may this rose be an eternal reminder of the life and love you gave so many.
In May of 2014 I remember her telling me at our last 90-day check in (Ava my daughter receives services through DDD) she told me that she won't see us anymore because she is moving on to try something new. This last week I met with with my new DDD coordinator and asked her if she knows how Erika is she has been on my mind. I remember her jewelry and was trying to find her site to buy some. It hit me like a ton of bricks, I wasn't aware she passed. This is devistating to hear for me because she was a rock and advocate for my daughter. She always listened and always went above and beyond. She had the sweetest laugh. I wanted to reach out to her family to give condolences and let you know how much she was a blessing for our family.
I don't personally remember this. But I find the picture so sweet, the two holding hands. They're clearly having so much fun.
When I went on our first date it had been nearly six years since the last time I had even dated. I showed up early, nearly 45 minutes. Right at 7pm Erika pulled up and got out of the car. When I first saw her in person I was stunned to how beautiful she looked. To say I was even more nervous would be an understatement. What I remember most is that Erika picked up on my nervous but took the time to calm me down. Even over small chat she was kind and patient. She never made me feel dumb and when the dinner was over I could not wait to see her again. Her patience and kindness was a strong force in her life. She loved without expecting anything in return. On our future dates she continued to be patient and help guide me through the maze I had many time found myself in. After almost nine months I had only two questions I needed to know. Can I live with her, yes? Can I live without her, then I knew I wanted to spend my life with Erika. Her passion and dedication paved the way for many things. I will always be indebted to my beautiful bride. Her love of life will always shine brightly in my life.
1. I like Rock & Roll Music. Recently it became very clear to me that there were only two folks I know that also like R & R -> My old college roommate, Chuck Packard, and Erika. I think she was honored. We went back and forth with a few e-mails about You-Tube songs. She reminded me that the old gentlemen who were being honored by Hearts’ rendition of a famous Led Zeppelin song, “Stairway to Heaven” were actually the members of the band (Robert Plant, Jimmie Page, and John Paul Jones).
2. On Ryan/Erika’s last visit in April, after I had soundly beaten Ryan at golf (Lakes of El Segundo) by one stroke, they came over for a visit before they zoomed off to see other friends and family. I served us all coffee. I was using my usual mug. She was astounded! “Dad, is that the same KOA (Kampgrounds of America, yellow & red) cup you bought on our camping trip back in 1988?” Yep! Some things never get old.
"The Holy Grail" was the "Elm" family movie. The killer rabbit with "nasty, big, pointy teeth"? That was two fingers near the mouth pointing downwards.
"Ryan drives like a Grandma".
Erika and I attended a Diamondbacks baseball game in Phoenix last year as part of a sisterhood outing with our sorority alumnae group. When the game ended we walked back to our cars together since we thought we parked in the same area. We got so caught up chit chatting that not only did we end up on the wrong level, we were in the wrong parking garage! She was the type of person who could even make walking around lost in a parking lot a fun experience. I'll always remember Erika's sweet laugh, warm smile, and kind spirit.
