Erik L Crago - Online Memorial Website

Today is my first birthday without you. Please help me get through this day. There is not a minute that I don't think about you.

Your loving mom

Erik,

I was so moved my the memorial that your former employer, The National Gallery of Art had for you yesterday.  All of the employees were such beautiful people. I can certainly see why you enjoyed your time there.  It was such a moving service.  I could feel your presence in the room.

Your loving mom forever.

Erik, I just wanted to let you know that I know why you left this world. You were in so much pain and suffering and you didn't know any other way to end your suffering. Mom forgives you for that but my love for you will never die.

Mom

ERIK,
As I sit here and think of the years we shared i start to cry and smile at the same time. I know your physical presence is not here but I see you everyday through the love of our life Erick. I can recall the day telling you that we was expecting and you look at me in disbelief and once you received the call after my dr. appt you was so excited. Your response was I hope we have a boy we already have one girl and now we need a boy to complete the family. Seems as tho no sooner than I told you, you had morning sickness and couldnt understand why you had it and not me. I am forever grateful of the man you was in me and the kids life and I know you will forever shine through our son. I recall the day he was born and you was upset because we named him Antonio but because he looked so much like you everyone renamed him lil Erick. He talk about you everyday saying my daddy is my hero. The love you too shared was the best. I made a promise to keep him on the road in which you would have wanted. We had a great family vacation and I wish there was so much that I could have done but I hear you speaking to me often saying Erica I know you can handle this you are strong I am with you and for that reason I am able to go on. I looked at your message that read Love you sweetheart and that helps me when I am feeling down. I will always love you my dear, the father of my son, the love of my life and my Hero.  We miss you so much Erik Lee Crago. Erik+Erica= Erick.. Kisses and its never goodbye I see you later in our second lifetime. 

I could go on for days recounting all of the fun times I was blessed to have shared with Erik. Erik and I became friends in high school and spent a significant portion of our free time together. Everywhere I turn, I am reminded of our friendship; a park/beach here, car wash there, and restaurants over there. I am unable to recall my first or last conversation with Erik but I can remember vividly the subtle things that made him who he was. Like how he would greet you without making eye contact, or how he got that smirk on his face when he was trying to act as if he did not see you or was just up to something. Erik’s posture always told you so much about him! Oh and how can I forget about the daily set of questions "Do I look ok? Do I match? Is my face clear?" I wish I had the opportunity to tell him one more time that you always looked fine and honestly no one cared anyway what you looked like - it was your carefree spirit and kind heart that we all loved so very much! I cannot help but to smile when I think of Erik, he was just so much fun and was always willing to try new and different experiences. To Eriks’ mother Sherri and Stepfather John - as a parent I know what a guilt ridden job it is - please always remember that Erik was a wonderful person and he was the perfect Erik! You could not have done a better job. To Eriks' extended family and friends - I know the impact Erik had on my life and I can only imagine how he has touched yours over the last 33 years, my condolences. To lil Erick – may you always remember your fathers’ hugs, kisses, and voice. To Erik - Love ya always, your friend Lori : )

Sherri,
I know no one can totally understand your pain.  I pray that God will comfort you as only He can.  I believe the time will come when the joy of your memories will overcome the sorrow you are experiencing now

I'm glad the National Gallery is having a memorial service, and I'm sorry I won't be able to attend.  I want to make a contribution to Wounded Warriors in his name.  Can you direct me to the proper web site?  I'm sure I saw it here last week but can't find it now.
Bob 

Dear Erik,
 We have known each other since 2002. We lost contact and reconnected and i would often check on you VIA facebook or Instagram. After hearing of your passing I went back thru my phone to see when was the last time that we actaully talked off line. I got said to see if was on your bday last year. I wish we would have keep in touch more and I wish i could have tried to help you thru your pain. I know your in a better place with no worried and no pain. I miss you my buddy .

my prayers go out to the family .hadn't seen Eric sinse he was a young boy and never got a chance to thank him for his years of service protecting our country.i to lost a brother inlaw the same way and its so hard for the ones left behind..may Eric get the peace he didn't have here on earth.
 

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. MY HEART AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY

My Dearest Erik,

I am sitting here typing this with tears streaming down my face. At your memorial service when I was kneeling down to say a prayer for you I felt your hands on both of my shoulders whispering to me "mom you have to be strong", and I couldn't be anything but strong hearing those words from you.

Please don't worry about Erick.   I will be there anytime he needs me or if there is anything he wants. I want to continue to do what I believe you would be doing for him.

I just wish you would have confided in me to let me know what you were going through. The only reason you didn't was because you knew what a worry-wart I was.

I have been walking around with your National Gallery of Art badge (with your picture on it) every day and I will continue to do so.

My last words to you Erik are you were the best son and father that I will ever know.

I LOVE you my son.

Mom