[silent_jonny]

Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island

[silent_jonny]

Today

Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, arrives for a meeting with Israel's President Shimon Peres, not seen, at the President's residence in Jerusalem. Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007. Rice will begin laying the ground for a Mideast peace conference in the visit to Israel on Wednesday, hoping to push Israelis and Palestinians closer to renewing talks.

Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, right, shakes hands with Israel's President Shimon Peres during their meeting at the President's residence in Jerusalem Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007

[silent_jonny]

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (L) shakes hands with Israel's Defence Minister Ehud Barak during their meeting in Jerusalem August 1, 2007

[Wolfstar]

Thank you, Jonny. I’ll post more fully when I get home later, but I just want to say that, although Gem may have been alone when she passed on, in a larger sense we’ll always be with her — and she with us. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but this is one of those times when I don’t think I could ever get out what’s in my heart.

[ozbushkin]

Terribly sad news; I can hardly string these words together... My memories of Gretchen will always be of a welcoming friend with a true, kind heart. Her smile came through in her words.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mark and all of Gretchen’s family and her friends.
Rest in Peace Gretchen.

[silent_jonny]

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives for a joint news conference with Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in Jerusalem August 1, 2007.

With Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni

[silent_jonny]

Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice speaks during a press conference with Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak, not seen, after their meeting in Jerusalem, Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007.

Nice photo of Condi.

[silent_jonny]

President Bush walks from the White House to Blair House for a going away party for budget director Rob Portman in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007.

[silent_jonny]

President Bush's top political adviser Karl Rove, left, and counselor to the president Ed Gillespie, enter the Blair House for a going away party for budget director Rob Portman in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007.

President Bush walks back to the White House after attending a going away party for budget director Rob Portman in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007.

[silent_jonny]

God rest your gentle soul, Gretchen. We miss you ... (tears)

[Carolinamom]

Thank you for this tribute to a wonderful freeper, jonny. Gretchen was one of the best, and I pray that her son Mark can gain some comfort in knowing how many people admired and cared for her.

[TruthSetsUFree]

Thanks for this wonderful tribute to Gretchen. Although I don’t post often, I read the dose pretty much every day, and have always been blessed by Gretchen’s kind-hearted, sincere and caring spirit. It was also obvious she loved the Lord. When I asked for prayer for my BIL who had leukemia (who is now in full remission, PTL) her first response to me was to ask if he knew Christ as his Saviour. I was glad to be able to tell her that he does.

Now Gretchen has met her Saviour face to face. Her last moments may have been absent of other humans with her to comfort her, but I have no doubt that God sent his angels to minister to her during that time and to carry her safely Home.

[MonicaG]

Thanks for posting the picture of Gretchen and her son; very sweet. Prayers for her family and friends. Sorry to lose an awesome FReeper but also content to know Gretchen knew her Maker.

[freekitty]

Bless Gretchen M.

[snugs]

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.

[radiohead]

Thanks for remembering Gretchen today. I, too, am at a loss for words; this is so sad.

[sionnsar]

Say WA? Evergreen State ping

FReepmail sionnsar if you want on or off this ping list.

Ping sionnsar if you see a Washington state related thread.

[shield]

I'm sorry to hear of Gretchen. I didn't know her. As much as has been posted here...she sounds like an extremely precious person. I'm very glad to read, she had put her faith in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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.

[bray]

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

[JockoManning]

CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.

May God rest your soul in peace precious sister.

jm

[AmericanMade1776]

I am so shocked about Gretchen, I did not even know she was that sick. God Bless...Gretchen.