2 years 2 long...  / Mandy (Eriks Mom )
Hi Erik,

I was crying driving to the cemetary today wishing i could have you back just for a little bit. Even if i knew you would have to go back again, i would just want to ask you....what happened that day. Were you scared, did you feel pain after the accident. Were you aware you were going to leave us. What is heaven like, are you ok, or do you miss us or are you happy there, like i'm sure you are. Then i would want to hug you and feel your physical presence again..just one more time, so this time, i could make sure i paid more attention to how it felt. I would want to look in your eyes and tell you it's ok, i'll be ok. As a mom that was always there for you, and took care of you....even though i know it's not the way it is, i think about you out there all by yourself sometimes, wandering around lonely........i know it's not true most days, heaven is not like that, but it's hard to let go of being a mom. I miss you and love you so much, the bad part of having you back for that short time....is when it was time for you to go, i'm afraid i would hold on and scream NO and not let you..................................

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Maybe gods plan is more obvious than we think...  / Mandy (Eriks Mom )

Sometimes when something like this happens to you, you tend to get down on everything, and dwell on the thing you don't have anymore. It's obviously natrual to do that, and we did it alot the first year Erik was gone. Dale and i have learned to count our blessings, and we have learned to appreciate what we do have. It was just so apparent on the night of the 16th this year, as our house was filled with over 15 kids, what we do have. I looked over at Dale several times that night, to catch him looking at me with such a look of contenement, and a smile on his face. I knew what he was thinking. That night, we realized more than ever what we do and will have. My son went home to god at age 16, and left such a void. That void will ALWAYS be there, and nothing can replace it, but maybe god has other plans that we just don't let ourselves see. I lost a son, and gained a bunch of crazy, fun loving, respectful kids that love us like we love them.  I can see them all coming over someday with their kids and their husbands & wives!  These kids don't have to come around, but they always do. They were not just Erik's friends when he was alive, they were part of the family, and they know and feel that, just by what they say to us. 
Through all of this, Dale and i have learned something very important. Life may not go the way you planned for it to go, but god has other plans that you have to open your eyes too. Your life is what you allow it to be, it's what you surround yourself with, it's what you open your heart up too and accept. So the people in your life may not be the ones you had originally planned on, but they can give you just as much love! We want people around us that love us for us, accept us for us, and respect us, and are positive. We have that, and we wish for everyone, that they can realize life is too short to live in anyway that makes you unhappy. It's been a tough road for us to get to this point, but we are finally getting it. What you think is a horrible thing at the time, and what you will never have, god once again blesses you in ways you just have to be willing to see and accept.  Family is having people around you that make you feel good and loved.... not people that always remind you of what your not.

~Mandy~

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My deepest sympathies  / Patrick Guernsey (None)
My Brother Michael "Mick" was killed by a drunk driver going over 100 mph at the intersection of Lyndale Ave South and 90th street in Bloomington on July 30, 1982.  I am very sorry for your loss. Close

Thank you for sharing Erik's story to help others  / Jennifer Frenz
I saw the memorial in the Star-Tribune today and decided to visit your web-sit.  I am so sorry for the pain you have suffered and the loss of your son.  Please know that I will be sharing Erik's story with my 15 year old son and his friends tonight in an effort to prevent this tragedy from repeating.  Your willingness to share your love for Erik and the painful experience of his death has made a big impact on me and, I am sure, many others.  May God Bless your family.  Close

Thinking of you  / Trisha Anderson (Aunt)
It's hard to believe that two years have gone by already.  I remember at your funeral how everyone talked about your smile, and what a great friend you were.  Steven and Mandy, you have to know, what an exceptional child you had.  Mandy, you can be proud of the young man he was.  We miss you, especially at Christmas, you're always in our thoughts.  We Love You!

Auntie Trisha, Debbie, and Nancy Close

Thinking of you today  / JoAnna/Quinn Mahoney's Sister
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My son died at age 16 also in a car accident in Nov. of 04  / Lisa Angel Mom To Travis Woerner 16 (angel mom )
I am sorry for the loss of your son.  I know how difficult it is to lose a son so tragically. May God give you strength to get through the seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and years.  May you hold onto the hope of Heaven that you will see your son Erik again.  May you receive the Grace of God as you walk through this walk that no parent should ever have to endure. May your pain be eased by the memories that your son left you with.  God has plans for all of us. We have no idea when our time is done here on earth.  There are so many angel moms that I have met through this website.  May you receive their love as your son awaits for you in Heaven.  
God Bless your Family.
Lisa
Mom of Travis Woerner
www.travis-woerners.memory-of.com
www.traviswoerner.com
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Remembering Erik  / Carol Pizzi (Angel Debbie's Mom )

Erik,
Continue to watch over your family & let them feel your loving presence today.
Mandy,
Your courage & strength is inspiring.
Much love to you today & always,
Carol

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Happy Valentine's Day!  / Dianne/Mom Of Angel Nicholas White

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HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS  / BRAD EVANS FAMILY
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Thank you so much for sharing...  / M. P. (none)
I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, have a son that was born the same year as Erik. There hasn't been a day that has gone by since he entered my life that I haven't felt blessed for having him (and scared to lose him). No one should suffer as you have...I'm so sorry and wish that I could bring Erik back to you. I hope you know you've touched lives by sharing your story and made people appreciate each other even more.

