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Grieving... is a lengthy process... cannot be rushed... nor taught... it is as individual as we are... we cannot be told how to do it... This I know... not being able to say goodbye weighs the process down... being able to say goodbye provides release to part of the process - Eileen Pepe.
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Recent Posts |
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From Mom
February 2, 2010
Dear God...The pain is so great..the heartache so strong...The immense gratitude I feel for my dear, precious friends that created this site and posted the beautiful pictures of my beloved daughter Samantha and Cristin and Courtney playing dress up @17 years ago! Laughter, love and good times never fade away! I REALLY miss you Samantha! God please take her to heaven with you and wrap your arms around her that she may live in your heart; safe protected and warm. She liked so much to snuggle with her Momeese. Jack and I miss you so much! I love you and I will ALWAYS be with you in spirit! I am glad you are not in pain anymore. I am so sincerely sorry that I could not protect you from the evil that tried to undermine you on this earth. You are free now, your legacy is beautiful I MISS U!! Love, Momeese
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Truly an angel now
December 3, 2009
Such a beautiful girl inside and out. I'll never forget all of the memories from when we were little and even the ones as we got older. I'm not gonna forget that laugh either because it never changed, even as we grew up. Yesterday when my mom and I left your mom's house we played that one Proclaimers song nice and loud...couldn't help but remember all the times we belted that one out! I will always remember your strength and that unforgettable bubbly attitude. I'm blessed to have had you in my life. Truly an angel now. Rest in peace Samantha.
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Sam.....
December 2, 2009
Beautiful inside and out, like a beam of sunlight, you were larger than life. With an amazing laugh, you made FUN wherever you went. From playing dress up and dancing like an angel, to a cherry pit spitting contest. We were blessed to have known you. So courageous and filled with spunk. Forever in our hearts Samantha, until we meet again XOXO Eileen
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Samantha Marie Grosse
December 2, 2009
Samantha Marie Grosse, 22, of Montgomery Township and a senior majoring in Telecommunications at the University of Florida in Gainesville, passed away Nov. 30, 2009 at Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia after a long and courageous battle with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Born in Elkins Park, she was the beloved daughter of Kathleen Hoy of Ambler and Jeffrey C. Grosse and his wife, Hope, of Montgomery Township.
Samantha graduated from Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School in 2005 and was co-captain of the championship Girls Tennis Team of 2005. She was a member of the National Collegiate Honor Society and Alpha Omega Pi Sorority of the University of Florida.
She was a member of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales.
In 2006 Samantha received the “Jack C. Graham Courage Award” from the Kelly Ann Dolan Memorial Fund for her efforts in raising funds and participating in clinical trials to help find a cure for CF. She loved volunteering with various animal shelters - caring for and finding homes for abused or abandoned animals. Despite having to live with the realities of her disease, Samantha was rarely seen without her perpetual smile, happiness, kindness, and zest for life. The hundreds of friends she made in her short lifetime attest to her brightness of spirit.
Additional survivors include her sisters, Veronica and Holly Grosse of Montgomery Township; her brother, Jack Widman, and step sisters, Katie and Carolyn Widman, all of Ambler; her maternal grandparents, Jack and Jeanette Hoy of Lansdale; and paternal grandfather, Kenneth Grosse Jr. of Telford. Also surviving are uncles Jack (Carol) Hoy of West Chester, Edward (Laura) Hoy of Medford NJ, aunts Eileen (Phil) Hoy-Barndt of Harleysville, and Lizanne (Dennis) Ritrovato of West Chester, along with many loving cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Nancy C. Grosse in August.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10AM in Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales. Friends may call Friday 7 to 9PM in the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale and at the church Saturday 8:45 to 9:45AM. Entombment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2004 Sproul Road, Suite 208, Broomall, PA 19008 www.cff.org
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I never got to say goodbye to my aunt
November 6, 2009
When I was 7 years old my brother and I were playing in the snow and my parents came home and told us that my Aunt Misty died. At first I didn't believe them and the we went to her funeral and all I could do was cry. Then later I found out that she was murdered and it hurt so bad because I didn't get to tell her how much she meant to me before someone took her away. I am now 14 years old and they still don't have the person that took my aunt away from me and i still remember everyday I spent with her like it was yesterday.
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To my baby boy.
April 8, 2009
Slayer,
I'm really not even sure how to say this, or what to say. All I know is that I loved you with all my being and that every day without you is like a day without air.
I want to thank you for everything you did for me and everything that you've taught me, even in your passing.
