Amazing Grace

Over the years, when the UD Quarterly would arrive in the mail, the first column I would turn to before the class notes was Thomas Columbus' editorial. I always found great comfort, joy and a chuckle from his musings on campus life and UD's far lasting impact on my world. Thomas has retired and published a book of these editorials, called Amazing Grace. The UD bookstore holiday flier promoted this book and I liked the fact that half of the book's sale price goes to fund Thomas' son's memorial scholarship at UD. Another bereaved parent from UD; seemed so fitting to me that I sent Paul to the UD bookstore to pick up a few copies. Thomas' book did not disappoint me. I fervently read the stories from cover to cover, only this time from the perspective of my alumni years and Pete's class years and the mutual grief of a child lost. I have been filled with the greater understanding of the powerful grace that UD faculty, students and alumni have brought into our life. Beyond the porch connections and community spirit, the UD experience was Pete's beloved glory and we shared that love along with him.

The mail this Christmas season brought pictures of 3 new future Flyers, compliments of the proud Hicks, Bollin and Hinker families. We understand there are a few more born as well and we appreciate everyone staying in touch with us. Pete would be talking our arms off about each of your adventures; so we appreciate you filling that void and keeping us involved in the busyness of your lives.

This is our third Christmas without Pete. Each one seems to get more difficult rather than easier. I think it's because so much has happened and the more stories there are to tell, the more his absence seems stronger. I know Paul would love to chat with him about his medical school adventures, and Bob, his golf score and new driver! And me, well, I just miss him terribly.

We send our best wishes for a blessed and peaceful new year to everyone. We hope to see you in May for Pete's second annual golf outing.

Love to all, especially Peter
Helene (Mom)

UD Tree

Paul and I visited campus today to check out Pete's tree by the new PAC. I forgot it was a Buckeye and despite the drought, it looks very healthy. It seems to bend a bit toward Trinity but I suppose that's the natural evolution of a good UD student!

So hard to believe that the tree has been there 2 years now this month. It was a glorious sun filled day today, reminiscent of planting day.

We miss everyone as well as Pete, and wish all the best.

Love,
Helene, Bob and Paul

A Grand Event

The Peter Gruber Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser event came and went; Raffle prizes and silent auction items poured in; donations flowed; 100 golfers played in the stifling humidity and heat; 160 friends came to dinner; Pete's inner posse came as well as all the UD friends from far and away; monies were tallied; thank you notes were written; the event raised over $19,000. That is a lot of Moeller education.

The first year scholarship recipient, Elliot Hidy, was awarded a continued scholarship for the 2010-2011 school year. His BIG heart and love of others reminds us of our Pete. The second scholarship winner was awarded as well from the St Gabriel class of 2010.

We weren't really ready to start this project this year but the Butz's, Piepmeier's, Scherzinger's and Dan Rodenfels asked us to begin the first annual golf outing. With their help, the idea was launched and a working committee formed. Mike Bolin and my sister Barb Kelly joined us as the planning proceeded.

We appreciate everyone's support and involvement with this fundraiser. We are thankful for the success and energy it brought forth.

We remain ever amazed at how many people's lives Pete touched, and how many people miss him as deeply as we do. It was good to see old faces and to know that Pete is not forgotten. And through the scholarship, his legacy will live on.

We love you Pete, forever, and miss you terribly.

Love and blessings to all,
Helene and Bob

First Annual Peter J. Gruber Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing & Dinner Auction - Sunday May 30th, 2010

Golf Outing

1:30 p.m. Shotgun Start

Glenview Golf Course

10965 Springfield Pike, Glendale, OH

$100 Golf Donation Includes: 18 holes with cart – scramble format, lunch, beer and prizes. Mulligans will be sold on site. You do not need to have four golfers, singles/doubles will be paired.

Dinner & Auction

6 p.m. Glendale Lyceum Pavilion

865 Congress Avenue, Glendale, OH

$25 Dinner Includes: a three-course pulled pork dinner with beer and wine. Plus, split the pot and bidding during our silent and live auctions. *Please note that cash and checks will be the only form of payment accepted auction night.

Donation items for the auction are welcome and encouraged; please contact Barb Kelly at 513.779.7442 to donate.

All proceeds benefit the Peter J. Gruber Scholarship Fund – established for a St. Gabriel graduate attending Moeller High School, who embodies Pete’s passion for life.

Click Here For Registration Forms & More Information

The Golf and Dinner Registration Deadline Is May 15th, 2010.

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Another free invite by Smilebox

Happy 28th Birthday, Pete!!

I know there is a BIG celebration in heaven today because I am sure you have insisted on a good party. Why not continue the earthly tradition of celebrating your day?

Dad, Paul and I are here together in Fla, in our new tradition, helping each other get through this day. We remember the joy of your birth and the love you brought into our lives.

We miss you Pete. We love you forever. Happy Birthday, my precious son.

Love,
Mom

xoxo

Happy (a couple minutes early) Birthday Pete! Some of my best memories from UD come from your joint Birthday party with Zach and Rob! My love and thoughts go out to everyone... XOXO

Getting by with the help of Pete's friends

I am trying to help another bereaved mother who lost her 21 year old son unexpectedly before Christmas. I never dreamed of the pain that would surface or the scab that would tear off my heart in trying to help her. All in all, it is a good thing because it makes me reflect on how I made it to today.

My new friend has asked me how I got through Pete's loss and I tell her that it is the love of Pete's friends who have carried us and inspire us. We get glimpses of what Pete's life would be like when we join in the births, weddings, baptisms, and life events that you keep us connected to. Pete surrounded himself with an amazing group of friends and we love you and are proud of all of you.

Today's mail, on a gloomy winter day, brought pictures of flowers and seed pods from one of Pete's friends. A great lift to my day. And the planning committee for the May 30th scholarship fundraiser has brought laughter and delight into our world.

Thank you for caring for us and keeping Pete's memory alive.

Love,
Helene

Save the Date

The first annual Pete Gruber Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing will take place on Sunday May 30, 2010. The Golf Outing will be followed with Dinner, Dancing, and a royal Pete Gruber Bash!! Proceeds from the event will support the Moeller Scholarship fund in Pete's memory.


More information will be forthcoming as a core group develops the plans. Anyone interested in helping with this event, please call us.

Love to all, especially our Pete!
Helene (Mom)