Memories with Grandma & Grandpa Grigg

All of Jon's family got together to make a shutterfly album for his grandma this Christmas. I had to go back and scan some old photos for our page and wanted to share a few precious memories. Grandpa Grigg passed away several years ago, which I think we'd all agree was a mixed blessing. I think we'd also all agree that his loss is still felt by all who loved him. I know some of Jon's cousins are envious that we have photos of our kids with Grandpa since most of them were not yet married or had babies yet. That has changed since Grandpa's passing, but I feel so fortunate to have these photos.

This was in May of 2000...the twins were 6 months old the first time Grandma and Grandpa Grigg met them. I couldn't believe it when Grandpa crawled onto the floor to discuss life with them. I just love the above picture...they were totally enraptured with him.

These two of Jacob giving kisses are so precious.

Letters of Grandma & Grandpa

As people at my grandparents church learned of their passing, some sent emails of condolence. I asked the pastor if he would forward some of them to me. He had a read a few at the memorial service and they were so special. Here are a few...

* I will miss the Eder's. It is just sad to see both of them go so quickly. I know we will see them again in heaven and they will there waiting to greet us like they've done all the years at FBC.

* My friendship with Virginia began sixty years ago when we met at a circle meeting. Kermit and I had recently moved to Everett and I was invited to attend a circle, having already been attending services. Quite quickly a bond was formed with Elayne Funk, Virginia and I. One that has lasted all these years. Church was our family. Through the Clipper Class we met other wonderful friends, not only participating in Bible study with good teachers but also creating a social life. There were parties, retreats at Burton, camping trips. Our children grew up together. The Funks, Eders and Millers all lived in adjacent neighborhoods and Elayne, Virginia and I met for coffee every morning after the kids had left for school and the husbands to work, and spent a short hour together before Virginia left for her church secretarial position. Our husbands got along well and there were weekend camping trips with Walt building huge bonfires and on Sunday morning Frank leading in a church service. Of course we women did the cooking and tending the littlest kids. There were eight of our children: the Funk two, the Eder four and the Miller four. In 1971 the Eders and Millers spent a month driving and discovering Europe for the first time. It was quite an adventure traveling low budget. We came home with many slides and fun memories. I am missing, already, my special friend with whom we could talk to each other about anything and exchange our reading libraries. Virginia was blessed with a very short transition time from illness to life with the Father. I praise the Lord for that.

* Initially when I read this, I wanted to tear up and cry…but then I reflected on “Mr. Frank” and our families’ first visit to the front entrance of FBC on an early Sunday morning where a tall, thin, older gentleman greeted us and made us feel so welcome that we knew we were home; it was almost like being in the South. We knew immediately that Christ had brought us to this door and His light shown from the heart and face of this man. Mr. Frank always remembered our names, our children’s names, regarded and had time for each of us, was never in a hurry or too busy for us, even when he wasn’t feeling well, and had a concern about everything in our families’ lives and shared what he was praying for us about…every single Sunday. Mr. Frank was the most dedicated Christian to our communities’ lives and our family rejoices that both he and Ms. Virginia will now certainly reap what they sowed on this earth as they now stand together, before our Father, and are told what good servants they were and a job well done! We love you Mr. Frank and Ms. Virginia. Thank you for being an amazing brother and sister.

* Tanya and I LOOOOOOOVE the Eders. They have been such dear friends. They have been some of my most favorite people at FBC!!!

* Frank and Virginia were the picture of a Christ centered marriage. Worshiping and serving together they are a picture of God’s plan for marriage; a true hope and inspiration to all of us to put Jesus first and experience God’s blessing in our relationships.

* From the pastor: Your grandparents reflected the life of Jesus to our congregation and the community of Everett. My own grandparents were the most influential persons of my own family when it came my spiritual life. I know that my grandmother prayed for me every day and told me that God's hand was on my life. Your own grandparents have passed on the spiritual baton to you. Be very proud of your spiritual heritage and be encouraged that Frank and Virginia are cheering you on in the grandstand of heaven as you run the race that God has set before you. Run faithfully. I have prayed and will continue to pray for your whole family.

Ponderings of my heart

I went home this past weekend to attend the memorial service for my grandparents. I think this is one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. But there are many things I don't want to forget about this weekend.

* How hard it was to breath walking into Grandma & Grandpa's house and not see them sitting in their chairs in the living room.

* Standing with my cousin, Darren, by the living room window telling him that I wished Grandpa had made it a little longer so I could say good-bye. Darren told me to be glad I won't remember Grandpa that way. He was down to less than 100 pounds.

* The place in the mausoleum where Grandpa & Grandma's urns are. Grandma's box has a rose engraved in it. Grandpa's has a mountain scene.