Thank you for never judging me. Thank you for always being there for me. For your endless love, your giant heart, and your forgiveness.
You were the best friend I have ever had, and I will always love you.
I miss you so much, buddy. I always will.
Save a tennis ball for me until I get there to be with you. We didn't have nearly enough time in this world.
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Tabitha
September 22, 2008
Dear Eileen,
Although it’s been a few weeks now, I still wanted to drop you a line and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to write and express such heart-felt sentiments regarding the loss of my kitty-cat Tabitha. It never ceases to amaze me what a valuable service our animal friends provide for us humans. As you may know I found Tabitha in the road one rainy night in May about seven or eight years ago and, although I thought I was only a dog person, I came to absolutely love my nearly blind and totally sweet feline friend. Although her loss was a complete shock, it still reminded me of the fact that our four-legged friends don’t have the luxury of a lot of time on this planet or with us (at least in human terms) but they certainly make good use and give so much love in the time they have! Thanks again for caring, it’s very much appreciated!
Cheers,
Pierre
P.S. I’ve enclosed a couple of recent photos from last Christmas of me and Tabitha that I thought you might enjoy.
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A Legend Dies: Gene Upshaw age 63, lost battle to pancreatic cancer (a chance to say goodbye)
August 22, 2008
Posted by TheDean1
As a kid, I used to watch #63 Gene Upshaw. Gene, played the game of football with a burning passion. He was a fierce blocker and loved the game of football. Then as an adult I watched what he used to do as the Executive Director of the NFL Players Association. And now I'm saddened to hear the reports that #63 has passed away at the age of 63, Gene Upshaw, has lost his battle to pancreatic cancer.
Now here is just a taste of what Gene Upshaw was all about from several different sources. May his #63 be retired by the Oakland Raiders and may the man we knew, Gene Upshaw, rest in peace.
Gene Upshaw, played from 1967 through 1981, was an 11-time All-Pro and won two Super Bowls with the Raiders. Gene Upshaw was the Oakland Raiders' first-round choice in the first combined AFL-NFL draft in 1967. The 6-5, 255-pound lineman had played center, tackle, and end while winning NAIA All-America honors at Texas A&I.
The Raiders' coaching staff decided left guard would be Gene's best pro position and Upshaw won the starting job in his rookie training camp. Upshaw's size, it was felt, would help neutralize the effectiveness of Ernie Ladd and Buck Buchanan, two huge defensive tackles in Oakland's division.
Gene held the guard spot for the next 15 seasons, starting in 207 straight regular season games until finally being forced out of action for one game in 1981. Upshaw returned the next week to play 10 more games in what turned out to be his final season. He was scheduled to play again in 1982, but an injury in the summer season put him on the injured reserved list for the entire campaign.
Altogether Upshaw played in an incredible 307 preseason, regular season, and post-season contests. Included in his 24 post-season games were three AFL and seven AFC championship games and Super Bowls II, XI and XV. Counting the AFL championship in 1967 and victories in Super Bowls XI and XV, Upshaw became the only player ever to start on championship teams in both the AFL and NFL.
Honors came frequently for Upshaw. He was named first- or second-team All-League or All-Conference 11 consecutive years, and he was named to play in seven Pro Bowls. Upshaw was an intense, intelligent, dedicated competitor who used his excellent size and speed to best advantage.
Extremely effective leading wide running plays; Gene was an integral part of the powerful offensive line that spawned the Raiders' lethal running attack of the 1970s. Recognized as a team leader, Upshaw captained the Raiders' offensive unit for eight seasons.
Eugene Thurman Upshaw, Jr. (August 15, 1945 - August 21, 2008) was born in Robstown, Texas) was a former American football guard, who played for the Oakland Raiders in the American Football League and the National Football League for 16 years after graduating from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville). He played in three Super Bowls; in the 1967, 1976 and 1980 seasons. He also played in three AFL Championship Games, seven American Football Conference title games, one AFL All-Star game, and six NFL Pro Bowls. He was selected by The Sporting News' to the 1969 AFL All League team.
Upshaw was currently the only player in Pro Football history to play in three Super Bowls with the same team in three different decades. In 1999, he was ranked number 62 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.
He was an active member of the bargaining committee for the National Football League Players' Association (NFLPA) throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. He led the NFLPA in its unsuccessful strike in 1987 and through years of anti-trust litigation against the league, including a brief period in which the NFLPA became a professional association rather than a union, that ended with the union's acceptance of a salary cap in return for free agency and an enhanced share of league revenues for the union's members. Until his death, he was the Executive Director of the Association. In 2006 he alienated many retired players. 325 former AFL and NFL players receive minimal retirement benefits.
