Right after high school, I had a dream.
I was running, I was excited, but didn't know why.
I just knew, I needed to get to that car.
Out of that car came the most
beautiful woman I'd ever seen...
Then the cutest little girl there ever was.
And then it happened...
Her hug was unlike any that I had ever received before.
Who was this little girl?
Who was this beautiful woman?
And me?
I woke up wondering what all that meant.
10 years passed and now I'm living that dream...
But one thing that dream didn't prepare me for,
was how that sweet girl
could also be such a stinker.
Hey girls, you buckled in?
Uh-huh.
All right sweeties, I'll be back.
What are you doing?
You can't drive.
See you don't know how to...
You don't have to be 16 to drive!
Look out world!
Here comes Kennedy.
Stop this car right now!
Help!
I'm good!
Oh no!
Girls!
Girls, girls?
Oh my gosh.
Kennedy!
What happened?
I'm goooood.
She's not good!
She's very not good!
You drove?
Mm-hmm!
How could you?
Don't you ever do that again!
What is wrong with you?
A lot!
Woo-hoo!
Yup, Kennedy knew what she wanted
and set her goals early.
Oh, Kennedy.
Boom wacka, wacka.
Boom, wacka, wacka.
Cheerleading.
Yay!
Sorry.
It's ok.
Dating.
"I would like if when you are 16, we can go on a date.
I love you Brett."
Love, Kennedy.
Oh, Brett!
Uh-huh, uh-huh.
Run! Don't look back!
And her other dream was driving.
She loved it when I would take her for a ride
in my big truck.
Nope.
Oh, daddy.
Sports were a big part of Kennedy's life.
They seemed to give her a way
of appreciating other's feelings.
Good job, good job!
Good kick.
There ya go, pick it up!
Woo!
There was a girl on another team
who was playing dirty.
She knew every trick in the book.
Hey, come on ref!
You gotta watch that!
No, pick her up, pick her up.
Get back, get back! Guard the goal, guard the goal.
Come on ref! Call a foul!
Can you not see that!
Good job out there, good job.
Kennedy come here.
You have got to stand up to that girl,
you got to get in her face, get aggressive.
That's how we stand up to a bully.
But daddy...
Why not just love her?
I think we're the parents of a mix of Gandhi and mother Teresa.
Finally, one of our players
went head to head with the meanie and took her out.
Good job.
What's she doing?
I think Kennedy's going to finally give her a piece of her mind.
You ok?
Yeah.
Way to go Gandhi!
Whoo, Deedee!
All right girls, bring it in!
- You okay? - Yeah
- can you stay in? - Yeah
all right, go get 'em.
Good job.
Good job girls.
Get up there, get up there!
Hello.
Mm-hmm.
I'll be right there.
Hi.
Are you ok?
What happened?
I'm just a klutz.
You are not a klutz.
I am so sorry.
It's just bumps and bruises.
They'll heal up quickly.
Okay good, sorry.
It's okay.
But there's more that you need to know.
Mr. and Mrs. Hansen,
has Kennedy been getting into fights at school?
No.
I'm sorry but I have to ask...
Have either of you ever hit Kennedy?
Are you kidding?
Of course we've never hit her.
What's going on?
The images of Kennedy's eyes show trauma...
Trauma like I haven't seen...
Other than when there's been a severe blow to the head.
Okay, she's fallen but not that hard.
I'm tellin' you, it's not us.
What does this mean?
All I know is it's serious and beyond my training.
I'm going to send you to an eye center in salt lake.
You also need to know,
the decline in Kennedy's sight is both severe and rapid.
There...
There's something wrong with me, isn't there?
You're perfect honey.
We just have to see what's going on with your eyes.
It's okay.
Jesus will fix my eyes when I go to heaven.
That kind of talk didn't ever surprise us with Kennedy.
She had spiritual experiences from very early on.
Heather's mom died when Heather was only 15.
We were given the rocking chair that Heather was rocked in as a child.
And she rocked Kennedy in the same chair.
The chair was now old, rickety and noisy.
I wanted to get a new one but Heather wouldn't hear of it.
And every night, the chair could be heard,
creaking and playing it's music
as our baby girl was rocked to sleep.
One night, I couldn't sleep.
Heather, while you were rocking Kennedy,
I had the strongest impression that your mom was here...
It got me to wondering...
I didn't rock Kennedy...
I thought you were rocking her.
