Cover Article | By Jocklyn Mundy | Photo by Windermere Photography
Lane and Whitney Henneman radiate confidence and charisma, carrying a casual elegance and bright smiles. Behind their beautiful smiles lies a more complex story—one of overcoming adversity.
By sharing their journey, the Hennemans hope to inspire others to embrace their challenges with courage and faith, and reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles.
Whitney is the oldest of three girls who grew up on the shores of Lake Bessie, where her parents, Brad and Laurel, still live. Whitney reminisces, “Some of my favorite memories of Windermere as a child are the smell of the orange trees in bloom, biking to the local “treat shop” for some candy or beef jerky where Dixie Cream now resides, and running to friends’ houses on the lake for pub-sub boat days.” The “Gebben Girls" were not only known for their beauty but also athleticism; they grew up playing volleyball, basketball, and track. Whitney says, “I am athletic, but my sisters are exceptional, they both got full rides to play D1 volleyball in college.” After graduating from The First Academy, Whitney opted for the University of Florida.
Lane, the middle son between sisters in a pastor's family, was raised in the peaceful, rural expanses of Ohio. Surrounded by nature, he developed a love for the outdoors, embracing activities like hunting and sports. A gifted athlete, Lane has excelled in football, baseball, golf, and even started surfing in college. His love for sunny skies and the ocean led him to Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he played baseball while soaking up the coastal lifestyle.
In the fall semester of their senior year, Lane and Whitney were among only 88 college students chosen from a global pool of applicants to participate in the Focus on the Family Leadership Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The semester-long initiative aimed to "equip tomorrow's leaders in family, church, and society.” Whitney reflects, "It was an incredible experience... we had the opportunity to learn from educators like Dr. Del Tackett of the Truth Project, Jim Daly, and Juli Slattery.”
Photo Courtesy of the family
Lane and Whitney found themselves in the same practicum group and soon developed a close bond. Although their program's rules frowned upon dating, as the semester drew to a close, they could no longer deny the affection blossoming between them. Lane whimsically likened their romance to "our Christian version of The Bachelor," enriched by shared adventures in skiing, hiking, and academic activities, all of which he remembers as "a special bubble of time."
A few months following the conclusion of their program, Lane chose a memorable setting for his proposal—the summit of a "fourteener," a mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet in elevation, where they had first shared a meaningful conversation. The couple exchanged vows in March 2010 at the picturesque Bella Collina, in Montverde.
Lane and Whitney fully embraced the joys of newlywed life, settling into a comfortable rhythm together. Lane pursued a burgeoning career in medical device sales, while Whitney carved her own niche in medical sales. Both shared a vision of building their future in Windermere, drawn by its charm, community spirit, and proximity to family. When the chance arose to purchase a home in the sought-after Willows neighborhood, they seized it without a second thought, eager to lay down roots. Their jobs in similar fields enabled them to travel, Whitney says, “It was a blast!”
The beautiful, talented, and faithful college sweethearts seemed to be living a fairytale life from the outside, but in reality, their path had not been without its challenges. As Whitney watched her sisters and friends celebrate their journeys into motherhood, she and Lane faced a starkly different reality—she was not conceiving. Each baby shower invitation and birth announcement was a reminder of the course she had yet to travel. Despite the subtle pangs of isolation and societal pressures, Whitney showed incredible resilience and courage and channeled her energy into personal and professional growth.
The pressure on the young family intensified as Lane, who had been dealing with a heart condition, was becoming significantly worse. When Lane required serious medical intervention for his heart, the situation for him and Whitney became even more challenging. Within just two weeks, each faced major surgeries: Whitney underwent a procedure for infertility, and Lane had a heart procedure. This sequence of events introduced significant stress and uncertainty into their lives, as they navigated their health challenges almost simultaneously.
With the expectation of a short recovery time, Lane and Whitney were unprepared when he felt even worse after the procedure, and the recovery time was extended. What they thought would be a quick fix became not just weeks, but months of recovery. He was burdened by extreme pain, he couldn’t work out, swing a golf club, or even climb a flight of stairs without passing out.
This young, athletic, couple faced the daunting reality that none of this could work…none of these surgeries, procedures, medicines…there were no guarantees regarding the outcomes of any treatments or procedures for either of their medical situations. Whitney recalls, "I can’t tell you how many times my husband and I were both in and out of the hospital that year, how many life and death moments we endured, and how many times I sat in a numb daze of terror over the thought of losing Lane or never having a child.” This period was marked by anxiety and recovery, further compounding the emotional rollercoaster of infertility treatments. Through these tribulations, Whitney and Lane's faith was a cornerstone, helping them navigate the complexities of medical and emotional upheaval.
They persevered through the challenging months that followed, and gradually, Lane's condition began to improve. In May of 2016, after surgeries and various fertility treatments, their precious daughter, Selah James, was conceived through IVF. Two years later, as they prepared for another IVF procedure, their oldest son Stone was naturally conceived, as was Shepherd, three years later. Today, their lives are busy and full. Selah, aged 7, is thriving at Windermere Elementary, while Stone, 5, attends Windermere Union. Shepherd, the youngest at 2, is set to start at Family Church this fall. Selah enjoys ballet, and Stone keeps busy with baseball, Awana, and tennis.
Whitney says, “We started attending Family Church in Downtown Windermere 2 years ago and have fallen in love with the people and its mission. With Lane growing up as a pastor’s kid in rural Ohio, the church has a very warm, inviting, and nostalgic feel. After going to a few mega-churches over the years, there is a refreshing feeling to everyone knowing your name and doing life together the way it was meant to be lived. Lane and I began hosting a small group this past January on Wednesday evenings and have thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship.”
They all love spending time at Whitney’s parents’ home on Lake Bessie, which the grandkids and neighborhood kids affectionately call “G Camp.” Whitney says, “They have zip lines, tube rides, and all the fun toys. Don’t be surprised if your kids go home with some well-branded G Camp swag: we have hats, bags, and a dock flag.” During the pandemic, the family embraced a new mode of transportation—a street-legal golf cart, enhancing their local travels to school, church, and the occasional Pizza14 run.
Whenever they find the opportunity, they love escaping to their ranch in Okeechobee. Last year, they took the older children on their first international adventure to England and Scotland. Lane reflects, "It was an incredibly memorable trip for us all." Snow skiing in Colorado and their annual summer trip to the Ocean Reef Club in the Keys are also cherished family traditions.
The births of their children are significant milestones that embody their faith and resilience, inspiring their family mantra, “Selah the stones of our shepherd: Pause and reflect on God's faithfulness and provision.”
Lane and Whitney’s journey moved Whitney to start writing and sharing her experiences. Initially intended as a blog, her writings blossomed into a published book “The Barren Cry,” a devotional to support women through similar struggles. Her book is available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Her leadership extends beyond her writing as the founder of the Hope Infertility Support Group, she is a devoted advocate and speaker. Whitney also serves on the board of a local non-profit, Choices Women’s Clinic.
The Hennemans find joy in the simple moments of family life, they are grateful that each day offers an opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrate their blessings, and plan for the future.
