Journaling
Whitney was laid to rest in a closed coffin. While the Ceraks grieved, all the Van Ryns could do was express their sympathies, provide their support, and hope for Laura’s recovery. Susie, Laura’s mother, kept a notebook to help her with the process.
“My heart was so full of love for you when they brought us in to see you, honey. It was almost too much for me to watch my lovely sunshine girl hooked up to tubes. When I am so feeble, it amazes me that God has such strength. One of the entries stated, “Only he could uphold me as he has.” On the other hand, God works in ways that humans are unable to understand, as both families would quickly find out.