Weird.
I have to go to the park and then if you can bring the girls home,
I'll run by the store,
I'll get everything we need before tonight.
- Does that work okay? - Not a problem.
Okay.
Hey you!
Good morning, did you sleep good?
You know why?
Uh-uh.
Grandma Mona came and rocked me last night.
Who rocked you last night?
You know... mommy's mommy.
The chair then became even more important,
it became sacred.
Many times as a young girl,
Kennedy would tell us that she had seen,
been rocked or visited by grandma Mona.
Yup,
it'll be all good.
Boom wacka wacka, boom boom, wacka wacka...
Hansen's?
This way please.
We spent years going to every specialist on the Wasatch front,
and then...
What disease?
Batten disease.
There have been only a few thousand known cases of batten disease in the world.
It's a disorder that keeps the cells
from ridding themselves of waste.
As the fats and proteins build up,
the cells can no longer function properly.
Okay, so what do we do?
Those who have it not only lose their sight,
they lose their mental capacity
and seizures become routine.
There is no cure.
I don't know anybody who's a better person.
I don't know anyone who deserves happiness more...
Now this?
We're gonna fight it...
There's no way I'm gonna let this happen to my daughter.
When mom died I...
I don't know...
Maybe it's part of the plan.
Part of the plan.
I wanna see a copy of that plan.
Deedee,
do you understand what we're telling you?
What the doctor said?
Are you sure?
Daddy,
can we go for a ride?
Right now?
Yay for daddy!
Yay!
Yay for us!
Daddy?
How long 'til I die?
I don't know Deedee.
I hope you live another 80 years.
But however long it is, we're gonna make it great.
Where do you wanna go?
Get a drink!
We can do that.
Hey!
Kennedy!
Kennedy stop the truck!
Stop the truck!
No sir, no sir!
Move over sister!
Move over.
What are you thinking?
I got you!
You can barely see!
You are a crazy woman!
Oh, but you are a cute crazy woman.
To our knowledge,
Kennedy was the only person in Utah with batten disease.
But through a national batten network
we were led to another Utah family
whose little angel had the disease also.
Her name was Charlee.
As we opened the door,
a feeling entered our home that was indescribable.
At this point Charlee was fully blind.
Charlee had not spoken a word in almost two months.
H-hi
hi.
I'm Kennedy.
We're the same.
Look how sweet that is.
I know.
This song's about us.
When it was time to leave,
Kennedy wrote a note for Charlee to take with her.
Charlee, you are so special
and I feel your heart!
We will be best friends...
On earth and in heaven.
Love, Kennedy
see ya! Bye! Thanks again!
Bye Charlee!
What an incredible family
oh, I love them.
Bye.
Hey Deedee.
Dad and I got you something.
A stick?
No, it's not a stick.
A golf club?
I think she's messing with us.
I knew it!
I knew it.
Ahh, you are such a punk!
You're so silly.
Though Kennedy's health was declining,
she was still so excited about her next step in life.
High school!
M-m-meee, cheerlead...
The games!
Beau!
Did you make it?
Uh, yeah.
Go wolves!
Boom wacka wacka,
boom boom wacka wacka,
boom boom wacka wacka.
Even though Kennedy was so excited about school and dances,
she wouldn't go to a dance of any kind.
Anna would invite her, but she wouldn't go.
But every time, on the night of these dances
Kennedy would wait patiently for Anna...
Right by the door.
Let's go to bed!
Why won't you go to bed?
Just waiting?
Uh, huh.
She won't be long.
Let's get you to bed.
Bye you guys, thanks for the ride!
Bye Anna! See you later Anna!
Boys! Tell about the boys!
Come on!
Well first I danced with Eldon
I know, and Ryan kept looking at us.
Oh, is he hot?
Totally, totally hot.
Hey!
No talking about boys...
Without me!
Move over, move over.
Mom, you'll never guess what happened.
I danced with Eldon.
- Hot, hot! - He's hot.
Hot Eldon.
He's hot, hot Eldon.
Sick
what?
Who cares right!
Boys!
Mommy!
The monsters, monsters!
Shh, shh, baby mommy's here, it's ok.
Kennedy, shh-shh. Calm down, calm down.
- Mommy's here. - We're right here.
We're right here.
Shh, shh.
Today I was thinking about that time in 2nd grade
when she was the only girl in her class
that wasn't invited to that birthday party...
