Eulogy:

"For all the deepest thought compiled,philosophy
to laws of physics,
no one's ever heard or seen,
a more beautiful thing,
than this love that saved us.

In the soundless awe
and wonder,
words fall short to hope again.
How beautiful,
how vast
your love is,
new forever,
world without an end."
- "World Without End" - Reese Roper of Five Iron Frenzy

On March 12, 2003, a great hero has been taken from us. I don't know who is going to be present to hear this, but I want it to be heard none the less. On this day, Edith Gula, my great grandmother, was delivered from the suffering of poor health. Though it is amazingly sad to lose her, we can rejoice that she is no longer suffering.

This great woman of faith was our spiritual matriarch and has lived her life as a light to those us of who are left to mourn her passing. I cannot begin to tell you how much of an encouragement that she has been to my life and my studies. I remember her telling me once "God promised that I would see one of my own in the pulpit. I believe that is you, Damien." I am encouraged when I think of God's word being spoken through her. What words did she give to you?

You all know her outspoken nature and her quickness to praise her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through the good times and the bad. For this moment, out of respect, I ask you consider to her words. Do not blame God for her suffering or for her death. He did not cause it. The truth of the matter is that we live in a world that is dark and cursed with the malignancy of sin. We should not ask why God lets bad things happen to good people, but more over, why He lets so many good things happen to we who do not deserve it. Let's face it, we cannot live this life without a personal relationship and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in the Gospel of John: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Grandma knew that.

She knew that the secret to life was not all the cool cars or houses or stocks. Edith knew that leading a meaningful life, with God as the pilot and navigator, was more satisfying than any riches or stuff. If you could look back on how she lived, do you see the joy that she had? God gave that to her.

I guess I've been talking most about what kind of a person Grandma was. Let me now share with you my feelings. Grandma meant so much to me. Everyone has heard the saying, "You never know what you have until you lose it". It was different than that for me. I knew just how much she meant to me. I loved her so much. To see her and to have her pray for me brought me so much joy. I cannot begin to explain it.

My one regret is that I am not able to be present, nor say good bye. However, I know that I do not need to say good bye. She is now in the presence of God and giving Him praise for everything that she had been given in this life. I know that one day, I will see her again. Will you?