Whitney Rhea

Is it ever time to stop acting?

This post is in honor of my husband's beautiful sister Mary-Kate Bonner who went to heaven last Wednesday after a year of battling brain cancer. This woman had more vigor and strength than anyone I've ever met. I will miss her so much. I have always wanted an older sister and over the past year and a half, being by Mary's side through this trial, she has truly become my big sister.

Tuesday night, I stayed with her in the hospital so Pop and Jeff could sleep at home. She was not responsive anymore. Just on pain medication and comfort care only. Her best friend Hannah stayed the night also. We gave Mary a mini-spa facial, sang her favorite songs, and had girl talk all night. Her spirit was so strong in the room, I knew she was laughing and talking right along with us. It was one of the best nights of my life and I will never forget it. 

Wednesday afternoon Hannah and I were watching Mary's 3-year old daughter Emelia. She was having trouble napping so Hannah was cuddling her. We got the call from Jeff that Mary had just passed away peacefully. Hannah composed herself and then went back upstairs with Emelia. She found her in the bed giggling and pointing at the ceiling. Hannah crawled into bed with her and asked if she knew about heaven. She said yes. "What do you know about it?" Hannah asked. 

"I know that Mommy is there singing and dancing."

"How do you know that, Emelia?" Hannah was shocked because none of us had sat down and discussed heaven with her yet.

"Because she is in heaven dancing and singing! I saw her in the window with the birdies. And Granna was there. And Pop and daddy."

The only people at the hospital was Jeff, Mary's husband and her parents Steve and Debbie.

This vision that God gave her is so beautiful and precious. He knew that Emelia needed sweet visions of her mommy. Safe and dancing in heaven with Jesus. Every night since then, Emelia has had dreams about her mommy. She told me "Auntie Whitney, I dreamed about mommy again last night!"

"You did?" I ask. "What happened in your dream?"

"Mommy and I were princesses." she said her eyes sparkling.

"You were! Did you have pretty dresses on?" I ask.

"Yes!" she cheers.

"What color was your dress Emmy?"

"Pink." (Of course. It's her favorite!)

"What about mommy's?" I ask mid-hug.

"Mommy's dress was blue. And she had a crown. And she was dancing."

Here’s What Actors Are Saying About Risa and Steve: Meet more of our actors → Who We Are What We Do We help actors of all levels add their unique voice to a script or scene and we present opportunities for that work to be seen by top industry professionals. We train actors to bring [&]

This is the best place in L.A. to study our craft. Seriously.

My sister is battling an agressive anaplastic astrocytoma. Cancerous brain tumor. Right now she is in the ICU because she developed pneumonia after undergoing a recent surgery. My brother-in-law asked all of our friends to research the use of high doses of vitamin C to treat staph infections. Here are some excellent articles that were presented by friends/family across the country. 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120827122258.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/8023655/

http://www.jci.org/articles/view/62070

I am amazed and comforted by the response of so many individuals to my brother's request. It is so comforting to know that if you ask for help, people respond. God has been really working in my life and my family's during this difficult time. We appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts! If you would like to learn more about my sister, her husband, and 3-year old daughter, please like our Facebook page!