We have moved. Several have commented that they haven't been able to find us at the new blog.
Here is the new address: griffithzoo2.blogspot.com
or just click HERE
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The End
Thank you everyone for reading this blog for the last couple of years. I can't tell you how grateful I am for all the prayers, support, and encouragement my family has found in this place. I find it necessary at this time to post for the last time here. This is Marc's place and I don't want to add to it any longer. I hope that he was honored here and that you were able to gain a sense of the person he was and the God he served. I hope that you were encouraged here, too. I hope, constantly, that lives are changed because of Marc's life, faith, and death. That is my prayer....
I have had many conversations with friends and family regarding this blog site. I am so grateful for all of the positive feedback. Thank you. I have been given the challenge by several people close to me to continue writing. I have wrestled long and hard with the idea and have prayed about it diligently for the last several weeks. I have determined that I will continue, but not here. I am going to move to another site. The sole purpose of the new site will be to continue what was started here. This site evolved into a place where folks could see Jesus at work -- his love, his kindness, his answers to prayer. His work in my life and in the lives of my children is far from finished. More than ever I see His goodness and I feel privileged to share it. His work is not finished, so I guess mine isn't either!
If you would like to see how God continues to bless us, please join us here. I'll look forward to seeing you there!
As always...with love and gratitude.
I have had many conversations with friends and family regarding this blog site. I am so grateful for all of the positive feedback. Thank you. I have been given the challenge by several people close to me to continue writing. I have wrestled long and hard with the idea and have prayed about it diligently for the last several weeks. I have determined that I will continue, but not here. I am going to move to another site. The sole purpose of the new site will be to continue what was started here. This site evolved into a place where folks could see Jesus at work -- his love, his kindness, his answers to prayer. His work in my life and in the lives of my children is far from finished. More than ever I see His goodness and I feel privileged to share it. His work is not finished, so I guess mine isn't either!
If you would like to see how God continues to bless us, please join us here. I'll look forward to seeing you there!
As always...with love and gratitude.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Letters....
I have had several more requests for copies of the letters that the kids and I wrote to Marc. These were read at the memorial service. Here goes....
Dear Dad,
I wish your cancer had been healed. I feel really sad that you couldn’t live. I wish you could be here with us right now. It would bring me much joy to see your face again. I miss going on hiking trips with you and going out to get donuts with you at Joe’s. I wish I could still snuggle up with you in bed. It makes me happy, though, to know that you are alive in heaven.
Thank you for being my earthly father. I promise I will see you in heaven.
I love you, Dad.
Adam
***********************************************************************************
Dear Dad,
I wish you could be here to do all the fun stuff that we have been doing. It’s really a bummer to not have you here. I wish you hadn’t left.
Thank you for being a good dad. It was fun do everything together when you were here. What I really miss most about you is when we went on camping trips together. I am going to miss you.
I am going to remember the note that you gave me. I promise to be a dad like you.
I love you,
Ben
**********************************************************************************
Dear Daddy,
I hope you are feeling better in heaven. I miss you a lot. I feel really sad that you are gone. I miss going out with you to do things. Nothing is the same without you.
I want to thank you for being my dad. You were the best dad ever.
I promise I’ll see you someday in heaven.
Sincerely,
Julia
**********************************************************************************
Dear Daddy,
I love you. It’s just that I miss you so much. I love you and I liked your hugs and kisses. It’s because you were the best daddy. I really liked you because you’re fun. I liked you because you are really playful. And you really tickle me so much. You have a family and we love you. I buried you today and I love you so much. It made me cry. I hope you feel better in heaven.
Love,
Sophia
**********************************************************************************
Dear Marc,
Alan gave me the assignment to write you one last love letter. Hmmm….I have procrastinated this for weeks. I have grown so weary of lasts. Our last date, last conversations, last meals, last smiles, last kiss, your last day, now my last letter. Last, last, last. There are no more lasts. Only firsts, and those seem almost harder. My first night crawling into bed without you there. I missed the sound of you breathing, the touch of your hand. The first day without you to care for. I missed the intensity of caring for your needs. My first day as a single parent. I miss your wisdom and patience. The first time I had to say the words aloud, “Marc has passed away.” Oh, Sweetheart, I miss you so much!
