Families Are Forever

Today I attended my cousin, Brittney's, funeral. My grandma called on Thursday to tell me she had passed away late Wednesday night. We knew this was coming, but it has still been hard to take. The services were beautiful and the spirit was so strong. Again I am grateful for the knowledge of the gospel in my life. It helps to bring some peace in a trial like this. I was impressed by Steven's(Brittney's husband) comments during the funeral today. He talked about the fact that Brittney had not lost her fight against cancer but that Heavenly Father had decided she had suffered enough and it was time to go home. He said she had won because the cancer had strengthened her as a person spiritually and those were things that would not be lost as she moved on to the next life. I know that the only way to get through something like this is to look for the good and what can be gained. That is how I pulled through when Andria passed away. Singing Families Can Be Together Forever was rough but the spirit bore witness of the truthfullness of this message. I am so sad for her dear children but I know Heavenly Father is aware of their needs and has a plan in store for them.
This event reminded me of a talk I heard a couple of years ago at Time Out for Women by John Bytheway.
He said:
There are 3 things we take with us to the next life.
1)Character
2)Intelligence
3)Relationships
Then he asked, "So why is it that so often we work so hard to attain the things we can't take at the expense of those we can?"
Human Nature(puts us in catergories) VS. Divine Nature(unites us as one)
After the funeral I knew that Brittney understood this and was doing everything she could to attain the things that she would be able to carry on with her. I will miss and remember her example always.
Here is a copy of her obituary:

Brittney Drakulich

1979 ~ 2009

Brittney Drakulich completed her earthly mission and returned to her Father's presence on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. She passed through the veil surrounded by her dear husband, adorable children and immediate family as she entered into eternal peace.

Brittney was born on November 19, 1979 to goodly parents in Provo, Utah. She is the second of six children and was always the entertainer. She always loved children and began babysitting as soon as was allowed - she was loved so dearly by those she watched over that she was coined with the nickname "My Brittney" by the children. She had a beautiful voice and was never shy to share that talent either by way of a beautiful hymn or a fun Disney medley. Brittney graduated from Mountain View High School and earned an Associate Degree in Pre-School Education from Ricks College. She enjoyed her time teaching at Learning Dynamics.

Brittney was sealed to her eternal companion Steven on July 21, 2000 in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. They have three beautiful children who will proudly carry on the legacy of their incredible mother. In her time as a mother Britt was able to establish firm testimonies of our Heavenly Father's love and plan into each one of her children by way of an example of steadfastness and faith that has left us all in awe. Brittney has earned the peace that she feels and will be a ministering angel to her children and husband.

She is survived by her husband Steven and 3 children Harmony, Brynn and Boston; her parents, Bart and Renae Mangum; her siblings Candace Larson (Michael), Kaleb Mangum (Kathryn), Hayley Johnson (Benjamin), Wesley Mangum (Leah) and Collin Mangum; her in-laws Steve and Denise Drakulich, Nicole Murphy (Ben) and Camille Brown (Briant); additionally she is loved by her grandparents, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and many friends who she has influenced for good. We will all miss her so much and love her forever.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 11:00am in the Saratoga Springs North Stake Center (Harvest Hills), 2256 North Providence Dr., Saratoga Springs, Utah. Family and friends may call Friday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the stake center and from 9:30am to 10:30am prior to the services. Interment, Orem City Cemetery. Online condolences may be given at www.serenicare.com

Our thanks and love goes to Dr. Greg Litton, Dr. Michael Collins, Dr. Steven Scott, and Dr. Jay Clark and their staffs for their loving, compassionate care of Brittney over the past five and a half years. We also wish to thank IHC Hospice for their tender care during Brittney's last week on earth.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to any Far West Bank branch in the name of Steven Drakulich