Our Dear Son Ted

Peter and Hennie Vellenga
Ted's Parents

As parents we are grateful for the memories shared in this Blog, they are such a comfort to us.

It has been almost 3 months since Ted passed away, and we would like to write a few things that have happened.

Ted's co-workers at the Mental Health Centre in Penetanguishene organized a Memorial Serivce in January for which staff, patients and friends could participate. Pete and I, along with our daughter Heidi and son Tim also attended. The service was held in the Spiritual Centre of the Oakridge facility for the criminally insane where Ted worked. The chapel was full and a number of patients and staff were given an opportunity to share their thoughts and memories. After the service we had the privilege of meeting some of the men Ted had been ministering to.

It was good to talk with them and to thank these men for their cards of condolence which they had sent along with the staff who were able to attend the funeral. These men counted Ted as their friend, and there was much weeping and sadness over the loss of a friend.

Later in January when we were going through a particularly rough time, Ted's immediate supervisor and mentor made the 3 hour car trip down from Penetanguishene to visit us as family. His words of counsel were very comforting and helpful.

People who had experienced the painful loss of a loved one warned us that the effects of our loss would worsen as time goes on, and it certainly has - the tears are much more frequent. This is what we are coping with now....the "no mores" and the "never again(s)" as well as "I wish I....." or "if only we......"

Sunday March 30th would have been Ted's 30th birthday, that will be a difficult day for us. Our comfort is knowing that Ted is with the Lord he loved, and his earthly struggles are now over.

Our thanks to everyone who entered a memory in this blog, and to all those who have taken the time to read them.

Thank you Ben, for so kindly setting up this Blog - it means a lot to us.

Wishing you all God's peace,

Hennie and Peter Vellenga