A Message From Dad.

This has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to write because I must face the fact that Eric is not with us and has really died. You could call this "The Father’s Remorse" since what was to be, will never be. I miss seeing Eric, his phone calls, playing softball together and sharing in his life. We were very fortunate to be a part of Eric’s growing up and seeing how he develop into such a fine young man. Eric had the drive to follow his dreams and make them become a reality. He was a hard worker, inquisitive and a true friend. Eric went to University of Michigan, finishing it in three years, and then onto Duke Law School. In between the time he finished his honors thesis at U of M and starting at Duke we were extremely fortunate to have Eric live at home with us for nine months. We got to see him as a man, all grown up. He entered a new chapter in his life, getting dressed up each day in his suit and going to work at Cincinnati Milacron. Not many parents get to see or experience this change in their children. It was like having a built-in best buddy living with us. We shared in setting up his basement apartment, shopping for his home theater setup and all of his beer making equipment. But what was to be, will never be. Eric’s life as we know it, was cut short on January 8, 1997. A phone call from the Durham police that I will never get over. A whirlwind trip to North Carolina to do things I never ever expected to do, let alone think about. I remember how proud I felt at Thanksgiving 1996 when I saw Eric and all of his cousins, aunts and uncles engaged in various discussions. Eric were no longer my little boy – but a real adult. And again on January 1, 1996 at our New Year’s Day open house I was impressed with the way he handled himself with all of the people. I remember thinking Eric were all grown up, with dreams and goals for his life ahead planning to go to Hong Kong, finishing law school and getting a job. Meeting all of Eric’s friends at the memorial services and over the months, plus their letters and phone calls really let us see the friendships he developed. Eric was a good friend to many, many people. They too will miss him forever. Eric, all I can say is I love you, I miss you, and thanks for all of the memories over the years. You were special and all of our experiences with you have made me into a better person. For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart. All my love forever, Dad