Posted on 07/31/2007 4:57:53 PM PDT by DollyCali
I just received an Email from her son Mark.
I am Gretchen Erickson's son Mark, and I wanted to let everyone know who loved and appreciated my mother as much as I did that she is no longer with us. One comfort that I do have is the realization that she is no longer in any pain and is with God now. I still hear her resounding infectious laugh ringing in my ears as a constant reminder that she is having a wonderful time in Heaven. As I write this and I look at how many people she had in her contact list it show me that even with her limited physical abilities that she still made such a positive impact on the lives of so many different people throughout the vast expanse of our planet.
I wish I would have had the opportunity to communicate with all of my Mother's friends under circumstances that didn't bring such disparaging news.
At the same time,this turn of events might provide for a chance to hear from those people my Mother provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and general companionship to if the desire exists within those who knew her. From my personal standpoint, I would be greatly honored to hear any stories of how my Mother has inspired or helped anyone of you throughout the journey of your life.
As most of you who knew my Mother were aware, she has been struggling with emotional and physical problems for a very long time. She was feeling very weak and very sick over the last few days. Mike went to check on her the night before last, her body was rejecting the food she had tried to eat but she still appeared stable.
The next morning he went to check on her again and she wasn't in her bed. He then realized how quiet the house was and found her in the bathroom sitting on the floor. He tried CPR but to no avail, to much time had passed as she expired some time that night.
(CLIP ON PERSONAL CONTACT INFO)
My Mother has a very strong spirit that will carry on with those people she had the chance to cross a proverbial path with. I have never met another person that despite their circumstances never focused on how bad things were, but instead always looked for what was yet to come.
I love my Mother more than I can describe in words. She is the greatest woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I owe my livelihood, my table manners, my fervor and passion for knowledge, my love for God, and my wit, among many other attributes that would overload the internet if I were to list them all, to her and her alone.
She will live in my memory and my heart until I am once again rejoined with her in Heaven.
Beloved son of Gretchen
Mark
I know Jonny I have been in shock for the last hour since reading the email from her son.
I cannot adeqautely express my grief at hearing of GretchenEE’s passing. She was a constant source of strength and faith.
I will miss her so much. I pray for her and for her family, including her beloved son, Mark. I know that Jesus is welcoming her with open arms.
Dear Mark,
It is very apparent to you by now, I would guess, how brave and giving your Mom was.
Even though she was in pain, this news has shocked many of us...because she never complained. Your Mom was always there to cheer me up..to send me a special prayer.
I got to know her the best after Carrie’s accident. I have held Carrie in my thoughts and prayers ever since. Since Gretchen was the one that “introduced” us to Carrie, Grethen was never far from my heart.
This news does break my heart...and I grieve with you..but, I want you to know that your tribute to your Mom is about the most beautiful thing I have ever read.
I just know your Mom is very, very proud of you.
God bless you, Mark, and please let Carrie and her family know that I will keep her and them in my prayers, with you, now.
sleuth
Truly, that place is much poorer tonight...
God Bless Gretchen M and please provide comfort to her family, along with many fine memories which are held dearly forever.
Hand Salute...............................Two
R.I.P. Gretchen M.
Lord grant eternal rest to Gretchen M and comfort to her family.
Gretchen prayed for everyone, wherever she saw a need. And her prayers were powerful. When she prayed for something, it almost always came to pass. Her love of people was clear to see. I wasn’t close to her, but I read her posts often, and always knew to expect something uplifting from her. Gretchen was one of God’s blessings. May her loved ones take comfort in the knowledge that she dines with God, and sings with the angels.
Prayers for her family in this time. May the Lord grant you comfort in celebrating the joy she gave to all she knew.
Same here Jonny I corresponded with her by email virtually daily and I am numb at present.
Indeed...I am also a Class of ‘98 Freeper.
I had the same fondnes and appreciation for her that I am sure many of us did. It is a very personal loss and it causes some pain.
Our friend has gone to God, for which we are grateful. But she was important to us. She was a voice and a presence that was always positive. God understands our sadness.
Gretchen, we will miss you so much.
Rejoice, there is no more pain! Bless this lady. Today she is with God.
If you speak to Mark, please let him know we FReepers are praying to lift him up.
Thank you for sharing this sad news. Prayers for Gretchen’s family.
Prayers going out!
I am in shock...and just heartbroken...tears....GEM, what a dear friend you were too many.....tears
God bless her and prayers for her friends and family.
Jean
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.