Thread: AS: Grits Board: Limbo / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Tortuf (# 3784) on :
 
Grits, suffered the loss of her son Stephen this morning. He died because of Batten's Disease, from which he had been suffering since he was a little child.

Stephen could not have had a better, or more loving, mother. I hope you will join me in prayer for Stephen, for Grits, and for their family.

Karl

[ 11. March 2012, 16:54: Message edited by: Spike ]
 
Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
[Votive]

What heartbreaking news. My prayers for the whole family.
 
Posted by seasick (# 48) on :
 
[Votive] For them all.
 
Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on :
 
[Tear] [Votive]
 
Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
How terrible. What a challenge to faith. I'm so sorry.

[Votive]
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
[Votive] Prayers ascending from the Creswell Clan for the Grits Clan. [Votive]
 
Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
That sucks horribly. God be her and all those who loved Stephen
 
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
For Stephen [Votive]
For Grits and her family [Votive]

A
 
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
[Votive] For the repose of Stephen's soul.

[Votive] Prayers for Grits, her family, and all who knew and loved Stephen.
 
Posted by Tortuf (# 3784) on :
 
I'll let you know arrangements as I get information.
 
Posted by Josephine (# 3899) on :
 
Our prayers for Stephen, for Grits, and for all who love them. [Votive]

May Stephen's memory be eternal.
 
Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
[Frown] [Votive]
 
Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
I'm so sorry Grits. [Votive]
 
Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Prayers for Grits and the whole family. [Votive]
 
Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
[Votive] So very sorry for your loss Grits. [Votive]
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by ReverendMike (# 7223) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
So sorry for the loss. Prayers. [Votive]
 
Posted by GrahamR (# 11299) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :
 
Thanks for letting us know, Tortuf

Prayers for the family [Votive]
 
Posted by Chelley (# 11322) on :
 
Thoughts and prayers with you all, so sorry to hear this [Votive]
 
Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
[Votive] I am so sorry.
 
Posted by Caty M. (# 11996) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Sine Nomine (# 66) on :
 
I will pay a bit of a tribute to Grits here – for the years I've known her and known that she was carrying a heavy load, I've never heard her do more than occasionally admit to being perhaps a little tired or sad or wanting to get out for just a little while before she would change the subject and want to know how YOU were feeling or what were YOU up to.

A kind and gracious lady. A loving and devoted mother.

Rest in peace, Stephen.
 
Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
[Votive] My thoughts, my heart and my tears, for what they are worth.
 
Posted by Tortuf (# 3784) on :
 
I once asked Grits if she ever felt resentful about having a child who was so sorely handicapped by such a rare disease.

She told me she was grateful to God for bringing her Stephen for the time he would be here.

I remember that and feel humbled.
 
Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on :
 
quote:
She told me she was grateful to God for bringing her Stephen for the time he would be here.


A beautiful sentiment.

[Votive]
 
Posted by jlg (# 98) on :
 
I met Stephen in 2006, when Grits provided me with her excellent Southern hospitality during my Great Southern Road Trip. He was indeed blessed to have Grits for a mother, as well as the entire extended family. If one is fated to have a horrible disease such as Batten's, you definitely want someone like Grits to rally the troops and surround you with love and care.

Love and prayers for the Grits clan as they mourn their bittersweet loss. Love and prayers for Stephen, may he rest in peace.
 
Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
[Votive] for Grits and all who loved Stephen.
 
Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
oh crud. all my love, Grits. [Votive]
 
Posted by Taliesin (# 14017) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Prayers and deepest sympathies to Grits and family and to all who knew and loved Stephen. [Votive]
 
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Much love, Grits. [Votive]
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Dear God, we thank you for the life of Stephen. Pour out your love on all those who knew and loved him, especially Grits and her family. We ask that they might be surrounded by the love of friends and family during the days to come. Meet their every need, dear God. In particular, please give them the gifts of timely sleep and the strength to waken again each day. Help us here on the Ship to respond to this loss with love and faithfulness. All this we ask through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Many prayers, Grits, for you and all of your family.
 
Posted by birdsoftheair (# 15219) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Anna B:
Dear God, we thank you for the life of Stephen. Pour out your love on all those who knew and loved him, especially Grits and her family. We ask that they might be surrounded by the love of friends and family during the days to come. Meet their every need, dear God. In particular, please give them the gifts of timely sleep and the strength to waken again each day. Help us here on the Ship to respond to this loss with love and faithfulness. All this we ask through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Amen to this and [Votive] for Grits and family.
 
Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
Love and prayers for Grits and all her family, and thanksgiving for the love that surrounded Stephen throughout his life.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and light perpetual shine upon him. [Votive]
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
[Votive]

Oh Grits, I am so sorry. May God hold you close.
 
Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
Grits, I'm so sorry to hear this. Your love for him was clearly evident every time you spoke of him at our shipmeets.

[Votive]
 
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Blessings to all her family on this loss. We will remember them in prayer. [Votive]
 
Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
[Votive] for all the family
 
Posted by wanderingstar (# 10444) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Malin (# 11769) on :
 
So sorry. Praying for you all [Votive]
 
Posted by Viola (# 20) on :
 
Thanks for telling us Tortuf.

All my love and sympathy to Stephen's family and particularly Grits at this time.
 
Posted by Spike (# 36) on :
 
Very sad

[Frown] [Votive]
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Grits, I can't tell you how sorry I am.

[Votive] [Votive] [Votive]

Moo
 
Posted by TonyK (# 35) on :
 
[Votive] for Grits, her family and friends.

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord,
and may light perpetual shine upon him [Votive]
 
Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Dear God, I'm sorry. [Votive]
 
Posted by Think˛ (# 1984) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
[Votive] prayers for Grits and her family

[Votive] for all those other families living with a debilitating condition
 
Posted by Louise (# 30) on :
 
[Votive] So sorry to hear this!
 
Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by TonyK:
[Votive] for Grits, her family and friends.

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord,
and may light perpetual shine upon him [Votive]

Said it for me, too. Sometimes words fail us. Our hearts go out to you, Grits.
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Dear Grits...my love and prayers for you and your loved ones. [Tear] [Votive]
 
Posted by Joan Rasch (# 49) on :
 
[Votive] from Joan in Boston
 
Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :
 
Can't believe this.

Grits, you've helped me - at a distance - so many times. Praying that there will people right there for you now, in your time of need. [Votive]
 
Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
[Votive] Grits and Family.

Huia
 
Posted by JSwift (# 5502) on :
 
Grits,

You and yours are in my prayers, for what they're worth.
 
Posted by Wairua (# 3912) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by TomOfTarsus (# 3053) on :
 
[Votive]

Losing a child is so hard. The Lord be with you and yours.
 
Posted by Ferdzy (# 8702) on :
 
So sorry. [Votive]
 
Posted by Leaf (# 14169) on :
 
Grits, I'm so sorry. I cannot imagine the depth of heartache for you and your family over the years and now. Praying for so much more than I can say [Votive]
 
Posted by Spiffy (# 5267) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by RooK (# 1852) on :
 
Oh Grits! How profoundly heartbreaking.
 
Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
I see your names here, your little avatars, and I can't help but think that I have literally a worldful of friends.

Thank you for all the kind words. I am beyond grateful and uplifted by them. I know I haven't been around much lately, but I think all the time I was here in the past was a good investment.

My older son created this video when he got in tonight. I hope you'll enjoy it. Thanks again for all your words of encouragement, and especially for your prayers.
 
Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Viola (# 20) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Grits:


My older son created this video when he got in tonight. I hope you'll enjoy it. Thanks again for all your words of encouragement, and especially for your prayers.

What gorgeous, happy and loving looking boys! Thanks for letting us see that.
 
Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and light perpetual shine upon him.

What a beautiful video. My prayers are with you.
 
Posted by Suze (# 5639) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on :
 
Thoughts from here too, Grits [Votive]
 
Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
'How good it is and how lovely for brothers to dwell together in unity.'

Praying through tears. [Votive] Thank you, Grits, for sharing that link.
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
That's a great video, and such a lovely tribute to both your boys
 
Posted by M. (# 3291) on :
 
Adding my prayers.

M.
 
Posted by Pants (# 999) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Full Circle (# 15398) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Jahlove (# 10290) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
Heartfelt prayers. [Votive]
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
[Votive]

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Rosa Gallica officinalis (# 3886) on :
 
love & prayers [Votive]
 
Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
[Votive]

Thank you for sharing the video, truely beautiful.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

Jenny and Stoo
 
Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Ah, Grits [Tear] He is truly a child of the Light. Light perpetual will shine on him, as your love always has. [Votive]
 
Posted by Balaam (# 4543) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Arleigh (# 5332) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Thurible (# 3206) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Leprechaun (# 5408) on :
 
[Tear] [Votive]
 
Posted by Niteowl2 (# 15841) on :
 
Prayers going out for Grits and her family. [Votive] [Votive]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by claudine (# 12441) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
my prayers too
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
So sorry to hear this Grits, but thank you for the video - what loving brothers.