Any other girl would've been so upset,
but not her.
Not Deedee.
And just a month later, remember?
When it was her birthday,
she made sure we invited that girl who had left her out.
She's not normal Jase.
She's not a normal kid at all.
Always thinking of others, putting her needs aside.
It's probably why it took us so long
to figure out what's wrong with her.
She just kept plugging along, going to school...
Saying it was probably just a bug.
But it wasn't.
It's so much worse.
Hi, Deedee.
Oh, honey.
Is this something you are hoping to do?
To get your driver's license?
Sweetie, I know you want to drive so bad,
but there are some things we're gonna have to rethink now.
I, I'm good.
Yes, you are and...
We will just find other things you can do.
One day, heavenly father will f-f-fix my eyes.
I don't know what else to do.
I'll stay with her tonight.
Please...
Give Kennedy the same opportunities this year
as other kids.
Help her to feel normal.
I'm asking for these blessings for her.
I'll be back.
Hey dad!
Hey, you're having fun!
Yeah, where's Kennedy?
Um, I'll find her.
Hey Deedee.
Hey come with me and we'll go into the dance together.
Yeah, that would be fun.
Can't.
Yes, you can.
Deedee, you're a good dancer.
Hey and there's boys out there.
No.
No boy wants to dance with me.
Sure they do.
No.
- Bishop. - Hi Jason.
Hey, where's Kennedy?
Well, she's in the kitchen...
'Cause she not only has to deal with her disease,
she can't handle being rejected by all these boys
and I can't blame her.
I mean they're not even giving her the time of...
Hi!
Hey Levi!
I love this song.
Hi Cooper!
- How are you? - Good, how are you?
We have some fine young men in this stake,
and you have an even greater young woman.
Hi Deedee.
Will you dance with me?
Yes!
Yes, daddy.
Way to go.
I love you... And I always will.
I love you too, dad...
But where are the boys?
All right, Cooper.
The next day, it was my turn to give the lesson.
The spirit told to me to invite Kennedy
to come and bare her testimony to the young men.
As she entered, so did the spirit.
Thanks for doing this.
Okay, they're all right here.
You ready?
Okay.
I believe...
In heavenly father and church.
We have to do what's right
so we will be with him again.
We will see him...
And hug him.
I'm going...
I'm going to miss you all so,
so much.
What you did last night,
you, you...
You tell 'em daddy.
Okay.
She wants me to tell you all thank you
for dancing with her but she can't say it...
I told her it didn't matter anyway because you're all ugly.
Daddy!
Good job, Kennedy!
I'm so proud of you.
After she left, I bore testimony.
I told them that Kennedy would soon be going home.
The feeling in that room was unbelievable...
As I wondered how next to help her,
a voice came into my head,
"take her to the football game this weekend."
I had no idea what that was all about,
but later would learn there was someone else right then
who was pleading for a way to heal her girls.
Jill, it's not fair!
Yeah why should Jordyn and Megan get to and not us?
Because we're seniors!
Oh, well whoop-de-do on the seniors!
We all tried out for the team.
Stop! All right,
I'll decide.
Go home and take a chill pill.
Chill pill?
Go!
This is ridiculous, happens every year.
A very pleasant good evening everyone.
Welcome to Moyle's field!
Number 29 Austin Bolos the ball carrier.
Takes the ball up the left side.
Go wolves!
Wolves!
Yoooooo!
Wolves!
Go wolves!
Make it stop, dad, make it stop!
Wolves!
F-h-s, f-h-s.
Go! Let's go!
I guess we're going for a walk.
Where're we going Kenners?
Fremont, silver wolves.
Kenn, we can't go here.
What are we doing?
Fremont, silver wolves.
Wolves!
Go wolves!
Fremont, silver wolves.
Go wolves!
Hi, what's your name?
Kennedy.
Oh, what a great name!
I'm Jordyn.
I can see you like to cheerlead.
Wolves!
Go wolves!
Go Kennedy!
Hey Jordyn!
Ok well, I gotta go but it's so great to meet you!
Hugs!
Okay, bye bye.
Wolves!
Go wolves!
You too daddy.
More!
Oh, you a sick wolf, daddy.
Thanks, Kenn.
So what do you think, Jill?
We'll help however you want.
I think this might be just what we need.
Let's do it.
Hello?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
That would be so wonderful.
Really?
Yeah, uh-huh.
We would love it if you would be the one to tell her.
