My younger sister, Laura, always had a special connection with Erik, perhaps because they shared some of the same struggles, perhaps because they shared the same philosophy of life. Whatever the reasons, she was particularly devastated by his death. I’m certain Erik sensed her grief and came to comfort her one day in the wee hours of the morning. Here’s Laura’s poignant story of her visit with Erik:

“Erik’s presence was sitting on the porch with me, and I felt very calm and sure of his being there with me. I told him how much he was missed and felt like he understood the grief we all were experiencing because of his passing. There was so much empathy and compassion radiating from him. He was certainly “all knowing”. I was smoking a cigarette and offered him one which he took with a mischievous grin when I said ‘don’t tell your Mom and Dad.’ I asked Erik to watch over his Mom, Dad, brother, sisters and the rest of the family and to let them know that he was happy. I told him that I understood his pain and suffering in life, and I could tell that he had finally found peace. We sat in silence for about 30 or 40 minutes. I reached over the patio table and held his hand and squeezed it. Then I told him I knew he was going to be busy visiting his family but he could come visit Jim and I any time. I told him I loved him and I was grateful for his visit. Then he left. I felt better afterwards.”

Laura and her husband, Jim, had recently moved back to Houston after many years in Little Rock. I’m so grateful that they both had time to renew their relationship with Erik. All three of them enjoyed each other’s company on several occasions the last few month’s before Erik died. His aunt and uncle were always there to listen, offer comfort and advice, and provide quiet companionship. They treated him to dinner, took him out fishing, and often enjoyed their smokes together on our back porch. Laura and Jim love and miss him deeply and look forward to his next visit!