There was not much we left unsaid. I feel so blessed to know exactly where we stood with each other even unto the end. Many of the things we have said to each other or left in notes over the years are so precious to me. A lot of those things I am going to keep to myself. So much about our journey we have shared openly. Some things I want to keep just for me. You understand. They are in my heart and mind – treasures to reflect upon in the days, weeks, and years to come. Memories that will sustain me and remind me of a marriage and a friendship that were remarkable. Those memories are for me…for us.
But what I don’t want to keep to myself – ever – is the complete respect and admiration that I have for you. You are so easy to love. I have never once struggled with submitting to you. Your lead has been easy to follow. I always feel that you lead, not with your ambition in mind, but with the needs of me and the children in mind. You led me with a servant’s heart and I was blessed by you.
I thank you for choosing me as your wife and for working so hard on our marriage. I thank you for our four amazing children. I see so much of you in them. I will keep my promise to raise them in a way that will honor the Lord. I thank you for your faith, your grace, and your courage.
Your courage, especially, was incredible to witness. Thank you for having the courage to face cancer with faith and dignity. Thank you for taking treatment after treatment and putting your body through untold misery and never once complaining. I know you did it for me and the kids and I am so grateful. Thank you for having the courage to be present for the family during your entire illness. You never felt sorry for yourself and persisted as a husband and parent. You never gave up the fight and you never gave up your rightful place as the leader in our home. Thank you for having the courage to help others, even during your hour of need. You continued to pursue relationships, give advice, share wisdom, and inspire others, when it would have been just as easy to focus on your own needs and hurts. Thank you for having the courage to write each of us a beautiful goodbye letter. Your last letter to me. Your last letters to each of our children. Those were beautiful lasts. They were perfect and I can only imagine how it broke your heart to go through that . What a sacrifice. Thank you for having the courage to coach me through the maintenance of the house, the cars, and all the details of life that you needed to pass on to me . Thank you for constantly assuring me that I can do all of these things. You gave me the courage to face life as a widow and single mom with some semblance of confidence.
Marc, I miss you for a million reasons every day. I discover reasons to miss you constantly and it takes my breath away. I don’t know how I am going to do this without you, but I find inspiration in your courage and your wisdom. I know because of your example that I can do this if I do it one day at a time and if I trust in the Lord to help me through. I can continue on without you because you proved to me what real faith in Christ really looks like. Thank you for loving me enough to show me the way.
I love you, Marc. I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you again!
Love always,
me
Dear Dad,
I wish your cancer had been healed. I feel really sad that you couldn’t live. I wish you could be here with us right now. It would bring me much joy to see your face again. I miss going on hiking trips with you and going out to get donuts with you at Joe’s. I wish I could still snuggle up with you in bed. It makes me happy, though, to know that you are alive in heaven.
Thank you for being my earthly father. I promise I will see you in heaven.
I love you, Dad.
Adam
***********************************************************************************
Dear Dad,
I wish you could be here to do all the fun stuff that we have been doing. It’s really a bummer to not have you here. I wish you hadn’t left.
Thank you for being a good dad. It was fun do everything together when you were here. What I really miss most about you is when we went on camping trips together. I am going to miss you.
I am going to remember the note that you gave me. I promise to be a dad like you.
I love you,
Ben
**********************************************************************************
Dear Daddy,
I hope you are feeling better in heaven. I miss you a lot. I feel really sad that you are gone. I miss going out with you to do things. Nothing is the same without you.
I want to thank you for being my dad. You were the best dad ever.
I promise I’ll see you someday in heaven.
Sincerely,
Julia
**********************************************************************************
Dear Daddy,
I love you. It’s just that I miss you so much. I love you and I liked your hugs and kisses. It’s because you were the best daddy. I really liked you because you’re fun. I liked you because you are really playful. And you really tickle me so much. You have a family and we love you. I buried you today and I love you so much. It made me cry. I hope you feel better in heaven.