Praying for you, your family, and Stephen. May light eternal shine upon him.

[Votive]
 
Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Giving thanks for the grace of God in Stephen's life and upholding all who know him and miss him.

[Votive]
 
Posted by Chelley (# 11322) on :
 
The video is beautiful - thank you for sharing it with us. [Tear] [Votive]
 
Posted by Scarlet (# 1738) on :
 
I'll be in third hour prayer in a bit. Grits, you, Stephen and your family will be in my prayers. I'm so very sorry. [Votive]
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Yes indeed, thank you for the privilege of sharing that video with you. It shows two loving brothers.
Prayers for you and your family, Grits [Votive]

[ 24. August 2011, 12:24: Message edited by: Dormouse ]
 
Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
Praying for the Grits family/circle of friends, for peace and comfort during this sad time.
 
Posted by Enigma (# 16158) on :
 
Grits - praying for you, your family and friends at this time and in the days and months ahead. May God's peace be with you and His love surround you as he surrounds Stephen. And thank your for sharing your lovely family wth your ship family. [Votive]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Oh, Grits, I'm in pieces watching Robby's video. What beautiful boys, what fine young men, what great and loving brothers. God bless you all. [Tear]
 
Posted by Yerevan (# 10383) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
Thank you for sharing, Grits. It is a touching, beautiful video and a wonderful tribute to a brother. That video is all I know about Robby, but it says only beautiful things about him. My prayers with him too.
 
Posted by Ags (# 204) on :
 
Safe in the arms of Jesus, indeed.
My love to you, Grits & family, and my prayers [Votive]
 
Posted by Pooks (# 11425) on :
 
Oh dear Grits, I am so sorry. [Votive]
 
Posted by nomadicgrl (# 7623) on :
 
A beautiful video. Prayers without words ascending. [Votive]
 
Posted by Pottage (# 9529) on :
 
Heartbreaking. I'm so sorry.

[Votive] for Grits and the family.
 
Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on :
 
Dear Grits, my prayers and tears for you and yours. [Votive]
 
Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on :
 
close to home ... [Waterworks]


[Votive]
 
Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :
 
Great video, it really communicates the good times and the heartbreak...

My prayers for you in this sadness, may you all be re-united in heaven one day. [Votive]
 
Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
Those who love God never meet for the last time.
[Votive]

(Prayer card from All Saints Convent, Catonsville MD)
 
Posted by Scot (# 2095) on :
 
Oh Grits, I am so sorry. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
 
Posted by ReverendMike (# 7223) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Tortuf:
<snip> I remember that and feel humbled.

I've struggled with how to express this for the past day. Here goes.
I don't visit here much. Lack of time mostly. But I came here originally as a warden with the CoF project. I subsequently met Grits & Tortuf both. I'm proud to call them friends because of it. Anyhow, a couple years back I visited Nashville to see them and meet a few more from the Ship. It was a very busy weekend. Fished with Tortuf in the morning. Toured a church with Sine' and a small mob of Shipmates. (Sorry. Can't remember everyone's ship names.) Had lunch with the same mob.
But the evening was the most memorable part. It was my birthday and Grits invited me to her home. There I met her family including Stephen. It wasn't the fabulous cake or the fun picking music with her husband that stuck to me. (Both were wonderful, don't get me wrong.) It was the love and light that surrounded Stephen that I carried home. I was privileged to witness that night what a loving, Christian home can be and I feel blessed to have done so.

Humbled? Certainly. Enlightened? Probably. Filled with hope at humans can accomplish through love? Absolutely.

Thank you Grits, Stephen and everyone else for that day. I will carry all of you the rest of mine.
 
Posted by Nanny Ogg (# 1176) on :
 
The video is beautiful. Sad, but so full of love.

My prayers are with you and your family.

[Votive]
 
Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
[Votive] For Grits and her family. May God's peace be with you.
 
Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by jlg:
I met Stephen in 2006, when Grits provided me with her excellent Southern hospitality during my Great Southern Road Trip. He was indeed blessed to have Grits for a mother, as well as the entire extended family. If one is fated to have a horrible disease such as Batten's, you definitely want someone like Grits to rally the troops and surround you with love and care.

I had the pleasure of meeting the family on a trip thru Grits' neck of the woods, also. I've thought the same things.

Even if the Lord thought it advisable to explain all the "Why?" prayers, there's no reason to expect we could really understand the deep reasons of God. Sometimes I console myself with that.

Bittersweet stuff, dear Grits, when one's child goes Home ahead of you.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
I'm so sorry. [Votive]
 
Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
What a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing that with us.

