated several times as he turned to look me into his penetrating gaze Then, with that crooked little smile on his lips and that knowing look, with each utterance of his one-word summary, Brigham paused long enough for me to repeat that word while matching his enthusiasm as we laughed and laughed and laughed. Anyone in the room was inextricably swept into the core of his excitement and into the heart of his total joy as good triumphed over evil.
When Brig was only three years old, before anyone suspected that his body was hiding those two severe disease syndromes, we all recognized the power of his spirit and of his emerging personality. I remember predicting that when Brigham matured, he would be seen as “The Terror of the Board Room.” The word terror was not used in a pejorative sense but rather as an acknowledgement of his intelligence and the power of his emerging personality. We all look forward to watching all that power unfold . . . and TIME is not even an issue. In addition to all this, Brigham had a rock solid and powerful body right up until the end. Someone suggested that during Brig’s young adult years, Lavell Edwards will be standing at the door to recruit him . . . probably to terrorize the opposing linemen, for at least four years of our post-mortal existence. Those who wrote our scriptures may have overlooked this elemental fact, but everyone intuitively knows there will be football in the next life, and Brigham loved football games. Of course it won’t be fair for either team to pray for victory.
Here’s to you, Brigham! We all look forward to the next phase of our association with you, when we can all benefit from the full range of your personality and your personal power.
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| From Brig 2002 |
Takes my breath away!
SERVICE for BRIGHAM JAMES RENEER
"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." Doctrine and Covenatnts 121:7-9
"How fitting that we contemplate atoning Jesus -- bending and curved in Gethsemane. His bleeding curvature transformed the grammar of death. Until Gethsemane and Calvary, death was a punctuating, rigid exclamation point! Then death, too, curved -- into a mere comma!"
Neal A. Maxwell
I'd sing you a morning: golden and true.
I would make this day last for all time!
Then fill the night deep in moonshine!
If I had words to make a day for you
I'd give you a morning golden and true!
I would make this day last for all time!
From BABE
Sang by Emily and guitar played by Uncle Daniel Reneer
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| From Brig 1994 |
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| From Brig 2001 |
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| From Brig 2001 |
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| From Brig 2001 |
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| From Brig 2001 |
Making Friends:
Brigham Reneer of Provo, Utah
Kimberly Webb, “Brigham Reneer of Provo, Utah,” Friend, Feb 2002, 28
When Brigham Reneer (6) of Provo, Utah, sings with the Primary, “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission,”* he already knows, because of his special circumstances, what being called to serve is like. On February 4, 2001, he was called to be a stake youth missionary in the Provo Utah Oak Hills Stake. Even though most young men are called to serve full-time missions when they are nineteen years old, Brigham is already serving as a stake missionary.
His family lives near the Missionary Training Center in Provo, and every time they drive past it, he is fascinated by the groups of missionaries gathered outside. “I want to go on a mission,” he repeatedly told his parents, Julie and Randy Reneer. But they knew that his health would never allow him to serve a full-time mission.
The opportunity for him to serve came when Brother Wayne Arballo, the Reneers’ home teacher, was called to be a stake missionary. Brother Arballo said, “I was passing Brigham in the hall at church. I knelt down by him, and he tried to take my missionary tag. I let him take it, but it made me wonder if there was something more I could do for him.” Brother Arballo wanted to help Brigham fulfill his dreams of becoming a missionary. He talked to the stake mission presidency, and they spoke with the stake president. The result was that Brigham was called as a stake youth missionary.
Brigham received his call in a letter, much like the letters full-time missionaries receive. His grandfather bought him a black suit, his aunts and uncles gave him a set of scriptures, and the stake mission presidency ordered a missionary tag with his name on it. His missionary plaque hangs in the display case at the Oak Hills Second Ward. It includes his favorite scripture, Isaiah 11:6—“And a little child shall lead them”—and his favorite Primary song, “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus.”† He could not be set apart because he is not yet baptized, but he received a blessing from the first counselor in the stake presidency, Stephen Clark, to help him in his calling.
Being a stake missionary is a dream come true for Brigham. He and Brother Arballo, now his companion, visit Primaries and other organizations in the stake to share a message about Jesus Christ. After Brother Arballo bears his testimony, Brigham tells the story of the Savior’s life while his companion displays pictures. Brigham loves to bear his testimony that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected. Even though Jesus’ crucifixion makes Brigham sad, he knows that the Savior lives and will return to earth. “Jesus helps people get better,” Brigham testifies. He knows that because of Jesus, we have nothing to fear.
Brigham is an example of faith and courage. When he was three years old, he became very ill with leukemia, a cancer of the blood, and had to endure a painful treatment for two years. As he did, doctors discovered that he also had another disease, one that he cannot be cured of. It causes great pain, but he doesn’t complain. In fact, after doctors gave him a very painful treatment for his cancer, Brigham told them “thank you” through his tears.
He teaches those around him to love life. His mother said, “If you ask him what his favorite color is, you never know what he’ll say. ‘Red!’ ‘Blue!’ ‘Green!’ It’s always different because he loves them all.” His list of favorite foods is endless, too; it includes pizza, chicken nuggets, and lemonade.
He tries to not let his illness slow him down. He enjoys camping and playing outside. He tries new things like skiing and other sports with enthusiasm. He also spends a lot of time playing with his best friend, his younger sister, Emily.
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| From Brig 2001 |
He especially likes music. In sacrament meeting, his voice can often be heard above all the others. The bishop noticed Brigham’s singing talent and gave him his own hymnbook to keep in his scripture holder.
For Brigham, every day is an adventure. He loves his friends, he enjoys learning at school and at church, and he enjoys meeting new people. Everyone he meets becomes his friend. President Thomas S. Monson invited Brother Arballo and the Reneer family to visit him in Salt Lake City. After allowing Brigham to sit in President Hinckley’s chair, and after singing and playing the piano for the group, President Monson promised him that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles would pray for him. Now when he sees President Monson’s picture, Brigham exclaims, “There’s my friend!”
Though he doesn’t know when his mission on earth will be complete, he knows that Jesus Christ can heal us, even if sometimes we have to go to heaven and be healed there. His mother said, “We try to make the best of every day because Brigham has taught us that none of us knows how long we are here. Relationships are all that matter. We continually work on them to make them the best.”
Brigham’s strong, loving relationships with his family and with the Savior are examples to everyone who knows him. Whether or not he is fulfilling stake assignments, he is performing missionary work every day. He blesses lives with his love, and he reminds people how precious life is. Most importantly, Brigham touches hearts with his testimony of Jesus Christ, of His healing power, and of His love for all of us.
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| From JULIE'S BRIGHAM PHOTOS |
Brigham Reneer
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| From Brig 2002 |
Julie and Brigham Reneer
The memory is a treasure to whom we must give funds, if we would draw the assistance we need. ---Rowe
The secret of a good memory is attention, and attention to a subject depends upon our interest in it. We rarely forget that which has made a deep impression on our minds.---Tryon Edwards