Love,
Sophia
**********************************************************************************
Dear Marc,
Alan gave me the assignment to write you one last love letter. Hmmm….I have procrastinated this for weeks. I have grown so weary of lasts. Our last date, last conversations, last meals, last smiles, last kiss, your last day, now my last letter. Last, last, last. There are no more lasts. Only firsts, and those seem almost harder. My first night crawling into bed without you there. I missed the sound of you breathing, the touch of your hand. The first day without you to care for. I missed the intensity of caring for your needs. My first day as a single parent. I miss your wisdom and patience. The first time I had to say the words aloud, “Marc has passed away.” Oh, Sweetheart, I miss you so much!
There was not much we left unsaid. I feel so blessed to know exactly where we stood with each other even unto the end. Many of the things we have said to each other or left in notes over the years are so precious to me. A lot of those things I am going to keep to myself. So much about our journey we have shared openly. Some things I want to keep just for me. You understand. They are in my heart and mind – treasures to reflect upon in the days, weeks, and years to come. Memories that will sustain me and remind me of a marriage and a friendship that were remarkable. Those memories are for me…for us.
But what I don’t want to keep to myself – ever – is the complete respect and admiration that I have for you. You are so easy to love. I have never once struggled with submitting to you. Your lead has been easy to follow. I always feel that you lead, not with your ambition in mind, but with the needs of me and the children in mind. You led me with a servant’s heart and I was blessed by you.
I thank you for choosing me as your wife and for working so hard on our marriage. I thank you for our four amazing children. I see so much of you in them. I will keep my promise to raise them in a way that will honor the Lord. I thank you for your faith, your grace, and your courage.
Your courage, especially, was incredible to witness. Thank you for having the courage to face cancer with faith and dignity. Thank you for taking treatment after treatment and putting your body through untold misery and never once complaining. I know you did it for me and the kids and I am so grateful. Thank you for having the courage to be present for the family during your entire illness. You never felt sorry for yourself and persisted as a husband and parent. You never gave up the fight and you never gave up your rightful place as the leader in our home. Thank you for having the courage to help others, even during your hour of need. You continued to pursue relationships, give advice, share wisdom, and inspire others, when it would have been just as easy to focus on your own needs and hurts. Thank you for having the courage to write each of us a beautiful goodbye letter. Your last letter to me. Your last letters to each of our children. Those were beautiful lasts. They were perfect and I can only imagine how it broke your heart to go through that . What a sacrifice. Thank you for having the courage to coach me through the maintenance of the house, the cars, and all the details of life that you needed to pass on to me . Thank you for constantly assuring me that I can do all of these things. You gave me the courage to face life as a widow and single mom with some semblance of confidence.
Marc, I miss you for a million reasons every day. I discover reasons to miss you constantly and it takes my breath away. I don’t know how I am going to do this without you, but I find inspiration in your courage and your wisdom. I know because of your example that I can do this if I do it one day at a time and if I trust in the Lord to help me through. I can continue on without you because you proved to me what real faith in Christ really looks like. Thank you for loving me enough to show me the way.
I love you, Marc. I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you again!
Love always,
me
Monday, October 25, 2010
Legacy
I have had several phone calls today asking if I could post my thoughts from the service yesterday on Marc's legacy. I am happy to do that. Thank you all that took the time to come and see us yeseterday. My children and I, along with our extended family, were blessed by your presence. Thank you!
I may post a few more things from the service over the coming days, but my intention is to bring this blogsite to a close soon; however, I will let you all know when I make my last posting. Keep checking in with us. We love hearing from you all!
Legacy....
I want to take a few minutes today to talk about something more than love and memories. In a little bit we will all leave this room and go out to resume our lives. What, beyond a few memories, will we take with us? I want today to be more than a nice service in memory of my husband. Marc’s life and Marc’s death has had a profound impact – he has left a rich legacy. Now the question remains….What will you do in light of what you have seen in my husband? Will you simply be amused? Have a respectful admiration? Or will you run the race that Christ has chosen for you with as much heart, passion, and integrity as Marc?
