I received a call late Thursday night from Frank and Connie Vitiello, one of our church families. They shared with me that their house was packed full of North Stafford students who were hurting from the recent news of Justin Whitaker. If you read the local newspapers over these past few years, you will recognize the name of this young baseball player from North Stafford. He has been battling cancer since his freshman year with a short stint of remission. His cancer returned last fall, and he is once again fighting for his life as his health took a bad turn. Last night a group of students gathered at the Vitiello home to walk through this valley together.
As I entered their home, the pain was obvious in the face of these teenagers. We pulled the kids all into one room, and I led them in a time to share what they were thinking and feeling. It moved through tearful pleas, prayers, and funny stories of remembrance. I felt a little awkward only knowing three of the kids in a whole group. Believe it or not, I did not preach. I listened, and then I prayed. I was so encouraged hearing the Christian students of the group sharing Jesus with their friends. Tragedy does that. It gives permission to talk about life, death, and faith. Jesus was exalted! May God reveal himself to these kids at this hour. Way to go Frank and Connie for allowing your home to be a place of healing. Your awesome!
Be praying for Justin and his family.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18
Hi Todd:
Long time, no see. I happened to stop by the church’s website to see what kind of cool things have changed with the site (I’m a technical guy if you recall), and what’s going on with the church. I found your words about Justin very encouraging from the standpoint of what his parents are willing to do right now even in the stage of anguish and grief they’re experiencing. I was talking to a neighbor last night who happened to mention Justin, and thought it a bit providential that you’ve written about it, though briefly. I’ve forwarded your blog url to this neighbor and perhaps she and her family – especially her teenage daughter who’s known Justin for quite some time – deal with this situation. Thanks again for your faithfulness as I see you continuing the work of Christ in our community.
Kevin Dowker
P.S. I saw your wife at H.H. Poole a couple of weeks ago at the parent orientation. Our daughters are starting middle school next year! Perhaps I’ll bump into you in the upcoming months as we prepare for the next leap in our kids’ lives.
Pastor Todd,
It is wonderful to see God at work during this difficult time. It is always inspiring to see our youth leaning on the everlasting love. My prayers go out for Justin and his friends and family.
Greg Robinson
Justin L. Whitaker passed away today April 7, 2008. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Please pray for his family and friends. God Bless him.
I worked at North Stafford High School for 2 years & only started to know of Justin really well near Spring Break this year. I was working in Fred Donahoe’s class & we watched the benefit dinner that they put on for the Whitaker family. He seemed to me to be an AWESOME young man! Full of grace & poise that a child should not have to have. A sense of humor & I am sorry he has passed. I know there will be no more pain or worry about if the cancer will come back but to lose a child before you must be a horrible thing. I Hope the Whitaker’s know how many people are thinking about them right now. Prayers are with you.
Last night at the NSHS baseball field (for those that don’t know- Justin played on the NSHS baseball team), a candlelight vigil was held and attended by many NSHS students, family, friends and even other Stafford HS baseball teams to pay final respect to Justin’s short time here in our community. He will be missed by many, but will not be forgotten … Rest in Peace Justin.
well.i didn’t really know justin but when i found out about his passing it hurt as though i knew him my whole life. i cried. yes becuase justin touched so many people and even me so much i felt like i lost one of the most important people in my life. i was really pulling for him. and its so sad that our school has lost our superman. but now he can watch over us from the heavens.
Never have I known a young man who touched so many people and pulled so many young people together. Pastor Todd I cannot thank you enough for helping the kids when they needed it most at the Vitiello’s. My daughter is a very close friend of Justin’s and is having a difficult time with his passing. Thank you for your prayers and God bless.