Thank you so much. All right, bye.
Jace!
You won't believe it, you just won't believe it!
Have a good day girls.
- Love you mom. - I love you mom.
- Hey Kennedy. - Yeah?
Today is gonna be a great day.
Always is.
But today's gonna be different 'cause Mrs. schof...
What's wrong with Beau?
Don't you know? There's always something wrong with Beau.
Lexi, who's that girl with the cane?
I have no idea.
This is so lame.
Would it be ok with you if we have a conversation with Kennedy?
Is that okay?
Kennedy, my name is Jill Schofield.
I'm the cheer coach here at Fremont.
And I understand that you have a talent for cheerleading.
Yeah.
Really?
I am good.
Well, it just so happens that we have a need
for another cheerleader and we were wondering
if you would be willing to come and help us out.
For reals?
Kennedy, this is Jordyn.
Yes, for reals.
These are for you.
We are so excited to have you on our team.
We'll get your uniform to your mom.
Bye Kennedy, we love you!
I am cheerleader!
Sorry!
Cheerleader!
I'm so, so excited.
Yes, it's absolutely incredible.
But Heath...
Aren't you a little worried how this is going to go down?
A little...
I mean she thinks she's the best cheerleader in the world.
She is.
Hey, this is a dream come true for all of us.
So we go on right after duo?
I think that's what Tyler was saying.
But I heard something different.
Kennedy!
Oh, you are gonna be so great!
Yeah!
Okay, we will see you after
and do just like you practiced!
Okay?
Ready!
Fremont!
Get up and yell, get on your feet with us.
Now spell it.
S-i-l-v-e-r, silver.
Silver!
Say silver!
W-o-l-v-e-s wolves.
We are wolves.
Silver, wolves.
What is that one girl doing?
She's completely off.
She's ruining it!
Why would they even let her up on the stage? She's awful, just awful.
S-i-l-v-e-r, silver.
Can you say silver.
W-o-l-v-e-s,
wolves.
- Silver! - -Silver!
Wolves!
We are silver, wolves.
- Yes! - Wolves!
Excuse me, ma'am.
I just wanted to let you know
that the child up there that was struggling with the cheer,
that's our daughter Kennedy.
And you were wondering what she was doing up there
and what she was doing, was her best.
She's blind and she's losing her motor skills
because of a terminal illness
but we are so, so proud of her.
I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to...
You're fine, you didn't know.
I'm sorry, I didn't know.
I'm not upset.
I'm fine.
Kennedy, you did so good!
Kennedy!
Kenners!
Kennedy, you did so good!
We are so proud of you, Deedee!
You were somethin'!
Good job!
Okay, Kennedy, we are so excited for tonight!
Let's go Fremont, hey!
Wolves!
Woo! Kennedy!
Go Ken!
Emily, are you okay?
No, ow, it really hurts.
Can you even step on it?
Go wolves!
We're all going to have to fill in for Emily.
What happened?
She came down weird on her ankle.
Pray!
You!
Pray!
Dear god of all,
we hope that Emily can get better
and that we can not get hurt.
Amen.
Amen!
Good praying!
Go wolves!
I'll be right back.
Everything okay?
Well, Emily got hurt.
Is she okay?
What was going on a minute ago when you guys were in a circle.
Oh, yeah,
we said a prayer.
I don't think you're supposed to be doing that in school, are you?
Okay, gotta go.
So that's what the scriptures say.
Why do you think that is?
It doesn't make sense to me.
This was written hundreds of years ago.
- Now it's different. - Who's talking?
- That's Jaden. - We can't be expected
to live by the same strict standards they did.
The world has changed.
Jaden was a star student, very popular,
- he was a catch. - I get that god doesn't change
and all but it just doesn't make sense to me.
What does he look like?
Anna!
Okay, he's got blonde hair,
brown eyes, big muscles.
As big as this?
Oh no, nobody could have muscles as big as that.
Anyways, he's into lots of sports and...
Hot, he's hot!
He is huh, huh?
Jaden!
I love Jaden!
Jaden!
Is my boyfriend.
After that, everything was about Jaden.
I'll be your girlfriend.
Jaden!
Boyfriend!
Jaden in class!
She didn't stop yammering about him 'til she went to sleep.
Jaden is smart...
I swear I think we heard the name Jaden
a thousand times before ever meeting him.
Oh my gosh, enough already!
Jaden!