We are not here today to celebrate a perfect man or his perfect life. As his wife I had the front row seat to all his imperfections. But as his wife I also had a front row seat to his character. And what I saw was good. It wasn’t just good…it was phenomenal. He was the real deal – it wasn’t an act. Marc was an unobtrusive, quiet man. He never had to be the center of attention. Content at all times to be anonymous. He wasn’t educated beyond high school. His job, while he loved it, wasn’t glamorous. He never talked about his accomplishments and kept to himself. So what is there to notice? In a world that values accomplishment, power, fame, and education, it doesn’t seem like he left much worth remembering. Why on earth would one simple man passing away bring hundreds of people to his memorial service?
I don’t know the reason each of you came today. Some of you are grieving his death and are struggling to make sense of your personal loss. Others of you didn’t know Marc well, but love our children and our family enough to support us today. We are all here, though, trying to make sense of something that doesn’t seem fair. It doesn’t seem right. How can a vibrant man of 44 – a seemingly good man….a good husband…a good father…just pass away? What does it mean? It doesn’t make sense.
For the children and for myself, there is a gigantic hole in our lives. We have suffered a profound loss. Yet as painful as his absence is for us, we understand there is purpose in how Marc lived his life and how he passed away. His life was one big message and I hope none of us miss it. Marc’s life may very well be a wake up call for many of us. The issue is, will we wake up? Or will it be a call we simply didn’t answer?
I think Marc’s legacy can be summed up in about three things. Change, choices, and priorities.
Marc discovered early on his ability to change. Many things about Marc’s life growing up and as a young adult weren’t ideal. He found Christ early, but his faith wasn’t fed or nurtured. He wandered for a time, making worldly decisions that he found didn’t bring him happiness. He realized a need for change, a break from the path that he was on. He had the courage and humility to admit that how he was living his life wasn’t beneficial to anyone. So, he changed. He didn’t do it on his own, though. He was wise enough to seek out help. He started looking to those that had their act together – men of faith and strong character -- and sought their counsel. There was no shame in asking for that help. This attitude of humility and willingness to change served him well. Marc never acted as if he had all the answers. He was always willing to learn, to mature….to grow up. Everything in Marc’s life benefited from this attitude of teachability – his career, our marriage, his children.
Marc’s life could also be summed up in choices. He learned the gift of discernment and chose well. He chose Christ when the world would say its folly. He chose marriage when the culture says its okay to leave when it gets hard, inconvenient, or boring. He chose his children and their interests when pursuing his own ambitions and goals would have brought him more accolades. He chose to work hard and work honestly when it would have been easier to be dishonest and lazy. He chose to invest in personal relationships in a culture that doesn’t value or have time for loyal friendships. Marc never chose the easy way out.
Last, were Marc’s priorities. Marc’s priority was never himself. I don’t recall him ever being selfish or proud, always putting others needs and wants before his own. He was always humble enough to say he was sorry. He was gracious enough to not let most things bother him. Most of all, he knew how to forgive. He knew how to forgive the big offenses and the small ones. I know. I was on the receiving end of his forgiveness quite often. It’s a humbling and beautiful place to be. Marc kept his word. He followed through. He could be counted upon.
Change. Choices. Priorities. Marc summed it up best in words that he wrote to our children in a letter he left for them before he passed away:
“Do not forget the compassion and affection you have for others. Show it daily. Never withhold from expressing your love to those around you. Hold your children daily. Never be afraid to show your soft side. It is a gift from God.
Serve God first. Serve your spouse. Then serve others. You are last. This life is not about you. It's about who you are for others. In this you will mirror God's love for His people.
Remember that you are not of this world, but God has put you in it and has given you instructions to follow. Tell the truth always. And, in everything that you do, love, love, love.”
Marc lived these words. They weren’t just things he told his children to do because they sounded nice in a love note. He lived them and let me tell you, his life was a gift. My life married to this man was a gift. Even knowing how it would end up, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. My children had an amazing father and I hope his words and their memories of him guide them. But, I also hope that his life made a difference to you, too. Perhaps his life points us all in a better direction.
