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
Condolences and prayers for those she left behind.
I’m heartbroken. I loved her, and missed her, and I had no idea she was so sick.
She loved you so, Mark. She emailed me about you and sent your picture. I’m so sorry you will have her here no more.
I’m so sorry WE will have her here no more.
God bless you and shower you with His tender mercies.
re: 18
I don’t know what to say either.
What did she die from?
My prayers go out to Mark, her son.
I’m lifting him up to the Father in Jesus’ name.
Amen to everything you said, SCB.
Mark, special prayers to you. We get caught up in our loss, but it can't compare to what you're feeling.
Please know that your Mom thought the world of you. She sent me (and I'm sure others) this photo of you from Christmas 2004. You were always first and foremost in her heart.
God bless you and comfort you.
oh my gosh- i am totally shocked and saddened. Gretchen was a wonderful person and I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Thanks for the ping Dolly. My condolences and prayers to Mark and the family in Gretchen’s passing. I didn’t know her.....but from the response I see here.....she must have been a wonderful woman.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
Gretchen was a blessing here and clearly to her own family and local friends as well.
[[[[hugs]]]].....I am so upset....
I don't know if it was any one thing ... Gretchen suffered with so much.
But praise God, all that suffering is over now.
God’s abundant blessings to Gretchen and her family and friends.
Me too ... I haven’t moved for three hours ... just shocked.
Yes Jonny.
But I’m so very sad to know she isn’t here anymore.
She will be sorely missed.
What a kind soul she was.
How could FR ever be called a “hate site” when we were graced with her posts? Prayers for comfort to all who miss her.
She was one of those rare people who gave so much by receiving gifts; she portrayed so much joy at the little she was given and it lifted my heart to send her a few things that made her life a bit easier.
I pray that the gifts I sent will be given to someone who will treasure them as much as I know she would have.
prayer bump
sad, sad ping
Very sad. Prayers for your family.
She was one of those rare people who gave so much by receiving gifts; she portrayed so much joy at the little she was given and it lifted my heart to send her a few things that made her life a bit easier.
I pray that the gifts I sent will be given to someone who will treasure them as much as I know she would have.
@@@
You are always so sweet to think of people like that Eleanor. I am sure that Mark will make sure he gets them to someone, but I hope he keeps them for himself unless it is girly stuff..
OMG! She was the sweetest thing!! How very sad. But if anyone’s in heaven, she is.
I received the same email, Dolly.
Here’s how I responded to Mark.....
Dear Mark:
I am crying over the loss of Gretchen. I never met your dear Mother but did speak with her once on the phone. We met on the conservative forum www.FreeRepublic.com
She gave me great spiritual support for the past several months when my husband Richard was dying from cancer. Richard went to Heaven on July 6. I am also praying for your cousin Carrie.
Your Mother was a sweet soul and had great faith. I believe that she and my beloved Richard are now together in Heaven where both of them are now experiencing the ‘Glory’ of God’s Presence and Love.
May you take comfort in the gratitude of so many whose lives she touched with her gentle sweet nature.
With my sincere condolences,
Julie
This is a copy of the last email I received from your Mother:
From GretchenM | 07/25/2007 4:51:43 AM EDT replied
Dear Julie,
I find myself praying one word over you and all your loved ones recently: “Grace.”
Also that you will have grace to focus on your heavenly reunion with Richard, where there will be no pain or suffering, nor any more loss, so as to lessen things now at hand.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Tender love and prayers,
Gretchen
PS: Richard chose the poem, “I’m Free” for his prayer card.
He added the last line to it.
I’M FREE
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
I will be singing with sweet angels in my happy home.
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