Marie's Prayer For Gene, and For Us

Dr. Marie Schrup was the first speaker at Gene's SDSU Memorial, after Dr. Ric Hovda's welcome, the Dean of the College of Education. Gene and Marie had been colleagues and friends since we first came to San Diego. Marie visited often in the hospital, and tried to support us both in any possible way, including making sure the chocolate stash was available for whomever might need it, even when Gene could no longer himself enjoy it. Towards the latter part of our difficult journey, Marie began to write prayers for us that provided comfort to us both. I asked her if she'd be comfortable offering a prayer to begin the Memorial. Although this was more of a professional memorial, our journey did bring us closer to God, and that needed to be reflected. Gratefully, she agreed. Here are her words:

I initially met Gene when I did policy work in Special Education in the 90s. I knew him the whole time he was at SDSU. He quickly became a professional and personal friend.

Gene passed away shortly after Summer Solstice, the day of greatest light. Having met a remarkable person in Gene, having listened to him, I understand myself in a new way, I experience the world in a different light.

Summer is a season of appreciating abundance of light, the reality of both the physical light and the spiritual light, and of recognizing the unique gifts we have to share with the world.

Please join me in a prayer/meditation.

Divine Beloved, Heavenly Father, God of faithfulness,

In your wisdom, You have called Your servant Gene out of this world; welcome him into Your Presence, so that he may enjoy eternal light and peace.

How remarkable is the mystery of Creation and the interconnectedness of all things. We are all here today to celebrate Gene as we are connected to him and to each other in so many different ways. Thank you for the gift of his life. Hear our prayers for Gene whom You have called from this life to Yourself.

Help us all be more aware of all of life around us and live life with more love, humor, compassion, wisdom and kindness. Whenever there is something that we should pay particular attention to, help us feel the strong loving presence of our Guardian angel, whoever that might be to us. As we meet and think of people today help us remember that every thought is a prayer.

We never know what place we may have in helping another heal so help us to have a peaceful mind and compassionate heart with all those we encounter. Give us the grace to accept what comes our way.

Thank you for your guidance as each of us goes forward with Gene in our hearts. I believe everyone has been created with a purpose in life and that as long as we listen You will lead us to that purpose as You did for Gene.

Take care of Gene as only You can do. Look with love on those who mourn. We miss him dearly. I ask all this in your precious name,

Amen.