I'm actually way excited, my dress is super cute.
- Wait, when is it? - The 29th, I can't wait!
Hey Kenners, are you gonna ask a boy to the girls dance?
You totally should! Do you have somebody to ask?
Uhmmm, maybe.
Okay, girls! We've got a lot to do today.
Everybody on the floor.
Listen up, here we go.
Now first, there's been some tardiness
that's just not gonna cut it.
That's not what we are about.
Jill, well actually there's been a lot going on lately
and some of us have good reason.
Well maybe some of you need to tell us about it.
Let's do this.
We'll go around and each of you tell
what's keeping you from your obligations.
Go ahead Megan.
Well, my mom has been putting a lot of pressure on me
lately to get good grades so I've been taking extra classes...
Sometimes, it can be kind of hard around our house.
My dad...
She'll just look at me like,
like do you really know what you're talking about?
And it just...
I've been trying this new conditioner
and sometimes it really takes a long time to get the right results,
like rinse, lather, repeat.
It's not always my fault because sometimes they don't do
what they say they're going to do
and it's frustrating...
Okay, Kennedy, what are your challenges?
None.
I don't think she understood the question.
Kennedy, what are your challenges?
None.
I ch-cheer.
I love all you.
None.
Interesting...
Can anyone tell me why Kennedy has no challenges?
'Cause she doesn't see 'em that way.
I think, with one word,
Kennedy has taught us a ton about challenges.
Anybody agree with me?
What do ya say we quit moaning and get to work?
Hey Deedee!
Hi.
Mom?
Can I ask boy to dance?
Yes, that'd be great!
I bet I know who you'll be asking.
Say it!
Come on, Deedee, say it!
Jaden!
Oh wait...
You have to make a big deal about how you ask him.
We'll figure something out.
It'll be awesome.
Yeah.
Do you get it?
Do you know who it's from?
She's a blind girl from seminary.
Oh, that is so cute!
You have to go!
I am loving this whole look...
You got it going Kenners.
I know!
Okay wait!
See if you like this...
Mmm, your dad likes it too.
Okay, let me give you some.
What if Jaden doesn't like me?
Oh, come on!
How could he not!
But what if he loves me!
The famous Jaden!
Get in here!
It's great to finally meet you!
It's an honor to be here. You have an amazing daughter.
Thank you.
Well, come in and meet everybody.
Hi
So you know Anna
and this is Kennedy's mother, Heather.
Hi Jaden.
And this little guy is Beau.
You're right Kennedy, he is hot.
That's embarrassing.
These are for you.
Thanks!
For that night,
Kennedy wasn't a girl struggling with batten disease.
She was a girl on a date with a hottie.
And for that night alone, we will always love Jaden.
The school year went by like a speeding bullet.
Before we knew it, it was time for the final assembly.
Kennedy was having some bad days
and didn't feel well enough to go.
What's up hon?
She wants to go.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
Then let's go.
She came out of the almost non-reactive state she'd been in,
sucked it up and cheered.
Mr. Belnap said I could take just a minute
because my wife, Heather, and I love this school
and we love all of you
for what you've done for our daughter, Kennedy.
A lot of things will come and go in life,
but this year, these moments that you've given Kennedy
we will never forget.
And we hope you don't forget them either.
I can say with confidence
that Kennedy won't cheer next year,
she won't even...
So never forget.
Never forget!
Thank you for all that you have done
to give Kennedy a great, great year here at Fremont high.
We love you!
Kennedy told us that one month after she would die,
a miracle would happen.
She kept telling us that she was having dreams
about heaven and that heavenly father wanted her home.
While she still understands,
you need to take her on her last ride.
Lately, she hadn't been able to speak very clearly
but as I took her to the truck she said very plainly...
Daddy,
if the whole family keeps,
choose the right we'll be together forever.
You okay, Beau-Beau?
Oh, come here.
What are you thinking?
Well, what if you and daddy get sick and die?
Nope.
Not gonna happen.
Oh, daddy.
Hi girls!
So nice of you to come.
- Hey Megan. - Hi.
She's been waiting for you. So, come on in.
Everybody else will be here in a little while.
Okay, thank you.
So, um, she can't talk anymore,
but she will know you're here
and what does still work
is you can ask her a yes or a no question
and if she squeezes your hand once it's a no,
and twice is a yes.
Okay.
Are you sure?
Are you really, really sure?
Megan, ask her again.
