Breakfast With the Whittakers

Soft White Underbelly update interview and portrait of the Whittaker family of Odd, West Virginia.

#appalachia #familyhistory #whittakers #interview #familyhistory #marklaita #documentary #odd #westvirginia #update #followup #swu #softwhiteunderbelly

[jeremyplumley]

Timmy and Lorraine go to church with my wife myself and our two sons where my brother preaches at. My youngest son was just born on October 2nd, 2022.. just two weeks ago. Timmy and Lorraine bought the baby a 4 pack wash cloth set, a pack of receiving blankets, and a 10 piece baby kit that has basically all the necessities a baby needs. Nail clippers, hair brush, rubber ducky, bottles, bottle brush, I could go on about what all they bought for him. My point is, these are very kind people who understand more things than what people think they do. We care alot about them and I just want to publicly say thank you to Timmy and Lorraine and the family for the gifts they bought is. Very sweet people, misunderstood but very great people who are very happy.

[kyla]

Something really stands out from the first video to now. They each have a spark in their eye they didn't have in the first video. They each have a smile now. I can't help but believe it is due to your friendship and kindness/generosity and of course those who donate to them has helped immensely as well. I think having a friend that randomly shows up as you do, gives them something to look forward to. Never knowing what sweet suprise you'll have or do next is so wonderful for them and from what I can tell they don't ever even expect anything. Putting food in their fridge and freezer has to have had a huge impact on their happiness/energy. Getting them out for a shopping trip, the doc for Ray. Mark you and your supporters have done so much for them, you are an incredible person ❤

[opalivy]

The Whittaker's seem to be happier than they were before and jovial. It looks like Ray knee is healed. Lorraine is speaking more audibly. Betty is looking happy. Even the dogs are excited and happy bcuz they are constantly barking. Their brother is visiting them and seemed more involved. Ray is so happy with his coffee ☕. Thank you Mark for updating the Whittaker's family. They are really doing so much better since your first visit with them. Keep helping them they really appreciate you

[lorenakato]

You can tell Ray really likes mark. He always wants him to sit next to him. I love this family.thank you so much for introducing them to us. God bless them and you.

[sg]

Ray ADORES Mark. He was almost saying “sit here, sit here!” while he was patting the cushion trying to get Mark to sit by him. Then on the porch he tried to give Mark his pancake! So cute. Mark is the Whitakers’ guardian angel and patron saint :)

[puzzleme]

When you said “I’m proud of you “ you made his day. I bet he’s never heard that before. 😢

[Sassy_Alaskan]

I love how nobody even questions their past. And how the neighbors made sure to keep an eye on them and keep them safe. It warms my hurt. Ray is adorable.

[samanthadupre]

I'll admit, I was pretty disturbed discovering this family at first. Now, after watching all the videos, I have fallen in love with every single one of them. What beautiful souls. There is something so incredibly special about Ray. Your assistant Elle is amazing, seems so comfortable which I'd imagine would be difficult in that environment. God bless all of you.

[theinvisiblepath]

This story is so heartbreaking on so many levels. These 15 kids were dealt such a hard hand in life but yet they survived by sticking together and caring for each other.

[stephanietoms]

I think a lot of us started watching this out of sheer morbid curiosity, and I wasn't sure how I felt about Mark documenting all of this to begin with. But wow, having watched a few of these videos now you can really see how happy there are to have a familiar face over! The dogs look so well looked after (look at those waggy tails!) and you can tell how much they love eachother as a family, even in very few words. Ray is literally a ray of sunshine too - you can tell he understands just about everything and I actually feel like his social skills have improved since you guys came into their life! What started as morbid curiosity has turned into something that's actually very feel-good. These people can't help the cards they were dealt with in life, but seeing how they are with eachother is honestly so wholesome. I've seen 'normal' familes that have it all, that aren't anywhere near as happy and close as the Whittakers are. Also love how Timmy is always doing word searches and doing educational activities that he obviously enjoys. I think we can tall take something away from how the Whittakers live their lives. Absolutely love these guys and I hope for nothing but the best for them xxx

[cryptoviking]

I find myself wondering how the Whittakers are doing quite often, glad to see they're all still together and doing much better! Seeing Lorraine finally feel comfortable enough to speak really made my day, and Ray is still as happy as ever. Thanks for the update Mark and Elle!

[wendyspa]

I love all of them. They are like adult abandoned people. You can clearly see the improvement, and their happiness since having normal human contact and help. This is amazing. 🥰

[nhartigan]

Wow, I love seeing how much nicer their home has become. I'm so thankful to Mark & all who donated & have assisted in this.

[geecee]

What a remarkable improvement in their lives, done over time and with respect. Mark you have shown the world what it's truly like to be a compassionate human.

[babadookies]

I feel like Lorain has been speaking a lot more because she sees you as family now. You definitely notice a change in everyone's behavior around you. Their eyes sparkle when they look at you.

[jamiewallace]

I would love to hang out with this family. They have such good and pure hearts. Thank you for caring for them and introducing them to the whole world! I just love them!

[cynthiablaskis]

Betty seemed so happy to have conversation with another lady. That had to mean so much to her and for her to gift her hand grown squash was precious. I think she did cherish her conversation with Elle.

[srdorseyauctioneering]

The world needs million, more people like you Mark. Thanks for helping this deserving family.

[davewilson]

I think the difference between your first video and this is simple, its trust. I can only imagine the abuse they have suffered over the years and it is genuinely lovely to see them obviously happier. Thank you.

[imloir]

The moment with Ray and fork is a pure comedy. He was eating with hands, then after being given a fork he just put in on the plate and continued eating with hands. What a pure, beautiful heart!