| REMEMBERING
GISELLE
On Monday, September 3, 2007 we gathered at the Evangelical Free Church
of Diamond Bar, CA to remember Giselle Elizabeth Maertens. There were
over 200 friends and family members there to wish this sweet princess
goodbye. Pastor Mark started us off with a prayer and a reading. Cindy’s
friend Lydia gave the first Eulogy; it was a beautiful tribute to Giselle.
I (Heidi) then spoke, remembering our last visit with Pete and Cindy
then talked about my Mom, who is now holding Giselle. She has the biggest
smile on her face because she now has a grandchild to care for. I also
spoke of my belief that Giselle’s death has touched & changed
countless lives around her, including some of our own family.
Pete walked up to the stage with Vanessa (9) and Alyssa (6). Vanessa
spoke first, she talked about how much she loved and missed Giselle,
it was touching. Then little Alyssa spoke, she told us that Giselle
will always be in her heart and that she missed her so much, but out
of the mouth’s of babes, she also remembered that Giselle use
to break her toys! Her honesty throughout this time has been priceless.
Pete, so stoic and strong, thanked everyone who tried to save Giselle’s
life; he spoke of all the wonderful times with his dear daughter remembering
her laugh, her smile, her love………..Pete looked worn,
like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, but knowing he
would be moving forward with his family, for his family.
Pastor Mark continued the service with a few more readings and then
we viewed a wonderful slide show with pictures of Giselle and her short
15 months here on Earth. It was beautiful. She was such a happy, sweet
and joyful baby. Pete described her as the baby with the contagious
laugh. There were countless pictures of Giselle in the arms of her sisters,
who loved her so much. In the arms of her parents who treasured everyday
with her.
Cindy spoke last; she was so strong and full of grace. She thanked all
of the people that had been there from the moment it happened to this
very sad day at the church. No one will ever know the pain this mother
has endured, but you could see it in her eyes, there was something missing
in her life.
The church family has been a blessing. Pastor Mark and Linda (Children’s
Ministry Director) were at the hospital within a few hours of the accident
praying with them until Giselle’s passing, which was late into
the night. This family has not been without support. There was always
someone at the house to hold them, comfort them or feed them. Their
friends have also been amazing, just amazing. They have made sure that
Pete, Cindy and the girls were and are completely taken care of. The
girls have been kept busy at friend’s homes or picked up for Sunday
school and taken out to lunch just so their mom and dad can recuperate.
The family is strong and they will endure this tragedy, but they will
need help. They will need help from their family and friends, you and
me. Please do not forget them in your prayers and your phone calls.
Pastor Mark asked everyone to take on some homework. It was to put Pete
and Cindy on your calendar to remind you to pick up the phone and give
them a call. Call to say hi, call to ask about the weather, JUST call
them. Let them know your thinking about them.
Everyone asks how they are REALLY doing…….and I’ll
tell you this. They are grieving, but it is a healthy grieving process
so far. I absolutely admire they way they are handling this situation,
I have learned a lot from them in the past few days. They truly love,
honor and respect each other. It’s incredible……….we
should all be so lucky. On the next page I have a few pictures of the
family and the service to share with you.
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