The sweet note that arrived today from Danielle reminded me (after my tears dried up) that I need to make mention about this holiday season.
Your notes, pictures and cards have been so appreciated. We cannot have what we want for Christmas this year, so your remembrances to us are filling the void we feel for our Peter. It is so helpful to know that we are remembered and most importantly, that you are remembering Pete and praying for him.
His grave site was filling up by this past Sunday with flowers, wreaths and mementos that people have dropped off. Some are marked by the sender but most are not. While it tears me up to see all the adornment, I am also comforted in knowing that Pete is not forgotten.
Thank you for staying in touch with us and continuing to help us on our grief journey. The love of friends and family sustains.
Merry Christmas to all. We love you and count you in our blessings.
Helene
12.22.2008
UD Tree Memorial
On a beautiful sunny fall afternoon on November 1st (All Souls' Day) over 65 friends and family gathered at UD for a memorial mass service, led by Fr John Putka, followed by a Buckeye Tree dedication in Pete's memory.
Dan Rodenfels and Richie Witka planned and organized a lovely memorial service, a "ghetto style" party on the Sigma Chi lawn (thanks to Greg Rodenfels), and a smashing (so I am told!) Pete Gruber night at BW's. It was a day full of grace for us- the opportunity to remember and pray for Pete, the opportunity to see the friends that Pete loved so much, and the opportunity to see the planted tree and memorial plaque. The tree sits next to the new PAC in bird's eye view of all the places Pete lived while at Dayton. We like the location and found his peace there.
Paul said the entire day was 'life coming full circle" for us. And that it was. As we headed to the tree for dedication after the mass, I found two of my own UD college roommates waiting there for us, having traveled a distance. And parents of many of Pete's friends. And Pete's UD friends from all across the country. It was a precious and heart wrenching sight. We were comforted to know how loved our son was and what wonderful friends he enjoyed.
I kept thinking of the UD mission - "Learn, Lead and Serve". I believe UD should be very proud of the class of 2004. You all have certainly embraced those principles and you are living them everyday in the work you do and love you carry for each other and extend to others.
Bob, Paul and I are honored by your tribute to Pete and your love for him. We thank you for memorializing his life on campus and hope you will visit his tree whenever you return to Dayton. I hope you can keep his memory alive in your hearts as he had a passion for UD life and friends.
Much love to our fellow Flyers,
Helene
Dan Rodenfels and Richie Witka planned and organized a lovely memorial service, a "ghetto style" party on the Sigma Chi lawn (thanks to Greg Rodenfels), and a smashing (so I am told!) Pete Gruber night at BW's. It was a day full of grace for us- the opportunity to remember and pray for Pete, the opportunity to see the friends that Pete loved so much, and the opportunity to see the planted tree and memorial plaque. The tree sits next to the new PAC in bird's eye view of all the places Pete lived while at Dayton. We like the location and found his peace there.
Paul said the entire day was 'life coming full circle" for us. And that it was. As we headed to the tree for dedication after the mass, I found two of my own UD college roommates waiting there for us, having traveled a distance. And parents of many of Pete's friends. And Pete's UD friends from all across the country. It was a precious and heart wrenching sight. We were comforted to know how loved our son was and what wonderful friends he enjoyed.
I kept thinking of the UD mission - "Learn, Lead and Serve". I believe UD should be very proud of the class of 2004. You all have certainly embraced those principles and you are living them everyday in the work you do and love you carry for each other and extend to others.
Bob, Paul and I are honored by your tribute to Pete and your love for him. We thank you for memorializing his life on campus and hope you will visit his tree whenever you return to Dayton. I hope you can keep his memory alive in your hearts as he had a passion for UD life and friends.
Much love to our fellow Flyers,
Helene
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