Okay.
Do you think Jaden is cute?
Do you think Jaden is the cutest boy in the whole world?
Kennedy?
Are you afraid?
She's so good.
She doesn't have anything to be afraid of.
She's close to heavenly father.
Hey Kenn,
can you see Jesus?
I can feel that he's here.
Hey guys, can we come in?
You did more for us
than we ever could have done for you, Princess.
She is a great hugger.
When you hug her, you feel of her goodness
and the beauty she has inside.
I love you Kennedy.
The entire squad sang to her, let it go.
I was struggling...
You've helped me see what's...
What really matters.
Mom used to sing that song to me,
she's gone
and now it's your turn.
Kennedy Ann Hansen...
By the power of Jesus Christ
I lay my hands upon your head
and I say unto you...
Begin the process
to release yourself of all of your worldly cares and burdens.
There are those waiting
to be hugged by you.
A few hours later, she died.
Wait, elder, isn't this the guy they said hates us?
No, no.
Elder.
You know most trainer's
actually take care of their junior companions.
Make them do stuff like this.
You know, when I'm a trainer my junior is gonna love me.
Finally, woo!
Jace, phone's for you.
All right, thank you.
Hello.
Yeah, Lance.
Happy to help.
Okay, we'll see you Friday at 7:00.
So, you really don't know why we're here?
Uh-huh.
So, are you guys doing all right?
Are you okay?
You know, just one day at a time.
We can't imagine what you must be going through,
but hope that what we have to tell you
will bring you some comfort.
Lexi has something to tell you.
Well...
Our family hasn't been religious...
I respected Kennedy right off
because you could tell she was...
You know, she knew Christ.
That night when Kennedy passed away
and the whole team came over to say good-bye,
I had feelings that were so strong...
Feelings I'd never had before.
When it was my turn to say goodbye to her,
I hugged her and said,
"did you choose this?"
And Kennedy answered,
yes.
Even though she had been pretty much unconscious the whole time,
she said it very clearly.
I kept thinking that in some way,
maybe she told god it was okay that this happened to her
and that got me where I couldn't stop crying...
At home,
I hurried to my room
and just laid there and cried.
I must've cried for an hour.
Then,
she came in.
I felt her sit on the edge of my bed.
I felt her put her hand on top of mine.
Lexi,
who came to you?
Kennedy.
Then, without her talking,
she spoke to me.
Lexi, missionaries are going to come
and you need to listen to them.
You need to have faith and be strong.
Especially, you've got to help your dad.
Then I felt the pressure come off the bed and my hand.
I thought she was gone.
But she was there.
Lexi.
Be strong.
When I looked again,
she was gone.
I cried myself to sleep.
Then in the morning,
my mom came in.
Honey, honey.
Kennedy's gone.
But I already knew...
I was embarrassed to tell anybody
but I just kept thinking about it all the time.
Then a while later...
Can I help you?
We're missionaries from the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.
We have a message we'd like to share with you.
Is there anyone else at home?
We can't come in if it's just one sister.
My daughters are here.
Would that be ok?
Sure
you need to know that my husband
was born in the church but has long since left it.
Things happened in his life
that not only turned him away from the church.
He's angry and bitter about it.
If he were to come home, I'm sure you'd have to leave.
Well that wouldn't be the first time that's happened to us.
Lance, just hear to what they have to say.
You know how I feel about this.
You need to understand I've been a heavy partier,
a few weeks before this, I had come home with a weird stomach ache.
It turns out I have pancreatic cancer.
That's what killed my grandmother,
and that's what killed my mom.
The Dr. said one more drink could kill him.
So with everything that's been going on in my life
and then cancer.
I'm mad at god.
And I'm thinking how could there even be a god?
So with this attitude,
I come home...
And here's the missionaries, in my own house.
So I tell 'em how I felt.
I went to church, and I did all that,
and god, if there is a god,
turned his back on me.
I can't believe it.
And I don't know how you can sit there and say you believe it either.
I think you're mad at god
and you tell others and try to convince them to forsake him too.
I think the adversary has you right where he wants you.
That comment hit me hard,
but it was the elder's next words that went straight to my heart.
We want you to know, brother Velasquez,
that we weren't out randomly knocking on doors.
In our mission, we're not even allowed to do that.
We were sent here,
to this home, to you.
God has bigger plans for you and your family.
Daddy, the night she died,
Kennedy told me this would happen.