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I feel your pain  / Marsha Christian (mom of Angel Derrick Rowe )
I just wanted you to know that I feel your horrible pain.  I miss my Derrick so much. I don't know how anyone can survive this pain. I will not tell you that he is in a better place, because I am tired of hearing that myself.  To me a better place is with us. I hope this makes sense as I am not good with words. God bless you. Erik and Derrick are having a ball, I just know it.

Marsha Christian
www.derrickrowe.memory-of.com

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thank you  / Dee Fitzpatrick
I am a women from Massachusetts who stumbled upon your tribute to your Erik and i could not leave without telling you how moved I was, and how grateful I am that you shared your story. When I was in High School we lost several close friends  to similar circumstances Erik was lucky in that his story continues to inspire. Thanks, D Close

Happy New Year Erik!  / Sue~ Mom To Ashley Trapp

A New Year's Prayer

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God's love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead. 

God Bless You Mandy & Family,
Sue, Ashley's Mom

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Christmas Day 2006-Thoughts to my son...  / Mom (Mandy) (Eriks Mom )

Hi Erik,

Merry Christmas....We are lazy bums today. Just the way i wanted it. We were yesterday too. I didn't want to HAVE to do anything. Not even think if i didn't want too. I'm sure the holidays will get better as time goes on. They will never be the same though, i know that. It's such a strange feeling today. I know it's Christmas, but yet it feels nothing like it. It's like you have to pull your brain back to reality and remind your self, "Oh yea, it's Christmas." Your death has changed so many things in so many aspects. Even gifts at Christmas. Dale gave me so many nice things, and i loved them all. It made me realize how much i already have, and how we have to count our blessings every day and be so thankful for what we do have. I loved each gift, but i just kept looking around the house, at him and at Scrappy thinking how content i am with what i have and didn't need anything else. Since you have been taken away...priorities change. You find the joy in small things, because you learn that in a blink of an eye, life can change. The materialistic things don't matter anymore. You realize "THINGS" and money do not make you happy. The tears have fallen off and on the last few days, and the days prior, and always will i'm sure. Dale talked to his grandma on Saturday, she lost her daughter (dales mom) over 30 years ago, and she said it's still VERY hard. It's then i realized no one will ever get this, they will never realize how i feel and understand. So many people already think it's almost been 2 years since you died, time to move on. What they don't get is we are moving on, but in a constant flow of reminders and memories and flashbacks that you can't MAKE leave your mind. You can't ever go on vacation, or take a break from any of this. I actually had someone say that to me at school. "Why don't you guys take a vacation, get away from all of this." I just stared at her, and smiled, i wanted to slap her, but i know they have no clue. I could go around the world 1000 times, why do people think any of this will leave me, leave my life, my thoughts. Not to be mean but it's a horrible thing you cannot get away from. I will be honest, there are days i don't want to think about it....and you can't. Most days, almost every mintue it consumes my mind and you don't even realize it sometimes. I think that is why i'm so tired all the time. We are doing good, and moving forward, but we will never be the same. 
2007 will hold the opening of your foundation. Which i'm very excited about, and much work with MFSD. These 2 things will be such an asset to the community and your foundation nationwide, i'll be sure of that.  I'm going to have the darn thing on Oprah someday, you just wait and see.  
Well, i hope it's beautiful in heaven Erik. I know it must be. I have to say i'm glad the holidays are over. Don't worry, i know you loved Christmas, and i wont feel that way forever, but this year really stunk. We love you and miss you. Send us signs...if you can.

Love,
Mom

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ERIK AND MONOPOLY  / CINDY KAYDES MOMMY





I WAS READING YOUR SITE ERIK YOU LIKE MONOPOLY I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS XXX MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR MOM HUGS XXXXXX Close

Thinking of you and your angel.  / Marilyn-mom To Angel Rachel Barnes
I love Erick's site. It is a beautiful tribute to his life but it also is a reminder of the blessed hope we have to see our children again. Thank you for sharing him with us. 


A Christmas Blessing

During this Christmas season,
May you be blessed
With the spirit of the season,
which is peace,
The gladness of the season,
which is hope,
And the heart of the season,
which is love.

As long as we live they too will live, for they are a part of us, as we remember them.

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Missing our Angels  / Teresa Boger (Visitor)
I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost my son, Kristopher Johnson at the age of 17. He was born in 1988 and dies in 2005. I wish you peace this Christmas season and we all know that if we could we would go and bring them back home again. God Bless you and make the happy days a little happier and the sad days a little sweeter. We have our special angels with us always. Close

I am so sorry for your loss.  / Nikki (searching for Bumbles online and ended up here. )
I am so sorry for your loss and continuous grief.  As I came across Erik's site, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the warmth and love expressed to you (and by you) and to your son. This is truly a beautiful memorial and I just wanted to say I wish you and your family peace and comfort this holiday season and in the year to come.  God bless. Close

Mandy.......? / Shelly Alwayskennysmom
My gosh,Mandy did I realize how close our sons departure was?Good Greif,I must of? Somewhere,sometime in a candle.Well,anyway,I just discovered it again! The letter you're fiance wrote was so touching,sounds like you are in good hands,thank-god,huh? I'd never in a million make it without my husband.Big hugs to you & remember to take care of just you!! Love ya,Shelly Close