Memorial Wall

Eric James Gruler — August 8, 1988 – February 27, 2016

27 years ago we were given the gift of Eric, and we have loved him deeply.

Dear Eric. We miss you so much. You are a bright shining soul, gifted and loved. We are sad you had to leave us so soon. In your death we have found many beautiful gifts you left behind. We love you more deeply than ever as we remember the whole of your life. And although your life was short, you will remain solidly in our hearts for all of eternity.

“Our thoughts are always with you, no one your place can fill, in life we loved you dearly, and in death we love you still.” Sweetest is that love which never lets you die!

Post an Inspiration or Reflection

Eternal Love Eternal Peace by Eric's Mom

I know that God has plans for us,
In that I can be sure,
But in taking away my sweet young son,
The pain I cannot bear.

For love, a mother’s love I know
To lose a son so dear
Can shake the world we know on earth
And leave her full of tears.

I am sorry for the pain you felt
I am sorry I was not there,
I hope that in your last few moments
You knew how much I cared.

And yes, my sweet Son Eric
The choice that you desired,
Life gave you many twists and turns
But it was peace that you required

For that you have my great respect
My teacher you will be
The lessons you have taught me
will make me wise you see.

So in your glory, up in heaven
Please watch over us with care
For with you as our angel,
Our burden you may share

Ese quam videri Eric
To be, to really be.
My hope for you today and always
Is for peace eternally.

With love, MOM.

We Remember Them . . . Author Unknown

In the rising of the sunand its going down, We remember them.

In the blowing of the wind,In the chill of winter,In the opening of buds,And in the rebirth of spring We remember them.
In the blueness of the skyand in the warmth of summer,In the rustling of leavesand in the beauty of autumn, We remember them.

When we have joys we yearn to share,When we are weary and in need of strength,So long as we live, they too shall live,For they are now a part of us, as We remember them.

Author Unkown

Prayer for Help by Susan Vivian

Heavenly Father,

Many of us have been touched by a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor in need of our prayers for mental wellness. In community, compassion and prayer we lift up all who suffer with anxiety and depression and pray Your healing hand will penetrate the veil of darkness to overcome the despair that leaves so many feeling hopeless and alone.

Lord, we pray You will be a solid rock of comfort and peace as hurricane force winds of unworthiness, doubt and fear blow in and take a deeper hold despite meaningful attempts to keep them at bay and boarded up.

Lord, we pray You will use the eye of the storm of pain and suffering for a higher purpose through abundant faith, hope, love and outreach that bridges the gap of sadness and grief that too many experience.

Father, through the sea of stormy winds and shifting tides, we thank you for all the psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, mental health professionals and spiritual leaders who passionately and patiently care for those who struggle to navigate the gale force turmoil.

Lord, we pray for those suffering to witness the beacon of Your light shining from the lighthouse and to feel the arms of Your love through treatment that offers the opportunity to experience aliveness, joy, freedom and a deep connection with You with other’s.

Father, we pray for well-funded programs, services and benevolent hearts of understanding to anchor those in emotional pain offering every person a chance to claim Your love and be all You uniquely created each of us to be.

Father, those suffering with depression who have ‘no feeling’ and those with anxiety ‘feeling too much’ are Your messengers of hope and authenticity, and we pray these precious canaries awaken us to Your suffering, compassion, tenderness and sensitivity as they guide us to a more authentic relationship with You and each other as one in the body of Christ.

His Peace,

Amen

To Laugh Often by Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much;to win the respect of intelligent peopleand the affection of children;to earn the appreciation of honest criticsand endure the betrayal of false friends;to appreciate beauty;to find the best in others;to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
to know that one life has breathed easier
because you lived here.This is to have succeeded.

I am Free - Author Unknown

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free;
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
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 peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void;
then fill it with remembered joy.
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 one’s touch.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Life up your hearts and share with me;
God wanted me now, He set me free.

A Chant for the Day by Author Unknown.

I am an unstoppable warrior who is strong and fearless. I live with courage and compassion in my heart. I wear my confidence like a shield to deflect all negativity. I am powerful and proud of who I am and what I do.

I wake up positive and ready to take on the day ahead because I am on a mission to achieve my goals, and nothing or no one can stop me.

Posted by Carmela Davis