* Crying with Mom in the aisle of the sanctuary. I'm so glad she was there.

* Hugging Nanny and wishing with all my heart that she'll live a long time.

* Singing How Great Thou Art and Great is Thy Faithfulness at their service.

* The church was packed.

* The letters that Pastor Brian read from people who could not attend the service. Grandma & Grandpa touched so many lives, both young and old.

* A few days before he passed away, Grandpa told his pastor that he just wanted to go be with Virginia and asked if that made him a selfish man.

* Sharing memories in Grandma & Grandpa's living room with Aaron, Uncle Bill, Dad, Sera, Uncle Mike, Uncle Guy, Ashley, Tanya, Aunt Laurie, and Aunt Linda Friday night after the service.

* The slide-show of Baby Island...that was really Vietnam. Poor Dad.

* Grandma didn't like pancakes; she liked waffles.

* Going through their house. Grandma had impeccable taste in everything.

* Uncle Mike telling me that Grandma's Bible could have no better home than mine as he handed it to me.

* Aaron got Grandpa's Bible.

* Karen's strength.

* Uncle Bill sharing about the theme of the pastor's message, which was faithfulness. Grandma & Grandpa were faithful. Faithful to God. Faithful to each other. Faithful to their kids and grandkids. Faithful to their friends. Faithful to their church. They taught their children right from wrong, who it turn taught their children. Their legacy is one of faithfulness.

* The cuckoo clock (which hasn't cuckooed in years) cuckooed right after Uncle Bill shared the above. At ten after eight.

* Walking through their house for the last time and finding it difficult to breath again.

* The smell of Dove soap in the downstairs bathroom.

* The smell of coffee upstairs.

* Cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast.

* Grandma was always 'just tickled pink' when we would visit.

* Grandpa gave good hugs. I just want one more.

* Sitting with Dad on the cushion-less couch at Garden Court and crying with him when we had a moment alone.

* Eating tuna fish sandwiches at the dining table with Sera, Aaron, Uncle Mike, Aunt Linda, Aunt Laurie, Dad and Darren after cleaning out the apartment at Garden Court. Girl scout cookies for dessert.

* Darren looks really good wearing Grandpa's hat.

* Actually pulling away from Grandma & Grandpa's house for the last time in the back seat of Aaron and Sera's car. Dad in his truck saying, 'it smells like cookies in here!'

* Burritos at Aaron & Sera's.

* Decaf coffee with them before bed.

Grandma Eder

Virginia L. (Daily) Eder

Oct. 25, 1920-Feb. 24, 2008
Virginia Eder was born, raised and educated in Everett, WA. She first attended Everett's First Baptist Church at the age of 13. She accepted the Lord as her Savior in 1934. Always active in the church, she became their first secretary in 1938. For the most of the next 38 years she continued serving First Baptist as their secretary.
Virginia was an avid sportswoman. She loved to ski and was one of the founders of the Everett Ski Club. In 1940, on a blind date, she met the love of her life, Frank Eder. Frank was also a sports enthusiast, but his choice was rock climbing. Virginia became a rock climber. They married in 1942 in Everett's First Baptist Church.
Soon after their marriage, Frank was sent to the Aleutians with the Corps of Engineers. He was then sent to Seattle, WA, where Virginia joined him. Their first son, John, was born in Seattle. After moving back to Everett their other three children, William, Mark and Laurie, were born.
Virginia was very active in her church, singing in the choir, participating in Circle, and being a deaconess. Along with her beloved Frank, they were among the founders of the church's Clipper Class and S.A.M. (Senior Adult Ministries.)
Virginia and Frank were great travelers and have been in 38 countries. They loved to camp and have hiked many peaks in the Cascade Mountains.
Virginia is survived by loving family members, Frank, her husband of 66 years; children, John (Linda), of Wenatchee, WA, and their three children, David, Kristi and Darren, William, of Caldwell, Idaho and daughter, Nicole, Mark (Karen), of Poulsbo, WA, and children, Aaron and Amy, Lauri (Guy) and their two children, Tanya and Ashley, of Everett, WA.
Virginia was preceded in death by her brothers, William and Jack Daily.A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 7, at Everett's First Baptist Church.

Homecoming

My grandma, Virginia, went Home last night. My dad called me just after 8:00 to tell me the news. I went to bed after midnight still crying for my (our) loss. I hadn't seen Grandma in about a year and a half, but I loved her greatly. I still do. I thought about her as I tried to fall asleep and about the great party that must be going on in Heaven to welcome her Home. I imagine that it's still going on right now. I'm sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people there who knew her and loved her and were touched by her life and her love. I recently read 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and the part where he explains his experience in Heaven is inspiring, to say the least. I had to read that part again this morning...here's part of it.