And I add, along with everyone else here: I'm so sorry to hear this news. I wish you peace and comfort. [Votive]
 
Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Liberty (# 713) on :
 
[Votive] Praying for you all.
 
Posted by JFH (# 14794) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Tortuf (# 3784) on :
 
It's wonderful to read all the kind, loving and heartfelt messages you have posted. I know Grits has been buoyed by them, as have I.

Stephen's obituary will be published tomorrow. I will provide a link to it as soon as I find it.

This, like many other occasions here, brings the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:20 to life.
quote:
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
God bless you all.
 
Posted by Nenuphar (# 16057) on :
 
[Votive] For the Grits clan and for the soul of Stephen. May he rest in peace, and may all affected know the comfort of the Father's love and embrace.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
[Votive] Oh Grits, I am so sorry.
 
Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
What a truly lovely video, dear Grits....
 
Posted by Mrs Shrew (# 8635) on :
 
I'm so sorry Grits. Prayers ascending for you and all your family and Stephen's friends. [Votive]
 
Posted by Nicodemia (# 4756) on :
 
I am so very sorry Grits. My prayers for you all [Votive]
 
Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :
 
[Votive] of thanks for Stephen's life and all he meant to Grits, his family and friends. He has gone ahead to a better place, but I will pray for you all to have comfort and the strength to cope with not having Stephen here with you anymore.
 
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
Lovely video - brought tears to my eyes. What lovely sons you have.

You are in my prayers.
 
Posted by Sine Nomine (# 66) on :
 
Obituary...
 
Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
[Votive] [Votive]
 
Posted by Melangell (# 4023) on :
 
Thank you so much for sharing that video of your two delightful sons. Prayers for you all. With love, Melangell
 
Posted by Bene Gesserit (# 14718) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
[Votive] [Tear]

How is she bearing up?
 
Posted by fletcher christian (# 13919) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by churchgeek (# 5557) on :
 
I'm sorry that I'm only seeing this now. Grits, you and your family and everyone who loves Stephen have my love and condolences and will be in my prayers. [Votive]
 
Posted by Tortuf (# 3784) on :
 
Grits is, as ever, calm, centered, and at peace.
 
Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
And as gracious as ever. I was able to visit with her for a few minutes yesterday. It was a pleasure to see her again and to meet her family.
 
Posted by Tortuf (# 3784) on :
 
Sine and I attended the funeral today. It was quite moving and touching. People had fond memories of Stephen and shared them. There was even a video of Stephen as a little boy, singing and bouncing around. When he got a little out of hand I heard Grits' stern voice telling him to behave. The congregation got a giggle out of it.

Stephen was happy in his life. He was loved in his life and he died secure in the knowledge that there was something better waiting for him.

Sine will post the Mystery Worshiper version on Monday.
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Thanks, Nashville Mafia, for updating us.

Moo
 
Posted by Tortuf (# 3784) on :
 
I'm in a little bit better position to write about the funeral now.

Sine and I got to the church about 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the funeral. This was a logistical mistake of some magnitude on our parts as we found ourselves at the tail end of a very long line going down the hall to the sanctuary. Lots of people turned out for the funeral. Grits' personal mafia from Huntsville all came, as did her extensive family. Someone even came all the way from a mission in Peru.

Grits greeted us at the end of the line. She was a calm, gracious, and at peace as she always is. We also got to shake hands with her other son Robbie and his wife. Robbie was the first speaker. He is both handsome and charismatic. It was clear that he loved his little brother. It was also clear that he knew in his heart of hearts that his little brother was in a better place.

This is when we watched the video of Stephen as a little boy bouncing around singing the never ending song. Stephen's dad was playing the piano and Grits was filming. The joy in that little boy's heart jumped out of the screen and danced before us as vividly as if he was there in person.

Then Grits' brother, a minister, spoke. It was nice. He is as calm and centered as his sister. In fact, it was evident that everyone in her family shared an assurance that God was there and that God had already taken Stephen into God's mighty arms.

Across the sanctuary from us was a man with a teenage son in a wheelchair very similar to Stephen's wheelchair. His son was happy and smiling. Dad had his hand over his forehead. We could see that dad saw his son in that coffin one day soon. The picture of the happy and carefree son and the father that saw his son's future in a coffin like Stephan's tore at my heart in ways that I can never express.

The minister spoke next. Most of you have been to funerals where the minister opens up with "Although I never knew . . . " This was not one of those occasions. The minister knew Stephen and loved him. We heard stories about Stephen and his life delivered with an artless fondness.