I know some of the hurts in this room today. I know the challenges many of you are facing. It’s hard stuff. I would just ask you to listen to the wisdom of a man that finished his race and finished it well. Marc would tell you, if you have a relationship that needs mending. Mend it. If you are in a marriage that is suffering. Tend it. It is so worth it! If you are the priority in your own life, consider reshuffling those priorities and reconsidering what life is really about. Think about changing. Think about your choices. Consider your priorities.
Perhaps my words fall on ears that don’t hear or don’t want to listen. On the other hand, perhaps Marc’s life will make a difference in one person. In one marriage. In one relationship. In one person’s faith. Adam, Ben, Julia, Sophia, and I, mourn the loss of our daddy and husband. But, we are convinced that God can use our loss for good. If one life is changed for the better because of Marc’s life and his passing, then perhaps it is not all loss. Perhaps in the bigger picture, we all win.
I may post a few more things from the service over the coming days, but my intention is to bring this blogsite to a close soon; however, I will let you all know when I make my last posting. Keep checking in with us. We love hearing from you all!
Legacy....
I want to take a few minutes today to talk about something more than love and memories. In a little bit we will all leave this room and go out to resume our lives. What, beyond a few memories, will we take with us? I want today to be more than a nice service in memory of my husband. Marc’s life and Marc’s death has had a profound impact – he has left a rich legacy. Now the question remains….What will you do in light of what you have seen in my husband? Will you simply be amused? Have a respectful admiration? Or will you run the race that Christ has chosen for you with as much heart, passion, and integrity as Marc?
We are not here today to celebrate a perfect man or his perfect life. As his wife I had the front row seat to all his imperfections. But as his wife I also had a front row seat to his character. And what I saw was good. It wasn’t just good…it was phenomenal. He was the real deal – it wasn’t an act. Marc was an unobtrusive, quiet man. He never had to be the center of attention. Content at all times to be anonymous. He wasn’t educated beyond high school. His job, while he loved it, wasn’t glamorous. He never talked about his accomplishments and kept to himself. So what is there to notice? In a world that values accomplishment, power, fame, and education, it doesn’t seem like he left much worth remembering. Why on earth would one simple man passing away bring hundreds of people to his memorial service?
I don’t know the reason each of you came today. Some of you are grieving his death and are struggling to make sense of your personal loss. Others of you didn’t know Marc well, but love our children and our family enough to support us today. We are all here, though, trying to make sense of something that doesn’t seem fair. It doesn’t seem right. How can a vibrant man of 44 – a seemingly good man….a good husband…a good father…just pass away? What does it mean? It doesn’t make sense.
For the children and for myself, there is a gigantic hole in our lives. We have suffered a profound loss. Yet as painful as his absence is for us, we understand there is purpose in how Marc lived his life and how he passed away. His life was one big message and I hope none of us miss it. Marc’s life may very well be a wake up call for many of us. The issue is, will we wake up? Or will it be a call we simply didn’t answer?
I think Marc’s legacy can be summed up in about three things. Change, choices, and priorities.
Marc discovered early on his ability to change. Many things about Marc’s life growing up and as a young adult weren’t ideal. He found Christ early, but his faith wasn’t fed or nurtured. He wandered for a time, making worldly decisions that he found didn’t bring him happiness. He realized a need for change, a break from the path that he was on. He had the courage and humility to admit that how he was living his life wasn’t beneficial to anyone. So, he changed. He didn’t do it on his own, though. He was wise enough to seek out help. He started looking to those that had their act together – men of faith and strong character -- and sought their counsel. There was no shame in asking for that help. This attitude of humility and willingness to change served him well. Marc never acted as if he had all the answers. He was always willing to learn, to mature….to grow up. Everything in Marc’s life benefited from this attitude of teachability – his career, our marriage, his children.
