A Fitting Memorial

One of the many joys I have experienced since coming to First Christian Church, St. Joseph has been getting to know the Kar family that joined our church just before Easter. Andrew and Beth along with their son Benjamin are good folks. In addition to the pleasure of getting to know them, I have also gotten to know Beth's parents Ray and Beverly Grenke who also live in St. Joseph. Ray is a semi-retired United Methodist minister and among Beverly's many talents and gifts, she happens to be an artist. It's been great to have Ray and Beverly attend our church as well.

Recently, the Kars and Grenkes shared with me a grief their family endured in 2001. Daniel Grenke, Beverly and Ray's son and Beth's brother, died unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest due to a heart condition. He was 28 years old. Daniel was engaged to be married and was a physical education teacher who loved working with younger children.

I don't pretend to understand what a loss this was for Daniel's loved ones.

Beverly dealt with her grief by writing and illustrating a series of children's books about Daniel. In the books, he's called Mr. G. and he is a gym teacher. Each book's plot centers around how Mr. G. helps his young students to learn lessons about diversity, talents, etc. I was very proud when Beverly gave a set of the books to me to read with my boys and to accept a set on behalf of the church. They will be available in our church library to be checked out.

Recently, a long-time friend of Beverly's wrote an article about their friendship and about Beverly's children's books that stsr her son. It's a moving piece about motherhood and I recommend it to you.

Grace and Peace,

Chase