We are so blessed to carry countless memories with Erik, Michelle, Arjen, and Bram. My journey with Erik began when we were teenagers, embarking together on the rigorous and joyful practice of architecture. It was our first year in studio together, and we became fast friends—a connection that came easily with him. I remember being so charmed that inside his studio desk door, he had taped a single picture of beautiful teenage twins, one of whom would become his future bride, Michelle. (This picture I shared is not the one, but reminds me of it).

Those early years were full of shenanigans with our studio friends. When we decided to take a summer abroad program in Potsdam, Germany, our bond was affirmed. It was a life-changing journey where a small group of us learned language, life navigation, and independence together. One unforgettable early morning—perhaps fueled by little sleep—Erik and I decided we would jump from a low bridge and swim the Rhine, as we'd heard the locals did. We slipped away from the professors, gathered a small group of students, and took the plunge. We floated and laughed, even doing a bit of rescuing of our less-skilled swim partners, only to walk back with the cool thrill of life pulsing on our backs.

After that trip, Erik and I were roommates in a small house overlooking the city. We were at the stage of developing our professional resumes, but we also agreed to add "Dorking" to our skill sets, because we both loved nothing more than dumb fun. He drove us to studio in his red pickup truck in exchange for me making the coffee. It was during this time I truly understood that this Dutch boy was also a country cowboy with a big brain and a massive heart.

After graduation, my future husband, Matt, and I, along with Erik and Michelle, all moved into the same apartment building as neighbors. We quadrupled the fun, becoming adults together—drinking, dancing, costuming, and art-gallery-ing—until Erik and Michelle (and Milky!) made the move to Jersey for graduate school. It was hard to see them go, but we did not let the distance matter. Our parallel parenthood made it easy for our four kids to become fast friends, and we established traditions: we never missed a holiday pizza reunion and made sure to vacation together to continue our shared journey with our chosen family.

Our last day all together was July 6th of this year, meeting for a hike, pizza, and a brewery visit. While I wish that day hadn't been our last, and I want to rush back and somehow change the course of the future, I instead embrace this full life we lived together. I know Erik lived more in his 46 years than most do in 86. May we all live our lives this way in his honor. We will continue to celebrate him, and I believe we will watch his spirit live on as Arjen and Bram grow older with their father’s generous and honest heart and posture. You can’t bury memories.

Matt, Merzen, Wynn, and I will be ever grateful for our lifelong friendship with Erik, Michelle, Arjen, and Bram. We love you.