[DollyCali]

If you were a friend of Gretchens & knew her you will really enjoy the moving story she wrote (link at the first post). They are her own words & own pix.. . It shows her spirit, focus, humor.. She sent me a few pix to use & I decided to use the one when she was younger with a young Mark. She also sent this pix of Mark & her a few years later. When he visits the thread perhaps he can put a year on it but from the glasses style I am guessing late 80s/early 90s; . I think it is WAY back in my email archives.

[silent_jonny]

That’s a great photo, Dolly! Thanks for posting it.

[Kate of Spice Island]

I am shocked and saddened.

Like many, Gretchen was one of the first to help me to feel welcome when I first arrived at FReerepublic.

I don't know what to say.

My heart goes out to her family and friends and to all of the FReepers that she was so near and dear to.

[snugs]

I think that is only about 3 or 4 years ago Dolly looking at the photo of Mark, she sent me one of him last Thanksgiving and he seems very much a similar age.

[Kitty Mittens]

Thank you All for the Pings, and I'm just in Shock at this News. Gem was Always the Nicest, Kindest Person, and when she and I Exchanged Several Freepmails in the Past, her Sweet Spirit Blessed my Heart. She was Always Thinking of Others, of how she could Pray for them, and how she could Bring them a Blessing. I'm Grateful to our Lord to have Known her; she was a Beautiful Person in Every Way, and will be So Missed.

We Love you, (((((((Gem))))))).