The SAD News In Our Family

By now most of you will have heard the news that Eric was killed in a car accident this past Friday night. What a shock it was to hear the words "and the Dr pronounced him deceased about 10 minutes ago" when I got to the hospital a little after 11pm on Fri night. When I have more time I will have to outline that night. For now I thought I would just mention that the funeral service was today and turned out SOOO nice (although the weather was rainy & cold!) I know Eric loved it too! The Spirit could be felt by everyone. It was just neat to celebrate the person Eric was inside, and the things everyone remembered about Eric - his thoughtfulness and willingness to help anyone, anywhere, anytime, his devotion and LOVE for his 2 boys (they were his life) as well as fun things about his personality and the kinds of things he enjoyed. For me all the negative or bad feelings I've had went away, or didn't seem so important and I was brought back to remember why I fell in love with Eric (we'd been together 17 yrs - so half of our life.) It especially brought me back to when he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the transformation that took place in him. He had such an amazing strength and spirit and I loved him deeply during that time of our life.

Here was a tender picture I took of the two boys putting special notes/pictures they made for their dad into his casket:

On the back of the funeral program was this poem that Eric's mom had and it was the perfect touch to the program I think and says so much:

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a little while that we must part.

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.

So, if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home."

Here is a picture of some of mine and Eric's high school friends that showed up for the funeral (we saw many more the night before at the viewing. We were the class of 92 as you can see from the neat flower arrangement that was sent (compliments of Higgy - he's so thoughtful.) I swear 300 people showed up at the viewing. It's been neat to read the comments people have left online in the guest book as well):

(From left to right for the girls are Susie, Kris, Kerri, Christy & myself. The guys are Kelly, Brent, Garrad, Scott and Jeff.)

I am so touched and moved by the LOVE, SUPPORT, KINDNESS, HELP/SERVICE, DONATIONS, etc, we have received from the ward members, friends and family. You are all WONDERFUL and I love and appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

THANK YOU so much!!!! With Love and Appreciation for Everything! Becca and her boys