IN MOURNING

[1Marauder]

I've been off line 9 days now.

We lost my oldest son WILLIAM BERKELEY EPPLER last Thursday night.

Out of the blue, Berk died in his sleep from an enlarged heart and sleep apnea, combined with high altitude in Boulder CO. It was an unknown, and undiscovered condition. He'd complained previously of feeling "tense" (now assumed as heart arrhythmia), and feeling faint a few times (now assumed/confirmed enlarged heart), and had been fully tested and blood paneled just months ago.

I am just destroyed by this as I was there with him in Boulder just 10 days ago--and could have taken him (again) to the doctor. I will forever feel guilty about this as I "felt" something was wrong.

Taken a solid 60 years too soon. He loved art, and music, and was the center of every gathering, not because he spoke the most, but because he listened the most.

Berkely was Attending University of Colorado, Boulder.

Berk was a great kid, with a big heart, and an even bigger soul who always managed to tell the truth, even when the truth wasn't what people wanted to hear.

He lived his life knowing that "Silence implies complicity" and that when we are present when something is "wronged" it is each our individual duty to immediately speak up and out to correct it (or else it is perceived and implied that we agree).

At age 9, he spoke up to racism at an adult function, and stood up to 50 year old man-- Berk speaking intelligently and calmly, simply explaining that the man's comment and thoughts were indeed racist, and wrong.

I was never so proud of anything, ever... As I wasn't part of the conversation, and was later told about it by many adults in attendance.

At age 12 he stood up the school bully on behalf of the smaller kids, not because he was bigger than the bully, but because no one else did. And while we did visit the principle office (and get in trouble) as a formality, everyone was proud of his actions.

And while I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THIS, this world has suffered a great loss, and heaven has scored a major win.


NET NET?
Reach out, CALL YOUR KIDS RIGHT THIS SECOND and tell them you love then, if not for you (and them) DO SO FOR ME... As I can no longer do so.

I am simply broken.

With Love,

Grant

[guspech750]

OMG. This is heartbreaking. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I can't not imagine the pain of losing our daughter. It's a fear of mine. My deepest condolences to you, your family and friends.


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

[WPG_Merc]

sorry for your loss :(

[justbob]

Wow. I couldn't imagine. So sorry to hear.


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[Bluerauder]

I can't imagine the heartbreak and sadness associated with losing your son under such sudden circumstances. Sincerest condolences to you, your family, and friends. Bernie and I will keep Berkeley and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong Grant !!

[RubberCtyRauder]

Very sorry to hear this sudden loss to your family,Grant.

[MOTOWN]

So sorry to hear this , Godspeed to you , and your family.

[Ms. Denmark]

Our hearts go out to you and your family, Grant. Eric and I are so sorry for the tragic loss of your son.

[Bigslim1]

So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

[lji372]

So sorry for your loss bud.

I cannot imagine what you are going through.

I'm in shock.

Calling my kids now.

[MMBLUE]

Sorry for your loss brother.

Your son is in the hands of God.

Praying for you.

[daddyusmaximus]

Prayers sent.

[J-MAN]

My deepest and most sincere sympathies on your loss.

[slickster]

There is a reason God took him. He's in a better place watching over you and your family. Prayers sent. Let us know if there is anything you need. Take care and be strong for your self and family

[MM03MOK]

Oh, Grant! Words fail me.... Sending many hugs and prayers across the country. God Bless Berk....

💔

[jsignorelli]

I will have him remembered at church on Sunday. It is my turn to do the scripture reading this Easter. Your son will be in our prayers.

God grant a peaceful rest to him.

[lifespeed]

Grant,

You're in our thoughts and prayers. I'll hug my son tonight.

[8UWITH6]

With a complete loss of words, I am so sorry to hear this and sooooo sorry for your loss.

[sailsmen]

A year ago a young Lady I knew died of the same condition while attending a convention out of town. I know her father and she was good friends with my wife's niece.

Every year we would see both of them at October Fest. This past October Fest we went with my wife's niece twice. My wife's niece participated in the beer stein contest, something she would not normally do. I had this feeling she was there with us.

Grant, reading your post I believe Berk got his strength from you.

Time helps.

[LG88]

Im so sorry to hear about this

My condolences go out to you and your family :'(

[Mike M]

I am so sorry my friend. I just can't imagine your pain. My deepest sympathies.

[Marauderjack]

Very sorry for your loss Grant.......stay strong!!

[L.Mark]

Our deepest sympathies on a unimaginable loss...we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and hoping you all find strength in each other...

[william s]

Sorry for your loss.

[camelgrundle]

Sorry for your loss. Stay strong and you and your family are in our prayers.

[martyo]

Grant I am so sorry to hear this devastating news.

[F1erceK]

This is devastating, a tragic loss indeed. I wish I could call my son now but he's only 4 and at pre-k right now...

I'm not one for prayers, but you have mine for sure.

Time is the ultimate healer, god bless.

[vkirkend]

So sorry to hear this. Parents should not have to lose a child... I believe it is one of the most devastating things that can happen.

[Gryphonzus]

That is truly a deep loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Haggis]

Grant, Chris and I send our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time.

