Growing up in a house with three strong women, Eric forged his way and became an amazing man. From the moment I started getting to know him, he just seemed like a brother to me. Watching him grow from his teens and into adulthood, pursue higher education, his never ending love of music, and his career was nothing short a fabulous.
Eric took on challenges that most wouldn't even dream of. He started a 30 day yoga challenge and never missed a single day. It was during those 30 days, he met the love of his life. We got to watch him fall in love and move all over the country. We would always take bets where they would end up settling down.
Eric always had a special energy surrounding him. But that energy shined brighter than ever when he became a father. Through the woes of homeownership and trying to find a work life balance, he never wavered on what was most important. It was his family. He called me on his walks home from the office and would tell me all about the things he was going to do with his children the second he walked through the door. You could hear the love in his voice. And when he got to his front door, he'd say, "Peace brother. I love you." and hang up.
He didn't understand why people stayed at their offices and worked long hours while their families were at home. He did not want to be that as a husband or a dad. He did want to provide and create a great environment for his entire family, but not at the sacrifice that would keep him away from those very people.
I have been searching my memory for when Eric asked me for anything. I can only think of a single time when he needed something from me. Danny and I were going to be in KC for his 21st birthday, and he asked me to take him out and party with him. Ask Allie and Marsha for the details of that night, as I don’t recall a thing! Every time we saw each other or we spoke on the phone, he was all about what was going on with me in my life, when and where we could get everyone together as soon as possible.
The last time I spoke with him was the week before he passed away. He was so excited to be bringing the family to San Diego. He told me he dreamed of the Southern California sun on his face, seeing his dearest friend Danny, catching up with Dianne, visiting his dad's grave, and hanging out with his sister and our family. I offered many times to meet him halfway so they did not have to travel so far and he always responded the same, "Nah man, San Diego is the trifecta for me." He also told me how excited he was to be headed to Texas in just a couple of months to see his niece Corinne and meet his newest nephew Jay. He was over the moon with joy about those two upcoming trips. He said, "everytime I see my sisters, it is just amazing times."
Let us all learn something from Eric's life. Focus on your family. Work will be there tomorrow. Enjoy every fucking moment and be in the present when you are around those you love. Need less from others and offer to give them more.
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