He sauntered through our offices...down in the basement bureau... the dungeon...
The exact date is not recalled, but his usual jokes and cracks amused each of us. Wit and humor...twins of mirth born in this man’s spirit...
My small corner is laden with papers galore...surrounded by filing cabinets...even the floor space is blocked off by the Maltese mascot’s lounging pillow...
He peeps around the door...
“Karen...how ya doin?”
We exchange a few pleasantries and then he turns to leave.
“By the way, you know how you write about folks on your blog and make them sound so good? Well, do you think that you could write something about me?”
I assured him I could and would...
“My birthday is coming up and I’d appreciate it if you would write something good about me”...
I promised I would, as he left the office...
For the final time...
Six weeks short of his 50th birthday,
my brother-in-law stepped over into eternity...
and found the freedom he had foreseen...
and desired...
Words then seemed...empty...and inadequate...
But God...
supplied...
Words and memories to comfort and bring hope...
The Word was there...
And Greg’s final request?
It was already written...
in the Book of Life.
In memory of Charles Gregory Thompson...
November 21, 1960 – October 8, 2010
Shared by
22 thoughts:
That is precious! Great job.
My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Much too short a life! As you go through this valley of grief, loss and sorrow may God's perfect comfort be very near through the hearts and hands of those who love HIM!
Karen, this is a beautiful tribute to Greg... FREEDOM -- Little did he know when he chose that as the word of the year just what it would mean for him. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Love you.
What a wonderful tribute! Such a request, and yes the Book of Life, now.
Sorry for your families pain...
Karen - this is a wonderful and moving tribute to your brother-in-law. Though we who remain grieve, when our loved ones go on to be with the Lord, we are not without hope. I know tomorrow will be a difficult time for your family, but cling to the promise that you will see him again.
Love and blessings,
Joan
Greg would be so proud. You are so talented with words.
My deepest sympathy to each of you in your loss. The videos were a wonderful tribute to his life.
"Freedom..."
What a beautiful tribute, Karen. Sorry for your loss. May this season be filled of good, kind remembrances, laughter and healing tears.
peace~elaine
Blessings Karen... A beautiful heartfelt tribute and well done or said! (Both I guess)! My very deepest sympathies once again and that the Holy Spirit's Comfort fills your family with the eternal JOY!
So this is why God was prompting me!I gotta get these signals and whispers a lot clearer!
I held back my tears until I read what "Dad" said and so very true and your Aunt! (Charles)Greg is so pleased with how ya' wrote "something good about" him! I love that photo that shows the face of wit and humor and love through his eyes and healing for all of you grieving the loss here but heaven's gain. There is where the HOPE and COMFORT lies.Many of us do not have that same reassurance for our loved ones(yet we should). I noticed that he was born the same year as my youngest brother that's there in heaven also 20 yrs. sooner. God must have a "thing" for the 60's.
Thank you for your beautiful gift of sharing LIFE and words that speak HOPE and COMFORT though I know your heart and your family's are heavy, celebrate the life he lived as your words do! I am touched by your strength. I pray these words bring healing to others. Thank you for your gracious words and love shared here!
Peace and Comfort to all (((hug)))
Peggy
Karen, I know your brother-in-law
would have loved your tribute. His
picture looks so dear. No words to
say really that can ease this kind
of pain. Just be comforted in know-
ing he is with the very One we love
so much! And one day all of you will
rejoice with him as he is rejoicing
right now. May your Thanksgiving be
one of true peace from the presence
of the Lord among you.
Love & Prayers,
Sandy
WOW!!! AWESOME video and word for 2010... FREEDOM!
Beautiful words from you from the quote to the tribute of Greg and how he made you "feel"! Ohhh
heaven is having such a great time with him!!!
And the second filled with wonderful photos of memories!
Truly inspirational and comforting!
I remember when I put together a collage of photos how that brought healing for me! May Our Lord bring healing through your gift of words in memory of Greg (Charles Gregory), Comfort in the love of how he made you feel with a word or a glance, Laughter in the fun times that you have recorded so well, Joy for each memory, and HOPE in the glorious future together, with the wonderful truth of FREEDOM! Who would have thought... at last, would be so soon and unexpected.
Hold on, my dear sister Karen and loved ones of Greg... Joy comes in the mourning and each morning as we put on that garment of praise and the attitude of gratitude, knowing we are all one step closer to being
together eternally through the Freedom Jesus gives us and gave us.
May there be an oil of gladness that spills over each one of you as you fondly remember the laughter, love and life of this man well loved and who loved each of you!
Many blessings and much love,
Peggy
This is a lovely tribute to your brother-in-law, Greg. I watched the video - it was very touching.
This untimely death was undoubtedly a shock to your family. And yet, his death was ordained for JUST THIS TIME by God. What a blessing to know that He is with his Lord, right now, and forever.
I will take Greg's 2010 word to heart - FREEDOM.
"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17)
GOD BLESS, Karen - my sympathy to your entire family.
Wow ... Just, wow.
You honored him well.
Everything has been said in previous comments.
Beautiful tribute to him, no doubt bringing some comfort to the family.
With love and hugs
Jan
Nothing we could ever leave our families is worth more-than the assurance of our eternal home. I pray that knowing that he is there-waiting as we each finish up the final hours of work that God has assigned us is a comfort to your hearts.
You've been in my heart and prayers. Much love to you at this season of thankfulness.
He, like my sister Wanda, finished their job early. They stand among our great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on- the end is in sight- we must stay the course.
Love you Karen.
Sweet Karen, you have used your gift of words to share a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to Greg, and God, in His perfect timing and love for Greg, brought him freedom indeed. The video is so touching and such a tribute to him. My heart prays for you and your family, that your memories of Greg will bring great comfort and joy.
Blessings to you,
Laurie
Hi Karen,
What a wonderful tribute to Greg. Freedom is such a powerful word. It is why Christ came to this world, to set the captives free.
I'm thankful that through you, I was given a glimpse of Greg.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
Karen, this touched my heart so deeply. Your handsome brother in law's word for the year has been mine: FREEDOM.
What a beautiful reality that through and in Christ we are FREE. He's definitely free now -- proclaiming it in Glory!!! Hallelujah!
You already know that my love and prayers have been and will remain with your family.
Beautiful tribute on both videos. Praying peace, comfort and joy in the LORD for your family and loads of sweet smile as you think about Greg this Thanksgiving.
Love you my friend.
You did a wonderful job on this tribute, and while there are no right words to say for a broken heart, please know that I will pray for your family's loss, and I am thankful for your Greg's freedom!
I'm sorry Karen...I watched the video. One thing for sure....he was a great guy b/c your love shines through for him. Hugs to you.
Dear Karen, a beautiful tribute to your brother-in-law ~ The videos were wonderful. Praying for you all ~ Love and Hugs ~
Hi Karen,
What a great tribute.
May God bless all of you.
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