I received a heartbreaking phone call very early this morning from my friend and pastors wife. She said "I'm so sorry to have to tell you this, but Eric was killed in a car wreck this morning. And I know how much you love those kids and I didn't want you to hear it from anyone else." Lisa, I will be forever grateful for that call. I have no idea what I said or if I even thanked you for thinking of calling me.
Please help us remember Eric's mom, Gaye, and his step dad, Tim as well as the rest of his family in very much needed prayer during this time. To further add to the heartbreak, Eric had been out of town for about a week working, and was returning home to see his family and to celebrate his birthday with them this weekend. He would have turned 20 on Dec 5.
Eric was an only child who for much of his life was raised by his mom alone. She worked very hard and raised a truly loving child. He had a mischievous side and was loved by most everyone who knew him. He wasn't perfect, but never claimed to be. There wasn't a time I saw Eric when he didn't hug me and tell me he loved me. He made a point of finding me on Sunday mornings and hugging me, and lately patting my growing belly and asking how the little one was doing.....in fact, I'd just told him recently that not many people could get away with a "belly pat" with me, and he'd have to stop once the baby was born...he laughed and told me I had a deal.
I have so many wonderful memories of Eric, and of all the boys in the youth class Kyle & I taught for several years. We love every single one of them like they were our own. I could go on for hours. But the thing that I hold to now,...that I know his family is holding to now, is that Eric was saved. He was a child of God and is now resting in the arms of his savior.
Visitation begins tomorrow at 11 and Eric's funeral will be on Monday at 2. Please help me as I lift up his family in prayer. Especially remember his mom, Gaye, and dad, Tim. They are devastated as you can imagine. As all of our children are, Eric was the center of their lives. One of my favorite people to sit near at football games when Eric played was Gaye. She could get on those refs with the best of them! And I always admired Tim for stepping in as such a fantastic father figure when there wasn't one present. I don't know that I've ever seen a man more broken than Tim was today. Pray for our church family as we love on them, and lift them up in the coming days and weeks.
This Saturday’s Recipes by The Pioneer Woman
6 years ago
12 comments:
Oh, Deedra. I don't even remember what I said this morning so if you don't either, that's okay. You were one of the first people I thought of and didn't want you to find out unintentionally - does that make sense?
This post honors Eric and says more than I ever could with my still being a 'newcomer'. One thing I hope the entire church can comprehend is that Luke and myself have fallen head over heels for every one of you and whether we've known you 2 years or 20 - we hurt when you hurt. We loved this kid. He was the kind of guy you rooted for and were so glad to hear when things really started to go his way.
Much love to you..
Lisa
Your post touched me, and I prayed for Eric's family. I'm sorry for your loss, as well. You wrote a beautiful tribute to him.
What a tragedy for this family and your church. I will be lifting you all up in prayer.
((Hugs))
Julie
Deedra,
I came over from Lisa's blog and read what you wrote about that sweet, young man. As a mom of 3 boys, my heart just breaks in two for these parents and his family.
I'm so thankful they are surrounded by such love right now through their church family. God will give them the grace they need for each day. We pray for all of you who need to be there emotionally, physically, and spiritually for them in the days to come.
I'm praying for all of them. Bless you and your amazing friends.
In Him,
Fran
TN
I also found you through Lisa's blog. This is a beautiful tribute to Eric. I, too have kids about the same age as him so it breaks my heart as well! I was a single mom for several years and we become even more attached to our children, it seems. I will keep this family in my prayers. He was blessed to have you in his life!
In His Love,
Angie xoxo
I know how much Eric loved you. He was so precious. I have been sitting here this morning and the Lord led me to Psalm 18. As I was reading and praying this back to Him for this family I came across the verse that Eric painted on my wall 3 years ago. I held the angel he got me for Christmas the first year I taught him and just sobbed. He was the kids who did not have to come to Sunday School but chose to come. He was faithful and really listened and was never afraid to ask questions. And I always told him the truth of the matter and not what he wanted to hear sometimes, but he loved me anyway. My hearts aches and I can only imagine how Gaye and Tim feel. Thank you for honoring him.
I just came over from Lisa's site. I was just torn up to read he was coming home to celebrate his birthday. I have a 21 and 18 year old, and 15, so I can't imagine going through this. And then to top it off, we have the same last name almost; ours it without an e on the end.
Deedra, I too came over from Lisa's blog, and I just want to echo what these ladies have said. This is when your church family truly shows they are family! May God get the glory through this tragedy! May this young man's life be an example of God's grace and wonderful love! Praying for his family and all of you.
Every parent's worst nightmare. That family is in my prayers.
I'm also here by way of Lisa's blog. Truly a tragedy and what sounds like one painful loss for everyone all around.
Praying for everyone effected.
I'm just stopping by and catching up on my blog reading. I am so sorry to hear about Eric. Praise the Lord that he was saved and is now with his Heavenly Father. I will remember his family during this very difficult time.
Sending my love your way!
Tracey
Deedra,
Thank you so much for putting this on the internet to honor Eric. There are those of us that are desperately searching for anything to cling to with his name, pictures, stories, etc. I am Eric's aunt (his bio-dad's sister) and we are all devastated beyond words.
You summed Eric up perfectly - "mischievious", "not perfect but never claimed to be" and certainly "loved by most everyone that knew him." He was the most loving, thankful, good hearted kid I've ever known and I pray that my two boys can be like him.
When Eric was little and Gaye was a single mom we (my mom and I) knew that one day there would be a stepdad in the picture for Eric. What we prayed for in a stepdad was only a small portion of what God gave us with Tim. He has always exceded anything we could have ever asked for. And Gaye, the challenges she had in front of her raising him with his DNA and her young age - who would have ever thought...? We're so greatful to both of them!
Most of all we're so thankful to God for letting us all have Eric for 20 years. Happy Birthday Eric!
Traci
Post a Comment