Tam VanderWerf
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2003
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Hi Everyone~
I just returned from the funeral for Michael Garrison, Marty's son, and I wanted to give everyone an update.
There was a very large turnout, which looked like it was made up primarily of Michael's friends. There were many beautiful flower arrangements and plants that had been sent. I did not get to meet Marty or her family until after the service was over during an informal receiving line outside.
Marty, Jerry and Dan, flanked by other family members came into the Chapel just before the service started. At the beginning, a woman (not sure of her name or relationship to the family) read a truly beautiful memorial written by Marty. It must have been 6 or 7 pages long and told about Michael's personality and his life. It told about his relationship with his parents and with his little brother Dan. There were times when we laughed and times when there was not a dry eye in the place. Marty has a gift for writing and her words went together so well that it made you feel like you knew Michael even if you had never met him. It mentioned the speeding and Meth problem on the mountain and Michael's adopting and caring for dogs and cats which had been discarded on the mountain by irresponsible owners. It mentioned their involvement with American Miniature Horses and that there was a prayer vigil going on simultaneously with Michael's funeral. On an even sadder note, it told how the little kitten that Michael was caring for died this morning and went to be with him (I really lost it there....).
The pastor spoke very highly of Michael and knew that Michael had given his life to Christ. He assured us that Michael was safe in Heaven, which is a more beautiful place than one could ever imagine.
After the serivce, I introduced myself to Marty and gave her a big hug. I signed the Guest Book "Little Beginnings Forum Family - We love you". Marty seemed to be holding up pretty well although she was sedated. I got to meet Tiffanie and Greg, who will be with Marty, Jerry and Dan a couple more days. Tiffanie said the Forum Family is an awesome bunch and it was wonderful how everyone has rallied around Marty and the family in this terrible time. I was not able to attend the graveside service because I needed to return home to pick up DJ from baseball practice.
Please stay in touch with Marty, as her days to come will be very difficult for her and her family. Also - let everyone you care about know how much they mean to you and that you love them because we are not guaranteed another tomorrow.....
Peace to all.
Tam
I just returned from the funeral for Michael Garrison, Marty's son, and I wanted to give everyone an update.
There was a very large turnout, which looked like it was made up primarily of Michael's friends. There were many beautiful flower arrangements and plants that had been sent. I did not get to meet Marty or her family until after the service was over during an informal receiving line outside.
Marty, Jerry and Dan, flanked by other family members came into the Chapel just before the service started. At the beginning, a woman (not sure of her name or relationship to the family) read a truly beautiful memorial written by Marty. It must have been 6 or 7 pages long and told about Michael's personality and his life. It told about his relationship with his parents and with his little brother Dan. There were times when we laughed and times when there was not a dry eye in the place. Marty has a gift for writing and her words went together so well that it made you feel like you knew Michael even if you had never met him. It mentioned the speeding and Meth problem on the mountain and Michael's adopting and caring for dogs and cats which had been discarded on the mountain by irresponsible owners. It mentioned their involvement with American Miniature Horses and that there was a prayer vigil going on simultaneously with Michael's funeral. On an even sadder note, it told how the little kitten that Michael was caring for died this morning and went to be with him (I really lost it there....).
The pastor spoke very highly of Michael and knew that Michael had given his life to Christ. He assured us that Michael was safe in Heaven, which is a more beautiful place than one could ever imagine.
After the serivce, I introduced myself to Marty and gave her a big hug. I signed the Guest Book "Little Beginnings Forum Family - We love you". Marty seemed to be holding up pretty well although she was sedated. I got to meet Tiffanie and Greg, who will be with Marty, Jerry and Dan a couple more days. Tiffanie said the Forum Family is an awesome bunch and it was wonderful how everyone has rallied around Marty and the family in this terrible time. I was not able to attend the graveside service because I needed to return home to pick up DJ from baseball practice.
Please stay in touch with Marty, as her days to come will be very difficult for her and her family. Also - let everyone you care about know how much they mean to you and that you love them because we are not guaranteed another tomorrow.....
Peace to all.
Tam