Upshaw was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate fraternity established for African Americans.
In 2004, the NCAA Division II sports information directors awarded the first Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year award. It is presented each year during the weekend of the NCAA Division II Football Championship by the Manheim (Pa.) Touchdown Club.
On August 21, 2008, Gene Upshaw died. He had been fighting pancreatic cancer.
I have enclosed a few pictures of this legend and Hall of Famer. Gene Upshaw, you will be missed .
Original Story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Upshaw.
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My Best Friend, Pfyfe (a chance to say goodbye)
August 6, 2008
It's hard to believe that it's been almost 2 months since you moved on to another, better place. We miss you so much. You lasted to the ripe old age of 22, when most cockatiels only make it to 15-20 years. That still provides little comfort for your Mom and Dad, who are still here and thinking of you every day. I especially miss the fuss you would raise when I was leaving the house. Your love was intense, enduring, and unconditional. You are missed beyond belief. Be well wherever you are now. We 'll hopefully get to be together again, sometime in the future. w/love, M&D
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Josh Tatalone (a chance to say goodbye)
July 29, 2008
Joshua Alexander Tatalone
Joshua "Josh" Alexander Tatalone went to be with his Abba Father on July 12, 2008. Born September 16, 1991 to Albert and Susan Tatalone, he truly was a gift from God. Josh attended both Harborcreek High School and the Erie County Technical School, where he was in the Automotive Technologies Program.
Josh had many passions, his biggest being music. He was an accomplished drummer, playing in bands with friends, competing in the Harborcreek High School Battle of the Bands, as well as participating in the drumline with the Harborcreek Huskies Marching Band. His other passions included youth group, skateboarding, hunting with his dad, fishing, cooking with his mom, hanging out with his grandma, participating in bowshoots with the Erie County Christian Bowhunters, and playing guitar. Joshua attended Grace Baptist Church, but had been a part of the Greenfield Baptist Church youth group for the past four years. He was on his way to his third summer missions trip with the youth group at the time of his death. Josh was characterized best by his concern for and desire to serve others, exemplifying Christ's love by always putting others before himself. His mother and father are thankful for the privilege of raising Josh.
He will be greatly missed by his brothers Adrian Fraijo of Baltimore MD, and Nicholas Fraijo of Phoenix, AZ, as well as his sister Karena Fraijo of Erie. Josh is also survived by his paternal grandmother Celia Tatalone of Erie, his Aunt Rose Tatalone of New York City, his Uncle Dave and Aunt Kelly Spacht of North East, his Aunt Susan Spacht of Erie and his Aunt Chris Smith of Erie.
Josh was recently preceded in death by his Uncle Chuck Spacht of Erie, whom he considered a life hero because of his close walk with the Lord. Josh clung to the truth of Ephesian 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Erie City Mission and Habitat for Humanity, where Josh recently enjoyed his first assignment helping to finish a home for a new homeowner in East Erie through the ServErie program at Grace Baptist Church.
Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc. East, 2607 Buffalo Rd. on Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm and are invited to attend a funeral service at Grace Baptist Church, 7300 Grubb Rd. on Thursday at 10 am conducted by Rev. Al Detter and Rev. John Youngwirth. Interment Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.
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Still hurts, Still hard to believe you are gone... (a chance to say goodbye)
June 27, 2008
Your house feels cold and empty...Almost a year later, I still find myself looking across our backyard as though expecting to see you. Occasionally, questioning the voices I hear coming from beyond your garage...Still somehow hoping that it is not true, but that you are still with us. Still here to help us, still here to share a laugh, and most of all be a friend to A...Still hurts - R
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The Dog Who Died (a chance to say goodbye)
June 27, 2008
Kiro was a mix breed of a yorkshire and pekingese. He was a dog. Kiro died at an early age of 5 years old. He is always very clingy to me and barks a lot, but settles down if i pet him and make him comfortable. The day he died was only a few days after we went to a vacation(he was at a building where pets go when their owners are away). When we came back, he was still here. But he's very hyper...Kiro has been jumping around with his collar on. I was at school, my mom wasn't watching, and it happened during the afternoon, I was still at school. He kept jumping around and-and-he got choked and died :((((
just posting this makes me cry!!
i wus crying for about 2 weeks after it happened. We have a new dog now, and I hope he lives longer. Kiro loves yellow dogs. This one is. D:
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Buddy (a chance to say goodbye)
June 27, 2008
Buddy was a lab/husky mix he died in 2004 I think I miss him soo much I wish I had a picture of him on my computer I just wanted to hug him one more time , buddy even if u bit sometimes and layed in front of the door and wouldn't get up unless we pushed you over I still loved you even if I didn't act it...