[2,4shofast]

Grant, this is devastating news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Please give me a call when you are ready or need to talk brother.

[Motorhead350]

I am very sorry for your loss.

[ncmm]

So very sorry to hear that news. My deepest condolences to you and your family. God bless.

[Red Rum]

So sorry too hear. May God Bless his soul. Prayers going to you and your family.

[jass_BH]

Sorry for your loss may his soul rest in peace


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[Lowndex]

No words can convey the sorrow, shock and sadness I feel for you and everyone who knew William. No parent should ever have to experience the death of their child. In your dreams or silent moments, I pray the good Lord comforts you somehow, someway.

I look at my 18 year-old son today with increased appreciation for having this time with him. You gave me this gift. God bless you and thank you.

[Bob Mathis]

Praying for you and your family.

[Turbov6Bryan]

Reading this brought tears to my eyes, such a sad way to lose your son.

May my heart and feelings stretch out to you and your loved ones.

[ledzilla]

My condolences, good sir. I know how much it hurts to lose a loved one. Take care of yourself, and you'll get through it.

[88LTDCV351]

This is just awful. Sorry to hear this. My condolences, Grant.

[a_d_a_m]

Grant, I'm very sorry to hear of this loss. By your description, it sounds like William was one of an increasingly rarer breed in this world - a good human being. I will think of you and your family during this time.

[JimP]

As a father myself, I have no words to describe how I feel for you right now. God bless him and may you find the strength to carry on.

[FavianHerrera]

Grant,my friend I am terribly and inexplicably sorry for your loss. Words cannot even begin to explain or express how I feel for you right now ,I am sorry Grant you have my number if you need anything my friend. My most sincere condolences to you and your family during this hard time

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[Gerry24]

My condolenses to you and your family.

[djcrook73]

my deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family grant

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[RocketCouch]

So sorry to hear this Grant! Prayers are definitely with you and your family. Let me know if you want to talk, you know how to reach me

[ARodmarauder]

Grant sorry to hear about your loss. It truly heartbreaker reading your post. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers


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[Cobra25]

MY condolance's to you & your family. Sorry to hear about your loss.

[jimbok1951]

So sorry for your loss

[Sactown]

Can't imagine how you're feeling Grant, very sorry for your loss

[LIGHTNIN1]

So sorry you have to go through this. Wish you the best.

[Louisianimal]

Sorry for your lost brother

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[Catfish]

Just read your post. I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[JoeBoomz]

Grant I can't imagine what it would be like to go through that as a father of two.

Best wishes to you and the family, as you celebrate Will's life and accomplishments.

From what you write, you truly have a lot to be proud of.

[Ken]

Sorry Grant, Thoughts and prayers ....

[fastblackmerc]

Condolences to you and your family.

[1Marauder]

Don't forget... Find, hug, and/or CALL YOUR KIDS. Tell them you love them. If there is a rift of any kind... Let it go now.

Held a quick "celebration of life" at our local park Saturday 5pm so that Berk's friends who were home for Easter/Spring break could attend. Had a couple hundred people (or more). It was a tough compressed schedule as we returned home from Boulder with Berk on Wedneday AM.

We bought / made all of the food that Berk loved--Hot links from T&R BBQ (truley the best anywhere), handmade Guacamole and Salsa from local Kiko's Mex food, Chick Fillet sandwiches (Berk's first job), magic muffins made by his grandmother... It was a magical evening... Held where the local kids grew up.

One family friend brought 150 red and gold eco friendly balloons and markers--and distributed them throughout the crowd. Everyone wrote notes on the balloons to Berkeley, and we all moved to the center of the soccer fields, said a prayer, and released them all at once. It was a beautiful, visual way to say goodbye. 150 balloons moving, rising, and staying together. The balloons moved through the park, over the trees, and then stopped straight over our house for what seemed like an hour -- to the amazement of all in attendance--each in shock and silence, and then the balloon pack continued North West - Directly in line with our house, and ascended until we could no longer see them.

I will try and find a link for you to see it. I don't Facebook--but was told it was posted on his and my page. Maybe one of you hackers could grab the video or link from Facebook; William Grant Eppler or Berkeley Eppler.

It was beautiful.

The next morning--before one of my best friends was flying home to Dallas, I took him out in Berk's Black Marauder for a drive--as Berk would have wanted us to. BTW. 4 weeks ago Berk chose the CA black plate "VADER MM" as the Lisc plate from my other thread ya'll helped with. It should be here next week.

[jus4kix03MM]

So sorry to hear of your loss Grant. My prayers go out to you and your family.

[Bigdogjim]

Sorry for your loss, prayers sent. God Bless.

[drobin]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. So sorry for your lost!!

drobin

[Cobra432000]

May God be with you and your family.

[YIMMA]

We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious son.

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[1Marauder]

It hurts so badly sometimes... Like a huge wave it comes over me, and takes me away.

[MERCURY 2003LSE]

Very Sorry for your loss.
I can not imagine the pain in your Heart .
Very Sorry

[Seneca]

I'm so very very sorry for your loss, I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

[Bob Mathis]

I am so sorry. Will be praying for you and your family.