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 had no idea she was ill. I’ve exchanged emails off an on with her for years, often over Washington stuff. She was a thoughtful, intelligent, caring person. The type of old Freeper who made this place what it is.
I will miss her, as many others will.
GodSpeed, Gretchen.
Sad, sad news. Prayers for Gretchen’s family.
A prayer for Gretchen.
Mark, I am so very sorry for your great loss. Your mom's faith was very evident to all--as was her love for you.
Please know that you are in my prayers.
Oh my goodness....prayers for her and her family.
Geez we’ve lost too many wonderful people from FR lately it seems.
What a tribute to have raised a son such as Mark. My prayers are for the dear Lord to give him comfort in the loss of his mother.
R.I.P. My prayers are with her family.
Extremely sad to see another great FReeper pass.
I saw Gretchen around FR a lot over the years. She seemed like a great person. unfortunately I never got to know her personally.
It seems like few people even knew that she was even sick. What caused her death ? What were her long term health problems ?
What beautiful words she wrote, and how appropriate that they should be shared on this thread.
Gretchen was a fellow WA state FReeper, and I don't think I ever met her. Looks like I missed out.
I'll save those words though, and share them from time to time.
Prayers up for GretchenM
I am shocked. Gretchen was such a nice lady. Always very welcoming and kind. God bless her. My deepest sympathies to her family. I cannot imagine their grief at losing such a great lady.
“Never Alone”, what a marvelous tribute to all of those who have gone before us.
May Gretchen’s loving and embracing family find the peace and comfort of God, knowing that she is pain-free and glowing in God’s love.
Eternal Rest grant unto her... I will truly miss her.
Then again I can harass her in heaven as well for help.
God bless her wonderful family, and know she lives on with us who cared about her.
I’m so sorry. Prayers for Gretchen’s family and loved ones.
A great tribute from a son to his mother. Prayers for the family.
I didn’t see this until now. Dolly thanks for posting the inspirational letter from Gretchen’s son. I know how she will be missed around here.
Will keep in my prayers both Gretchen and her family.
The angels are, I know, rejoicing with Gretchen M at the throne of Jesus. But how much we needed her here. Is God taking the gentlest souls to spare them a very terrible time that's coming upon us? Sometimes I think that. We will pray for Gretchen's family and loved ones (many of them here) and I hope - know - she will be talking with the Lord Jesus about those left here to fight the good fight.
Do stop by & see the thread. Gretchen was for several years one of the Dose posters until her health required her to back away "for a short time"
Dear Mark,
May the Lord hold you very very close through this time.
HE IS LORD OVER LIFE AND DEATH.
ROMANS 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and arose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
May you find solace in knowing your separation is temporary.
Praying for you dear brother,
jm
To Mark,
I am deeply sadden at your Mother’s passing. It was only thru the thread about your Cousin Carrie, that I got to know your mother and your family. Gretchen was so faithful in keeping us posted about Carrie.
I just did not even know she was not feeling well. I do know Mark, that you come from a wonderful family. Love to you.
It certainly has.
Mark, this is tremendously sad news. Many prayers for you and all of Gretchen’s family.
I remember corresponding with her about her tutoring of needy children, and providing her with some books that she could use. She was excited about helping her children, and wanted so much to make their lives better.
God has welcomed her into the company of angels, and she will be very much at home there.
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