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Chi Chi (a chance to say goodbye)
June 27, 2008
Chichi,my black American short hair,was my best friend.But she ran away.Not knowing where,we searched everywhere...
but never found her.
Ill always love you chichi....
and you'll always be my friend.
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Great Grandpa (a chance to say goodbye)
June 26, 2008
I miss you grandpa!I never got to see you before you left this world, and I didn't even get to say "I love you."It made it really sad because you lived with us and it made it feel like you were my 2nd dad!I wish I could see you again.But I'll see you in heaven someday.
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Romeo (a chance to say goodbye)
June 26, 2008
I miss you so much Romeo, I always loved you, even when you clawed me or bit me, I always loved you to pieces. I remember when I made a bed for you and we sat outside for hours just "talking" to each other. And I made the little club up with our initials...and I remember how soft your fur was after I brushed it for a while... I'm glad though that you did not have to suffer through any more from your horrible cancer as soon as we found out. I miss everything about you, your love and your sweet purr, your funny "lion" haircut in the summer or when it was hot, and just so much more. I love you, rest in peace.
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Gerri (a chance to say goodbye)
June 26, 2008
So much to say, but impossible to form all of the words. I was so lucky to have been blessed with your friendship. Right out of college, I thought most of my "learning" was behind me. But your patience and kindness and generous soul ever so kindly pointed out that "my growing experiences", had only just begun. I used to complain, that I did not want to grow any more. You would smile, and nod, because u knew. After all of these years, I still struggle with trying to figure out, how someone, so utterly full of selfless patience, love and adoration, could have been taken from this earth so soon. Though we had fallen out of touch in the years before you passed, I always carried you in my heart and all of my life lessons. I smiled with your memory, each time, I was meant to learn something. I can only imagine, the heartache your girls felt upon your passing, and the MASSIVE hole left in their hearts and lives. I do want them to know, you could never say enough about your lovely daughters, they were so loved, and I hope they feel your love still. I know I do. I was blessed to have been touched by your pure soul Geraldine O'Donnell and I think of you often.
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Our loyal companion (a chance to say goodbye)
June 12, 2008
Sabrina,
So sad to have to let you go. Thank you for the service that you provided to our family. Thank you for being, always being, on high alert; for being the vigilant (and sometimes vicious) guardian and watch dog of our home and family; for never yielding to strangers unless assured it was/they were okay ; for the hours of fun you provided and enjoyed when the girls were young, playing soccer, swimming in the pond, biting at my heels while I rode the dirt bike through the snow while dragging Courtney on the plastic sled; for your unconditional love (despite the occasional bearing of teeth and rare nip); for your awesome tricks, especially rolling over six times in a row the first time we picked you up from the kennel after returning from vacation; and for, as Ei said so eloquently, for being “our eternal sentinel”. For your loyalty, I, in turn owed you my loyalty until the very end, the very last moment, your last breath. I am sorry for your pain, we will miss you dearly.
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Letting go... (a chance to say goodbye)
June 12, 2008
It was a long emotional journey that lead me back to you. After years of sporadic contact it finally happened as I thought it would. We received the "phone call" that you were ill. I came to your aid, letting go of all past hurts and doing my best to forgive. I did what I could to assist, and made sure you received the best medical care available. Unfortunately, it was all too late. In the following months your condition deteriorated. I guess I finally disconnected when coherent conversation was no longer possible. I am glad that we had those moments together in the months before you passed. I only wish things could have been different leading up to that fateful reunion. God bless , may you rest in peace. - R
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HW RIES III (a chance to say goodbye)
May 25, 2008
Has not been a year my dear friend Bill. But already feels like a lifetime, and time marches on, though never in a million years did I think it would be without your deep laughter. We could never have guessed that you would leave so soon. But I do want u to know, your love and admiration for "Sunshine" has inspired me to an even higher level and I have tried to channel your patience as well. I miss you more than u could ever know, but they say the more u miss someone, the more they were loved. I still want to reach out and email u, and wish with all of my heart, I could hear your voice across the way, and know that u are with us. But I do want u to know,your lessons live on,and your great sense of humour, you are with us ALWAYS.
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