A barbershop quartet sang several songs including the ever moving Amazing Grace. Stephen's uncle was a member of the group. If anyone did not feel the Holy Spirit flooding into their soul, they were not paying attention.

Let me put it this way. Sine, who is a lifelong high church aficionado, told me he wanted to attend a regular service at Grits' church.

I am an intellectual snob. No doubt about it. Stephen and Grits have made me wonder if all my pride in intellectual understanding of theology means anything like the faith that Grits ans Stephen have.
 
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
THank you , Tortuf.

Peace be with you and yours, Grits... I wish I knew what else to say.
 
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
Tortuf, thank you so much for posting that, and I am so glad that you and Sine were able to go, both on your own behalf and on behalf of all of us. It comes as no surprise to know that the church was packed.
Grits, you and your family continue to be in my prayers and I send you my love, especially through all those inevitable jumbled feelings of sorrow and joy, thanksgiving and loss, loneliness and "be-lovedness". May you continue to feel God sustaining you and giving you strength.
 
Posted by Ags (# 204) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Lit a candle for Stephen, Grits and family at Lincoln Cathedral. [Votive]
 
Posted by sabine (# 3861) on :
 
I'm out of the country with limited internet access and just now saw this.

Blessings, Grits. May your son's memory live on in all the stories you and others will tell of him.

Peace to you and your family.

sabine
 
Posted by TubaMirum (# 8282) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Alicďa (# 7668) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Thank you for a beautiful post, Tortuf.

[Votive] For Steven, may light perpetual shine upon him. And continuing prayers for Grits and family.
 
Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :
 
Tortuf, I am glad you and Sine were there, and I'm vey grateful to you for your last post.

Grits, you and your family are still in my prayers.
 
Posted by Sine Nomine (# 66) on :
 
I don't think I can better Totuf's description. It was a beautiful service, filled with love and tenderness. So glad I was able to be present. I will always remember it.
 
Posted by iGeek (# 777) on :
 
May you grieve supported by the love and understanding of loved ones who hold you with care and concern.

Know that many grieve with you and wish the best for you and your family as you walk through this valley of shadow.

May God's presence be near.

[Votive]
 
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Grits:
I see your names here, your little avatars, and I can't help but think that I have literally a worldful of friends.

Thank you for all the kind words. I am beyond grateful and uplifted by them. I know I haven't been around much lately, but I think all the time I was here in the past was a good investment.

My older son created this video when he got in tonight. I hope you'll enjoy it. Thanks again for all your words of encouragement, and especially for your prayers.

Grits, your son created a lovely video that made me cry. Thank you so much. Your children are such a blessing, because YOU are, so that is where they got it.
 
Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
Just popping in to say thanks again. It was uplifting to read back through all the kind words and sweet expressions of sympathy.

All is good here, just staying busy, still writing thank you notes. We already have a few trips planned, which will be nice.

Here's a link to the video that was shown at the funeral. The funny video of Stephen singing was from home movies, so I can't link to it. I wish you could see it, too.

Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
 
Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
God bless you, Grits. [Votive]
 
Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :
 
Just to travel through the Corinthians reference in Grits's sig, to its conclusion.

'Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your travail is not in vain.' [Votive]
 
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Re video: This video contains material from WMG which has blocked your country on copyright grounds. Sorry about that.

Blessings, anyway.
 
Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
Grits, you already know how I feel in my e-mail and such. But let me say it again. You know you are my hero and we'll see Stephen in heaven someday. [Tear]
 
Posted by Nicodemia (# 4756) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by jlg (# 98) on :
 
Grits, the video was lovely. Stephen was blessed to have you and your extended loving family as part of his earthly life.

Many prayers for all of you as you adjust to life with Stephen.
 
Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on :
 
Not around much these days so I've only just seen this. Grits, my heart goes out to you and your family. I know that Stephen had a wonderful family and you will have been a blessing to him all his brief life. Now he is with Jesus.

Love,

JtW.
 
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
[Votive] May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
 
Posted by Quinine (# 1668) on :
 
[Votive]
 
Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on :
 
Only just saw this. So very sorry. (Words are so inadequate aren't they.) [Votive]
 
Posted by Twilight (# 2832) on :
 
So sorry to see this, Grits.

Watching the video and reading through this thread, it's beautiful to see how much light Stephen's short life brought to the world. God bless him and all those who knew and loved him.
 
Posted by harmony hope (# 4070) on :
 
[Votive] What a wonderful mother you are! I am sure that Stephen could not wished for better.
 
Posted by Siegfried (# 29) on :
 
I somehow missed this thread previously. My prayers go out to you and yours, Grits. [Votive]
 


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