From the first time that Brenna slipped into a semi unconscious state (Brenna was in a semi coma for about 2 weeks the first time) and during the several times it happened to her up until her passing, I can't help but think that Brenna was embraced by God's love. And every time but the last time she came back to us.

The following is from her Uncle Karl's talk at her funeral. 

"The lord states in D&C 6: 20:

Today we celebrated Brenna's 17th birthday by going to the Jordan River Temple. We always have a unique and spiritual experience when we go on Brenna's birthday; probably because we know Brenna is with us. Today, the entire session was not only in audio/video but also in sign language since there was a big group of deaf people. It was amazing and the deaf people were a great example to me. I'm sure Brenna loved it.

Happy Birthday Brenna! We love and miss you.

It has been 3 years since Brenna left us. I have looked at this several ways...

I am 3 years closer to seeing her.

She has been on her mission for 3 years and I don't know when she'll be home. She does not write often.

It has been 3 years since Brenna has finished her time in mortality and has returned home to "a state of happiness...a state of peace" where she has been resting from all her "troubles, and from all care, and sorrow". What a great feeling for her and her parents to know that she passed the tests of mortality. As her father, I don't worry about where she is or what she is doing or how she is feeling.

She is 3 years closer to her Resurrection.

Still...It really hasn't gotten any easier without Brenna. I miss her terribly. But I am so grateful for the "Plan of Happiness" and my knowledge and testimony of this plan. I am grateful for eternal families and that Brenna continues to be a part of our family and will be forever. I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement and Resurrection that makes eternal families possible.

Brenna, I love you and can't wait to hold you in my arms again.

It is 2 Years and 331 Days since Brenna passed away and I miss her more then ever. It still hurts! I'm greatful for eternal truths that still give me comfort.

Here are some great truths from the teachings of Heber J. Grant...

"How bitter must be the suffering and grief of those who see nothing beyond the grave except the beginning of eternal night and oblivion. For them that thus believe, death hath its sting and the grave its victory. To them, even the glory of this earth is but the last flickering of a candle in unending blackness. But, to the man of faith, death is but the taking up again of the life he broke off when he came to this earth."

"It is a very great blessing that in the providences of the Lord and in the revelations that have been given by our Father in heaven, we have the assurance that the spirit and the body, in due time, will be reunited, notwithstanding the unbelief that there is in the world today—and there certainly is great skepticism and unbelief in relation to this matter. But notwithstanding this, we have assurance through the revelations that have been given by the Lord our God, that that is the purpose of God, that the body and the spirit shall be eternally united and that there will come a time, through the blessing and mercy of God, when we will no more have sorrow but when we shall have conquered all of these things that are of a trying and distressing character, and shall stand up in the presence of the living God, filled with joy and peace and satisfaction."

We can’t believe Brenna would have been 16 today! And in high school! She would have been a beautiful redhead (color of choice) & the sweetest friend to all 5,000 students there! I’m sure they would have voted her Homecoming Queen! Her Oma, who spoiled her rotten, would have been part in her dream car…a burnt orange Pontiac Sunfire. But, like her Aunt Alicia said, “Imagine what she is driving now!” She doesn’t need a car when not tied to mortal strings. She is jumping & dancing & singing!