Posted on 08/01/2007 5:11:17 PM PDT by silent_jonny
As most of us already know, she passed away suddenly this week. She had been sick for quite some time, but I don’t think any of us knew exactly how sick she really was.
We’re all in shock … stunned by this …
Gretchen suffered through so much pain in her life that we can’t help but rejoice and thank God she’s now being held in the arms of her friend Jesus--her tears wiped away forever. But then we remember the friend we’ve lost and our tears still flow.
It’s fitting that we have a tribute for G here on the Dose. She was the backbone of this thread, its heart and its spirit. She posted it (often without help) for many years until recently when her health forced her to stop completely. But she never left us. She was always as close as a ping or private message, ready with a kind and reassuring word. Or just a “LOL!”
It was her hope that, once she felt better, she would resume her posting duties … That’s how dedicated she was to the Dose. That’s how much she loved her friends here.
I hope she knew how much we loved her.
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Many people find it awkard if they are given things and cannot give back whether for financial reasons or simply they do not want to give. Gretchen had that ability to enjoy and appreciate what was given her however large or small and make the giver feel that they had enriched her life in some small way.
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Certainly such a gentle, good soul as Gretchen will be so rewarded …
I’ve thought about it a lot and decided that if you could put links on tonight’s thread to the Elvis version of ‘Amazing Grace’ and Brooks & Dunn’s ‘I Believe’ that would represent my feelings perfectly.
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As we gather here tonight to remember our friend, please take a moment to pray for her son Mark. May God comfort and strengthen him at this difficult time.Click here to read Marks beautiful message about his mom. You can see Gretchen’s faith and character reflected in his words.
Please say a prayer for Gretchen’s cousin Carrie and ask that we may continue to receive updates on her progress. Lord, bless this family.
And please remember Gretchen's young friend Sabrina as well.
Bless Gretchen M.
Wonderful tribute Jonny - sorry I am late but I have been so tired manly mental both I think as a result of this and work - work hopefully will settle next week.
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes awayChorus
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth~ Casting Crowns
Amen watching it on FNC now.
I’m okay jonny....a little lonely here...lol
Thanks for remembering Gretchen today. I, too, am at a loss for words; this is so sad.
Bless your sweet heart, jonny. Such a painful job .. and you did a beautiful tribute for our GEM. I’m so sad, and then I think about how little we really knew of her obviously terrible suffering and that now she’s painless and joyful in her dearly beloved Jesus’ presence. But, the overriding emotion is still shock, and will be for a very long time. I pray we shall all meet again.
Thank you for this very special dose jonny. I loved her as a true friend, I shall miss her terribly. There isn’t enought to say about someone as special as GEM. I treasure her words and spirit. She was a bright and shining light on the dose, a light of goodness.
Mystery, do you have your grandsons with you? What on earth do you do to keep the home fires burning? Our hearts are with you and your brave men. Prayers up for all of you.
Lovely Jonny - she would so appreciate this as per my quote at the top she loved to make people happy and her gift to me was her appreciation of the little I could do to help her with the small gifts I used to send her. Her joy came right through the computer and warmed ones heart.
Knowing Jonathan should be home soon should give some comfort. I hope Mike gets to see Jonathan there, before he comes home. I will pray for you.
I note the VP has he trade mark large file :o)
She is now in His arms...that's a very happy thing.
I know Mark, her son, will miss her greatly. I'll pray for him...through this very trying time.
Thanks silent. I couldn’t remember where I knew her name but it was here for years.
She was one of the best FReepers ever. Prayers for her family and FRiends.
Pray for W and GretchenM
We will indeed
Wonderful words cubby - be back in a few minutes helping dad to bed
Hi jonny. Very sad day all around.
I know how we will miss Gretchen here, and her family has my prayers.
That's great news, and as such, will sour the stomachs of the pundits in DC!
(((jonny)))
You feel things deeply, my FRiend. It’s because of your caring heart. Don’t ever change!!
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