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 : )

For little Erik, and family and friends:

I spend the bulk of my childhood with Erik. Erik's parents were best friends with my parents. We spent many holidays, birthdays, and summers just being kids. He was the brother I never had growing up as kids. We picked on each other at times, we were mischevious with our parents playing tricks on them, and we found creative ways to have fun when we were bored. I have a very selective memory and hold onto specific past recollections. I can remember one memory that stands out that I play over and over in my head. Our parents had left us alone for about an hour, and we were of course bored. Erik decided that we create a science experiment of our own. We went into the kitchen and mixed all sorts of liquids in bottles to see which ones would explode. We were creators and inventors for a short period of time until our parents came home I also remember Erik loved his little green plastic army men; you know, the ones that came in a pack of 100! I use to dig holes and hide his army men and he would dig them out and get upset with me : ) As time passed and we got older we lost touch, and I really wish we would have remained friends as teenagers and adults. Always remember to "make the time" to reach out to the people in your life so that they know they are thought of. You never know whose life you could change that moment.

Best,
Melissa