Thinking of Erica

Over the last couple of days I've been thinking of Erica a lot. It's been a year and five months since she passed away and I don't want to forget the last time I saw her. I want to keep that memory of her smile alive. She was laughing and having a good time and I wish I would have taken some pictures. My metal pictures have a tendency to fade and so I have to actively picture my sister to keep her memory fresh in my mind. That's the funny thing about time, it can help you heal but it also causes things to be lost. I will continue thinking of Erica so time does not steal the memories I cherish.

Memories of Fireworks

Memories of fireworks and Erica have been on my mind today. When we were growing up our immediate and extended family used to gather for a Fourth of July celebration.  This usually included hot dogs and burgers on the grill, mom's homemade ice cream, and some chilled watermelon.   When the sun set the fireworks came out.  I was always a little afraid of getting burned by the fireworks.  Not Erica!  Erica loved to light the fireworks.  Sparklers, Black Cats, you name it, the louder the better.  Erica always enjoyed this holiday.  Now, it just seems empty without her.  My memories of fireworks include my sister and I'm missing her today. 

Great Grandpa Skeet

One year ago today, my great grandpa Skeet passed away.  He was 97 when he passed.  He had lived a wonderful life full of love for his family and service to his community.  He was married for 71 years before my great grandma Jewel passed away. Through his life he worked and provided for his family.   During the depression he worked for the WPA, he was a farmer and cattleman, he worked in the trucking industry for 22 years, and was elected as McClain County Commissioner from 1968-1975.  He finished off his career working as a field deputy for the county assessor's office.  He also served on the Washington City Council where he helped develop several areas of his hometown, Washington, OK.

Throughout his life, grandpa Skeet helped his parents, his family, his community, and anyone else that needed it.  He was a giving and kind man.  Many happy memories remain of my grandpa.  When we were kids my sister Erica and I stayed the night with our great grandparents Skeet and Jewel; the next morning they took us to the local diner and introduced us to all their friends.  I remember thinking that my grandparent's must be special because they knew everybody.  On the way home we convinced them to stop and buy each of us a stuffed animal.  You could tell grandpa was proud of all his grandchildren and he always had time to hear what you were doing.

The grieving process for my great grandpa Skeet was cut short by the sudden death of my sister Erica.  So today I want to honor my great grandpa for a life well lived, and a legacy of kindness and love for others.

Quote:  "A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart."  ~Author Unknown   

Halloween Memories



Andrea, Stephen, and Erica at Halloween 1984

Throughout the day I found myself thinking about Halloweens of the past.  Growing up we lived in the country and the only trick-or-treaters we received was family.  Every year my mother would make our Halloween costumes, some were elaborate and others simple.  We dressed up for school and many years the school had a Halloween carnival.  If the weather was good we would load up into the car and drive into town to trick-or-treat.  It was always a big deal to us country kids.  All these Halloween memories were made with my sister.  So tonight wouldn't be complete without a post in my blog about my Halloween memories.  Happy Halloween!

Erica & Fireworks

photo © 2008 bayasaa | more info (via: Wylio)
In a previous post I mentioned how Erica was the daredevil of our family.  This was definitely the case when it came to Fourth of July festivities.  She always enjoyed watching and setting off fireworks.  When she was old enough she wanted to light the fireworks herself.  I think she liked the thrill of running away before it went off.  So as you light fireworks this weekend take a minute to remember Erica, and light one for her. 

Remember

photo © 2006 Derek Jones | more info (via: Wylio)Take a moment and pause today to remember happy times. Remember times with smiles and laughter, which only joy brings. For each of us played a part in Erica's life, from the day she was born, the first time she rode a bike, softball games, graduation, the birth of her daughters, many happy memories were left for us. Remember her smile and her blue eyes when they shined. Remember the words of advice she gave you to guide you in your life. Erica may not be with us but happy memories remain. She lives on forever if only in our mind, because we will remember.

Quote: Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years