We need to listen to them.
I would drop the kids off at school
and I noticed Kennedy.
I saw her declining.
I was drawn to her.
I don't know why.
Now, this has all started to make sense.
So, we want to know if you would be here with us
while we're taught the missionary lessons.
Kennedy had told us that one month after she would die, there would be a miracle.
This is it.
People ask us how we could endure losing our baby girl.
I need to tell you one more thing.
One morning when Kennedy was still in junior high,
the day seemed usual and our family went through
our typical morning with scripture study,
prayer and breakfast.
We sent the kids off to school
and Heather left for the gym.
When I began my morning prayer,
it struck immediately.
As I began, bam,
my entire body quivered.
I was overcome with a warm, comforting
yet very serious spirit.
To this day I do not know if I heard the voice
just in my mind or if it was out loud,
but I was told,
"I need her home, my son,
I need her home."
I again began to pray.
As I did, I had a recollection of Kennedy's entire life.
Our life.
My little family.
It was replaying through my mind like a movie.
It was confirmed.
I need her home.
I didn't know when, I didn't know how,
but that day,
I got what I asked for.
I got to see a copy of the plan.
She was just a young girl,
but she accomplished her goals, cheerleading...
Dating...
She even got to drive...
Kind of.
The Velasquez family were part of thousands, maybe millions
that Kennedy has effected for good.
If I live to be 100,
I could never do as much good for others as Kennedy did in her short 16 years.
Now, I keep having another dream.
But it's a dream I have, when I'm awake...
And I can't wait.
Oh, daddy!
Even though she couldn't see,
she would always tell you you were pretty.
Or she'd feel your hair and tell you you were pretty
and just grab your hand if you were ever sitting next to her.
And you could just tell that she loved you
and just being around her, you couldn't help but be happy.
She never lost the ability to know
that she was loved by her heavenly father.
She never doubted her faith
and that one day she would be made whole
and she would return to live with him.
And I was forewarned and told by heavenly father
that we would lose her, that he needed her home
and that is, yes, a parents worst nightmare
but in our case, it helped prepare me to send her home
and if I wouldn't have had that preparation,
I don't know that I could've accepted that,
I think I would've fought it
and so rather than it being a nightmare
it became a complete, wonderful, miraculous, journey.
Even when she started losing her sight,
her mom, Heather, was coming in to her bedroom
to help her with her prayers
and she had already started 'em.
And she said, "heavenly father,
I'm not mad at you because I'm losing my sight,
I just need you to help me as things move on.
I need your help and I love you so much."
What more could I be taught than that?
We started having the lessons from the missionaries
and then we actually took it from our home
to the Hansen's home and had the lessons there
and the spirit in that home from Kennedy
and the love that the family had for the church
and just for god in general,
rocked our world.
I don't know why she came to me.
We were never really that close.
Maybe it's because I needed it the most.
We were never really religious.
My dad has always been extremely sick
and with his sickness came a really strong hate for god.
And Kennedy changed that completely.
She said what we needed to do
and when we did it, he got better.
As I listened to Jason,
I knew that I wasn't being taught
how to deal with my circumstance
I was basically being taught how to die.
And I think Kennedy taught me how to do that
because...
Of her dignity.
So, I'm sorry.
So she touched me that way
and I think through god's messages,
that god sent Jason to me that day to talk to me
and teach me, tell me
what was happening spiritually to me.
We were driving home and everyone was asleep
and it was about 2:30 in the morning
and I was driving on 4000 south
and there was a big light coming from behind
the church house and it was over by Hansen's house.
And my first instinct was,
oh, I wonder if there's camera's there
and then I thought no,
it was just a different type of light.
And then the spirit just...
The spirit just told me that Kennedy's going home
and the angels are taking her home.
The next morning, um,
I saw on Facebook that had passed.
Because of this family, I know that...
Faith will guide me
and get me through and I didn't believe that before.
Like, it just wasn't there and it is now.
Although my prognosis isn't very good right now
because of the aggressiveness of my disease,
I still feel at peace with passing away
and I know that everything's gonna be okay because
my family...
Because, you know,
now has hundreds of thousands of members
of the church that is going to look out for them
and take care of them for me.
Boom wacka wacka, boom boom, wacka wacka.
Hey! Kennedy!
Deedee, stop! Stop the car, stop the car!
Kennedy!
Boom wacka wacka, boom boom.