Marc’s life could also be summed up in choices. He learned the gift of discernment and chose well. He chose Christ when the world would say its folly. He chose marriage when the culture says its okay to leave when it gets hard, inconvenient, or boring. He chose his children and their interests when pursuing his own ambitions and goals would have brought him more accolades. He chose to work hard and work honestly when it would have been easier to be dishonest and lazy. He chose to invest in personal relationships in a culture that doesn’t value or have time for loyal friendships. Marc never chose the easy way out.
Last, were Marc’s priorities. Marc’s priority was never himself. I don’t recall him ever being selfish or proud, always putting others needs and wants before his own. He was always humble enough to say he was sorry. He was gracious enough to not let most things bother him. Most of all, he knew how to forgive. He knew how to forgive the big offenses and the small ones. I know. I was on the receiving end of his forgiveness quite often. It’s a humbling and beautiful place to be. Marc kept his word. He followed through. He could be counted upon.
Change. Choices. Priorities. Marc summed it up best in words that he wrote to our children in a letter he left for them before he passed away:
“Do not forget the compassion and affection you have for others. Show it daily. Never withhold from expressing your love to those around you. Hold your children daily. Never be afraid to show your soft side. It is a gift from God.
Serve God first. Serve your spouse. Then serve others. You are last. This life is not about you. It's about who you are for others. In this you will mirror God's love for His people.
Remember that you are not of this world, but God has put you in it and has given you instructions to follow. Tell the truth always. And, in everything that you do, love, love, love.”
Marc lived these words. They weren’t just things he told his children to do because they sounded nice in a love note. He lived them and let me tell you, his life was a gift. My life married to this man was a gift. Even knowing how it would end up, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. My children had an amazing father and I hope his words and their memories of him guide them. But, I also hope that his life made a difference to you, too. Perhaps his life points us all in a better direction.
I know some of the hurts in this room today. I know the challenges many of you are facing. It’s hard stuff. I would just ask you to listen to the wisdom of a man that finished his race and finished it well. Marc would tell you, if you have a relationship that needs mending. Mend it. If you are in a marriage that is suffering. Tend it. It is so worth it! If you are the priority in your own life, consider reshuffling those priorities and reconsidering what life is really about. Think about changing. Think about your choices. Consider your priorities.
Perhaps my words fall on ears that don’t hear or don’t want to listen. On the other hand, perhaps Marc’s life will make a difference in one person. In one marriage. In one relationship. In one person’s faith. Adam, Ben, Julia, Sophia, and I, mourn the loss of our daddy and husband. But, we are convinced that God can use our loss for good. If one life is changed for the better because of Marc’s life and his passing, then perhaps it is not all loss. Perhaps in the bigger picture, we all win.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Updated Information
A trust account has been established for Adam, Benjamin, Julia and Sophia. You may go to any Bank of America branch and ask for the "Marc A. Griffith Heirs Revocable Memorial Trust." For the next ninety days they will be able to take contributions at any branch. If you are visiting a branch outside of Oregon, you will need the account number. That number is: 485005708058.
For tax purposes an EIN has been established for this trust. Should you need this number, please contact me and I will provide that for you.
Many thanks from all of you that have requested this. We are touched by your generosity.
For memorial service information, please see the previous post.
With love and gratitude...
For tax purposes an EIN has been established for this trust. Should you need this number, please contact me and I will provide that for you.
Many thanks from all of you that have requested this. We are touched by your generosity.
For memorial service information, please see the previous post.
With love and gratitude...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Memorial Service
Marc Andrew Griffith
May 17, 1966 - September 30, 2010
Memorial Service
October 24, 2010
at
3:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd Community Church
28986 SE Haley RD
Boring, OR 97009
(503) 663-5050
Many have asked where contributions
and remembrances should be sent.
We are in the process of establishing trust accounts
for Adam, Benjamin, Julia and Sophia.
for Adam, Benjamin, Julia and Sophia.
You may check here for updates and information or contact us directly.
With love and gratitude....
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Faithful Servant
His lord said to him,"Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler of many things. Enter in to joy of your lord."
Matthew 25:21
Marc Andrew Griffith
May 17, 1966 - September 30, 2010
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4: 6-8
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