Erin and I were close friends from late elementary school through 7th grade.  I remember Erin's silliness, her great laugh and sense of humor, and how smart she was!  A couple moments stick out for me when I think of Erin:

- 4th grade spelling bee: Both Erin and I qualified to compete in our all-school spelling bee.  If it weren't for her, I would have chickened out.  But, Erin convinced me to do it, lending me just enough courage and confidence. I don't remember where Erin ended up, but I made it all the way to the 11th grade level, striking out on the word "legislative." 😂

-Dairy Queen: The summer before 7th grade, Erin and I saw a commercial for the ultimate cheeseburger at Dairy Queen, and we really wanted to try it.  We spent an afternoon scavenging our houses for any money we could find in any form, and we were able to collect about $10 between the two of us.  We walked ourselves down to WaMu, had all our change exchanged for bills, then took the short walk over to DQ and got ourselves those burgers.  It was time and money very well spent!

I most appreciated that, when my family moved to the Twin Lakes neighborhood before I started 7th grade, we shared a fence with Erin's family.  I was starting a new school with no one I knew, and Erin's friendship was a familiar comfort to me.  We eventually went our own ways and didn't reconnect until we were adults, and it was just as nice to see her then.  My last communication with her was shortly after my son was born in March of 2023.  She must have learned the news from my sister on Facebook, and she took a chance and texted me at the number she had from a few years back.  She was so excited for me, even after all those years in between.  We had talked about getting together as we both worked in schools and had the summer off, but it never happened.  How I wish it did.

Erin's memory will always be in my heart, someone I think of with joy and love.  You are and will forever be missed, dear Erin. ❤️

Love,

Nica