Obituary of Christopher J. Griesbeck

My dear son, Chris

It has been weeks since I heard you call me,” mom” or heard you come in and say “Hi babe, how are you?  Do you need anything ?”.  Do I have to tell you how much we miss you?  I hear you still, in the house and I wait to have you touch my hair and say “puff” to tease me. We even miss the arguing that none of us liked but is a part of every family growing up together.  We are so happy that you grew up to be the kind of man that can come to an understanding and move on rather than hold on to differences.

I want to say aloud that you were a joy, always.  We loved you from the day you were born and I loved you even before that.  I loved you from the day I knew you were a part of me. You will always remain a part of me. We waited anxiously for you and when we saw you, you were so beautiful.  You are our baby and worth waiting for.  You were a happy child with us, your brother, your cousins, your friends … we loved that you liked to play.  In addition, we are proud that you were so conscientious later in life in your work.  All your co-workers, friends, and family are distraught and saddened by your sudden leaving. I might not have told you enough, but we were so proud of your accomplishments.  I cannot believe how many people you touched that we did not know about until now.

We want to thank you for coming to live with us. Thank you for being good for us and cheering us up with your beautiful personality.  You made our lives here so much easier.

 I am so grateful you will be with your grandma and grandpa.  I remember all the cooking and the playing cards with them and sitting outside, watering bushes and trees and just being with them.  You completed their lives too and how fitting that you join them again.

I want to say aloud to everyone gathered here that you were and still are a beautiful soul and we have not lost you.  We know where you are – with all of those you loved before who were waiting to greet you in heaven. You are not lost.

Finally, I want to say to you Chris, that until we meet in paradise, you will always be with us.  A spirit like yours never dies. Love never dies.

This is not a goodbye letter.  This is a thank you note.  I could not even possibly list all the things about you that we are thankful for. I thank God for lending you to us for these cherished years.

Be at peace, my son, knowing that you were loved and still are. 

Love eternally,

Mom and Dad