- Apr 14, 2001
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My big brother Erik died in a fall at work on Sunday. This is what I will be saying at his memorial Saturday. My other brother will be giving the Eulogy, so my time will be about my life with Erik. He was 47 with a wife and three children.
Growing up, Erik was everything I wanted to be and I emulated him as much as I could. Charming, unbelievably coordinated, devilishly handsome, brave and wild He had this Teflon quality about him, a kind of invincibility, which I admired, but could never achieve. Nothing could stop him. Be it broken bones, a broken neck and even cancer, he survived it all.
Even though there was a five year difference between us, he taught me so many things with a patience I never appreciated as a bratty little brother. How to ride a bike, how to ride a motorcycle, drive a stick shift, water ski well, this list could go on and on but it's safe to say, he taught me most of what I learned as a child. Erik was also my protector. He rescued me when I was hurt and saved me from bullies on many occasions.
I moved away when I joined the Army and we grew apart. But from time to time Erik would call to tell me of yet another adventure or dare devil accomplishment with an excitement I always admired and secretly envied. Recently, I moved back to the area with the hopes that we could reconnect and share these adventures together as brothers again. We excitedly spoke of him buying a Harley like mine so we could ride together. Of skydiving with him and working on rockets together. Of taking family vacations and just general hell raising.
Then on my way back from a Christmas party, my phone rang. Only this time it wasnt to tell me of Eriks latest adventure. After everything, I thought Erik to be invincible. But my big brother, my hero, my mentor, my friend was gone.
The unbelievable had happened. I cursed fate, cursed my own regrets... I screamed and cried. I regretted not telling him I was proud of him that he was truly a hero in my eyes how much I admired him how thankful I was for everything he did. That I loved him.
But Erik achieved what many of us never do: He lived his dreams and I find solace in that.
Goodbye, Erik. You will live forever in my heart and the hearts of those whose lives you touched. Goodbye, my big brother, my hero, my mentor, my friend.
Growing up, Erik was everything I wanted to be and I emulated him as much as I could. Charming, unbelievably coordinated, devilishly handsome, brave and wild He had this Teflon quality about him, a kind of invincibility, which I admired, but could never achieve. Nothing could stop him. Be it broken bones, a broken neck and even cancer, he survived it all.
Even though there was a five year difference between us, he taught me so many things with a patience I never appreciated as a bratty little brother. How to ride a bike, how to ride a motorcycle, drive a stick shift, water ski well, this list could go on and on but it's safe to say, he taught me most of what I learned as a child. Erik was also my protector. He rescued me when I was hurt and saved me from bullies on many occasions.
I moved away when I joined the Army and we grew apart. But from time to time Erik would call to tell me of yet another adventure or dare devil accomplishment with an excitement I always admired and secretly envied. Recently, I moved back to the area with the hopes that we could reconnect and share these adventures together as brothers again. We excitedly spoke of him buying a Harley like mine so we could ride together. Of skydiving with him and working on rockets together. Of taking family vacations and just general hell raising.
Then on my way back from a Christmas party, my phone rang. Only this time it wasnt to tell me of Eriks latest adventure. After everything, I thought Erik to be invincible. But my big brother, my hero, my mentor, my friend was gone.
The unbelievable had happened. I cursed fate, cursed my own regrets... I screamed and cried. I regretted not telling him I was proud of him that he was truly a hero in my eyes how much I admired him how thankful I was for everything he did. That I loved him.
But Erik achieved what many of us never do: He lived his dreams and I find solace in that.
Goodbye, Erik. You will live forever in my heart and the hearts of those whose lives you touched. Goodbye, my big brother, my hero, my mentor, my friend.
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