These are the words that no one ever wants to write. I write this to remember Eric and share with all of you the gifts that he shared with our world. And as I write, I am aching that he didn’t have a chance to continue to share those gifts.
I like to think that it’s part of Eric’s legacy to inspire others to share some of these gifts and live our lives as he lived his own.
Love and Kindness…
This one is easy if you think about -- find your opportunity to extend an act of kindness or love on behalf of Eric. Take the first step -- Pay It Forward. Eric, I see you nodding.
This one is easy if you think about -- find your opportunity to extend an act of kindness or love on behalf of Eric. Take the first step -- Pay It Forward. Eric, I see you nodding.
Courage and Stamina….Eric would tell you that he wasn’t courageous or brave – and stamina does wear thin. Because he had cancer, he just had to fight it. He would tell you that any of us would do the same….
What Eric showed us though, was how to face that type of adversity while being true to yourself, living your life in spite of chemo and blood transfusions and doctor’s appointments. What we saw as courage, bravery and stamina, Eric took for granted. He expected to stay in university, move into his own apartment, camp, play golf and go to hockey games. And he lived for today – he would want us to do the same. Live your life to the fullest .
Leadership and Hope…
Eric was fun to be around and he was optimistic. A smile and positive approach can’t help but inspire more hope. And he attracted the most wonderful friends - people who will now be lifelong friends because of Eric.
Eric was fun to be around and he was optimistic. A smile and positive approach can’t help but inspire more hope. And he attracted the most wonderful friends - people who will now be lifelong friends because of Eric.
Eric wasn’t afraid to make the kind of tough decisions that none of us should have to make. He was thoughtful, he educated himself and then he trusted in his decision. Think of Eric and be true to yourself and your integrity. Actions speak louder than words.
Best Friends….Eric, you gave me a very special gift when you introduced me to Morgan. Welcoming Morgan into our family was easy - I think the first time I met her she was sitting on the floor playing with one of the dogs! We’re kindred spirits and Eric, well – you know that Morgan and I need each other -- and you made sure that would happen.
Eric, I miss you more than I could ever imagine and endlessly more than I can ever describe in words. Last week we talked about my Mom – you wanted to know more about her and how it felt to lose her. I didn’t know then that I was introducing you two and that you were helping me to understand. Mom has been gone for over thirty years but in the last 2 weeks she has been closer to me than ever. Now I know why.
Rev Jim told us that we could expect to see you in little things and he’s right. How would a florist in the US or my GIO team know that your favorite houseplant is a Peace Lily? Yesterday the most beautiful Peace Lily with succulent dark green leaves and three white flowers arrived -- Coincidence? Nah.
This morning as I woke up and faced the horrid reality yet again, I wanted to curl up and make it all go away. Then an itsy bitsy spider started to descend from the ceiling fan and he was aiming right for me! That made me jump higher and faster than you can imagine (yes I can hear you laughing!). And I didn’t kill that spider by the way… I gave him a nudge with my book and sent him back to the ceiling fan. I’ll take him outside for you later.
Eric you are my hero. Love you forever. Fly with angels.
Love, Mom
August 11, 2009
August 11, 2009
