Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board Every 10 Years Forum Ruth Irene Marie Gratz Blessing - 1927-2007

As a lot of you are already aware, Caroline's Mom passed away on Tuesday, shortly after Noon. She had been in the hospital since last Wednesday and was diagnosed with an extremely bad case of pneumonia.

By Thursday we had to come to the realization that this was probably the final hospitalization Mom would have to go through. And that evening she was placed into a medically induced coma so they could put her on a ventilator. She never fully recovered.

This is the reason why my Avatar has changed for those of you that have asked. I wanted to do a small gesture that I could just have with me here for a while.

Our lives are going to be quite empty and quiet now and it will take some time for Caroline to fully recover. She's had to deal with losing both of her parents within a year along with a close aunt (Mom's sister).

There isn't much more I really want to say about what happened. I just wanted everyone to be away of what Caroline is going through right now and hopefully understand if she doesn't reply to e-mails or PMs for a while.

I've been asked if there was a favorite charity of Mom's for donations. She had so many she supported, even on a limited income. Most of them were related to the veterans. Mom was a nurse, trained during the War (that's WWII for you youngin's) and she always felt they needed the most assistance. Especially our new veterans. So anyone who wishes to make a donation in Mom's name please do so to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) .

Thank you to everyone who has already given us their condolences. Caroline has been reading them and they do help. You guys are a big part of our lives and many of you are family.

Please take the time to tell a loved one how much you love them. You never know what life brings.


This was taken just a month ago on our last road trip.

Amen to that, Scott.

My dad died two and a half years ago, and it still hurts...moreso because of things left unsaid and undone.

My heartfelt condolences to you and Caroline, Scott.

Scott, Caroline, you both have my sympathies and condolences.

What a good picture of the three of you!

My sympathies to you and Caroline. Your mom was fortunate to have you two (and cats) taking care of her.

Just because I can never give you both too much, many and a tremendous amount of to you both.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Cobalt Kid:
<strong>Just because I can never give you both too much, many and a tremendous amount of

Thirded. You guys are amazing...

It'll be 13 years tomorrow I lost my Dad, but it still feels like yesterday. My sincere sympathies to you both.

Love & Light to you both.

My sympathies.

My condolences to you kids.

I just wanted to add-- I mentioned very briefly what'd happened to a friend of mine in passing and he said to give virtual hugs from him. So here's an extra

I didn't realize that this had happened until now. My sympathies for your loss...

Rest now and take care of each other you guys.

Thanks again everyone.

And thanks Rob. We just received the letter from the DAV today.

When it rains...

We went ahead with our plans to travel to Ontario, OR to visit Caroline's aunt. Was supposed to make the trip with mom and call it an early Thanksgiving.

Five minutes before we arrived at Aunt Marie's we get a call. Caroline's grandmother, about to turn 101 on Thanksgiving, passed away. So now the trip is moving on to the Portland/Vancouver area to attend the services for her grandmother.

I'll check in when I can but we'll probably be out of touch for a week.

With mom, grandma and Aunt Millie earlier this year I hope that Caroline is done with bereavement for the year. Hell, for the millennium.

I'm sorry, Lightning Lad.

Scott, Caroline-- I'm so sorry. Seriously, it-it's so hard. Sending good thoughts and best wishes your way. May you have the strength and courage to face what has come... and what still may face you. Good luck. And know that we love you.

Poor Caroline. My thoughts & prayers are going out to both of you.

I know we're not boon companions, but you and your wife have my sympathies. I grieve for your losses.

I am happy for anyone who can celebrate a grandparent's 100th birthday, and sad for anyone who loses a grandparent. They are all very special. My thoughts and wishes for safe travels to you and Caroline.

Wow, I'm so sorry I missed this thread before so I could have expressed my sympathies, so please accept a double dose of love and hugs from Michigan. My thoughts are with you.

So sorry to hear that Caroline's string of sadness continues. Have safe trip.

Oh, man.

Sorry for your losses...