90 Minutes in Heaven

By Don Piper

When I died, I didn't flow through a long, dark tunnel. I had no sense of fading away or coming back. I never felt my body being transported into the light. I heard no voices calling to me or anything else. A light enveloped me, with a brilliance beyond earthly comprehension. In my next moment of awareness, I was standing in heaven. Joy pulsated through me as I looked around, and at that moment I became aware of a large crowd of people. They stood in front of a brilliant, ornate gate. I have no idea how far away they were; such things as distance didn't matter. As the crowd rushed toward me, I didn't see Jesus, but I did see people I had known. As they surged toward me, I knew instantly that all of them had died during my lifetime. Their presence seemed absolutely natural.

Who I Saw in Heaven

They rushed toward me, and every person was smiling, shouting, and praising God. Although no one said so, intuitively I knew they were my celestial welcoming committee. It was as if they had all gathered just outside heaven's gate, waiting for me. The first person I recognized was Joe Kulbeth, my grandfather. He looked exactly as I remembered him, with his shock of white hair and what I called a big banana nose. He stopped momentarily and stood in front of me. A grin covered his face. I have no idea why my grandfather was the first person I saw. He wasn't one of the great spiritual guides of my life, although he certainly influenced me positively in that way. After being hugged by my grandfather, I don't remember who was second or third. The crowd surrounded me. Some hugged me and a few kissed my cheek, while others pumped my hand. Never had I felt more loved. I wasn't conscious of anything I'd left behind and felt no regrets about leaving family or possessions. It was as if God had removed anything negative from my consciousness, and I could only rejoice at being together with these wonderful people. They looked exactly as I once knew them—although they were more radiant and joyful than they'd ever been on earth. My great-grandmother, Hattie Mann, was Native American. As a child I saw her only after she had developed osteoporosis. Her head and shoulders were bent forward, giving her a humped appearance. The other thing that stands out in my memory is that she had false teeth—which she didn't wear often. Yet when she smiled at me in heaven, her teeth sparkled. I knew they were her own, and when she smiled, it was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. Then I noticed something else—she wasn't slumped over. She stood strong and upright, and the wrinkles had been erased from her face. I have no idea what age she was. As I stared at her beaming face, I sensed that age has no meaning in heaven. All of the people I encountered were the same age they had been the last time I had seen them—except that all the ravages of living on earth had vanished. Even now, years later, I can sometimes close my eyes and see those perfect countenances. Just being with them was a holy moment and remains a treasured hope.

I'd Never Felt So Loved...

When I first stood in heaven, they were still in front of me and came rushing toward me. They embraced me, and no matter which direction I looked, I saw someone I had loved and who had loved me. They surrounded me, moving around so that everyone had a chance to welcome me into heaven. I felt loved—more loved than ever before in my life. They didn't say they loved me. I don’t remember what words they spoke. When they gazed at me, I knew what the Bible means by perfect love. It emanated from every person who surrounded me. I stared at them, and as I did I felt as if I absorbed their love for me. At some point, I looked around and the sight overwhelmed me. Coming out from the gate—a short distance ahead—was a brilliance that was brighter than the light that surrounded us, utterly luminous. In trying to describe the scene, words are totally inadequate, because human words can't express the feeling of awe and wonder at what I beheld. The best I can describe it is that we began to move toward that light. No one said it was time to do so, and yet we all started forward at the same time. As I stared ahead, everything seemed to grow taller—like a gentle hill that kept going upward and never stopped. I had expected to see some darkness behind the gate, but as far ahead as I could see, there was absolutely nothing but intense, radiant light. By contrast, the powerful light I had encountered when I met my friends and loved ones paled into darkness as the radiance and iridescence in front of me increased. It was as if each step I took intensified the glowing luminosity. I didn't know how it could get more dazzling, but it did. I wasn’t blinded, but I was amazed that the luster and intensity continually increased. Strange as it seems, as brilliant as everything was, each time I stepped forward, the splendor increased. The farther I walked, the brighter the light. The light engulfed me, and I had the sense that I was being ushered into the presence of God. Although our earthly eyes must gradually adjust to light or darkness, my heavenly eyes saw with absolute ease. In heaven, each of our senses is immeasurably heightened to take it all in. And what a sensory celebration! A holy awe came over me as I stepped forward. I had no idea what lay ahead, but I sensed that with each step I took, it would grow more wondrous.

(Me again) Grandma is whole again. She is painfree. She is with Jesus. Hallelujah!

John 11:25 - 26 "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."

Philippians 3:20 - 21 "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."