Memories

Alex was a very busy boy who loved to be outside and play sports. As a toddler, he was fearless of water; while still in diapers, his favorite thing to do was to jump off the diving board. He played t-ball, basketball, football, and soccer. Soccer was his favorite, especially playing on a competitive team. Alex was always very thoughtful of others. While driving to Salt Lake for treatments, we spent hours talking and listening to his favorite music, which was original old rock and roll, then, because of his service mission, Christian music.

Playing sports with my boys has always been fun for me. Alex would try to keep up with Chris and me, and he did a pretty good job. When it came to kicking balls, Alex ruled. I think what impressed me the most is Alex's courage. He faced his challenges with faith, knowing that whatever the outcome, things would be okay. He always thought of others before himself and did his best to support everyone in his family. He made caring for him easy and fun.

I remember after his hemorrhage hanging out in my bedroom watching movies together. In 2011, when I went to the temple Alex was able to be there. He told me that he felt the spirit stronger than he ever had before.

I remember growing up being the best of friends. We always did everything together: Legos, video games, watching movies, sports, and staying up late talking in our room. I remember one time we were so excited to watch one of the new Bourne movies. We could not understand a word, thinking that it was because it was taking place in a different country. Alex fell asleep 1/4 of the way through. Then, about 1/2 of the way through, I realized that the DVD player had been playing in French. I woke Alex up and told him. We just went to bed and then watched it the next day.

I remember when I had my appendix out, he was my only sibling to visit me in the hospital, and he brought me flowers! When I got home, he hung out with me in my room while I recovered. I remember sitting on the couch, helping him e-mail his missionary friends and finding and texting jokes to everyone when he got too weak to do it by himself. I was singing in the choir that was performing at the General Young Women's meeting. One week before he passed away, he came to my choir practice. He was very weak; this was the last time that he went out of the house before he passed away. This was a very spiritual experience for everyone there.

I remember Alex standing on the porch playing catch with me. he would always come and watch my soccer games even though it was hard for him. On Fridays we would go to the store and get treats for movie nights.

Oh how I loved Alex and the light that shown so brightly through him. Harold and I were always amazed at how late the Wernli family stayed up. Whenever Harold would tease Alex about it he would respond “Just livin the dream”. It always made us laugh. Alex was such a positive person. I marvel and the way he handled each challenge. He was wise beyond his years. God had big plans for him. I cannot wait to see all that he has accomplished on the other side.

Alex and I spent every moment we could together and it was usually spent competing. Alex was the best of competitors. We would play sports for hours, whether it was soccer at my house, or flag football at his. When he wasn't able to play sports as much we found other ways to compete. Card games, Magic the Gathering, video games, etc. It was never about winning for him. He just loved competing and giving it his all. Win or lose we were going again. Alex also loved music. I remember sitting in the office scrolling through song after song to find the best ones. He was always so excited to show me... Read more

Alex is one of the most incredible people I have ever known. He was quick with a joke, and loved to laugh. He was also hilarious, so he made everyone around him laugh all the time too. I hung around the Wernli house a lot, which I feel bad about now. They probably were very sick of me, but it was just the funnest place to be. Every Wernli sibling became part of a second family for me. Anna is my age, so I knew her best, but then I grew to love every single one of those kids. We had so much fun. (Sorry about the Sharpie wars, Linda. 😬) One of my favorite memories of Alex is sitting at the Wern... Read more

I have so many wonderful memories of Alex. I love that kid! This one always makes me think of him. Whenever I would make Eggplant Parmesan my boys were not thrilled. One day they asked if Alex could stay for dinner, I informed Alex that he was welcome to join us but we were having Eggplant Parmesan, he said he was willing to try it. Turns out he loved it and gave my boys a hard time about not liking it. Whenever I made it we would invite Alex to eat with us. Now whenever I make it or eat it I always think of Alex.