I have thought for a long time about what I would write about Erica. Actually, I thought that I should write something for her, when she was here, so that she could read it and know that I loved her and appreciated her. I have read all of the comments below and it all holds true for my experiences with her. She made us all feel loved and important and exciting and funny! She laughed with us and listened to us talk about ourselves and our lives even when she had so much going on in hers. I know it was hard for her to ask people for rides and favors but I hope that in the end she knew that everyone wanted to help her as she had helped us in some way over the years that we knew her.
She was my friend and my neighbor and she was bigger than life. I have never known anyone like her because I don't think there is another like her. She was special.
A couple of days before she passed I knew her time was short but I still couldn't seem to put anything together on paper. Maybe I felt like anything I wrote wouldn't be quite enough. But I know now that anything I would have sent her would have been welcomed into her with all her being and loved by her. She always recognized love in others and she spilled gratitude out of her. In the end I just texted her, "I love you." I'm so glad I did. But I know she knew it anyway.
She was spiritual and kinetic. She was a beam of light. She still is.
Linda Engler
5 years ago
Erica inspired me to love life everyday. To see things in a completely different way. She expressed herself with so much joy. Her involvement in our Gurl Scout Troop was always an adventure filled with laughter and smiles. As MC at our woodland pond holiday caroling she kept us all riveted and happy and even with all of her instruments and holiday hats it’s just not the same. I really miss her in my life. I feel so lucky that our paths crossed. Her strength and courage through her cancer journey helped me to care for a friend through her cancer experience, with strength. I never had a chance to tell her that. She made the conversation about sickness and death public, easier to talk about. She really guided me through her actions and writing and I’m grateful for that.
Marc Denofio
5 years ago
Absolutely the best babysitter ever. Full of fun and vibrant life. My sorrow for all the Chase and Salerno families and also at the same time I know that Erica is free of the confinement that she had these past years and enjoying her old self.
Jessica Greenstein
5 years ago
Erica's enthusiasm for life was simply contagious! We miss her bright smile, and the energy she infused into our lives. Seeing these beautiful photos reminds us of her spirit, which will always remain with us, and is a blessing to us all. My family looks forward to celebrating Erica's life with yours on June 16th.
Gina Guarente
5 years ago
I am grateful to Erica for reconnecting us and our families and I feel incredibly blessed to have been such a close part of her life, even if our reconnection happened later than sooner. So many things come to mind when I think of her, but the most encapsulating times involve my children. A few come to mind: Once when going through a tough medical spike with my son Joey, I ran into her and started crying and started to apologize, but she said, "I can handle the hard stuff." This was right before her cancer diagnoses so I would find out how true that was. She loved my son, who has autism and isn't always the easiest person to understand, for who he was. She connected to him on his level. She would keep stacks of potato chips at her house that he loved so when she saw him or one of us she would give us one. I mean, who does that!? She asked to take him to the science fair at SUNY NP and she guided him through various workshops that challenged his sensory issues. She took my daughter all over with her family and had some really heartfelt conversations with her. She told me she really felt like she and Sammy really had a connection and she got her. She was right; when Sammy found out that Erica only had months to live, she cried and said she couldn't believe that such an amazing person would be gone from her life. So, thank you, Erica, for reconnecting our families. I have learned so much from you and I am forever changed by knowing you so closely.
I've been trying to find the words to express the joy I feel at having had Erica's friendship in my life, the astonishment I feel at her extreme vibrance, the inspiration I feel because of the way she fully embraced her life and her dying, and the grief I feel that we won't have deep conversations anymore, and I can only think of two words that can encompass these things: Love and gratitude. I have enormous gratitude for having known Erica. Erica is love. And, her love shines on. I love you, Erica.
These beautiful photographs totally remind me of Erica's exuberance for LIFE with a capital L. Her smile was/is unforgettable. From the days when our singing lessons were back to back at Nancy Herforth's, I have followed Erica's journey with much appreciation. More recently it was especially her contribution to the Kids ALmanac, and her openness inviting us, young and old, in to her cancer journey, dispelling fear by spreading so much courage, quirky insight and even infectious joy in darker corners of our psyches. Thank you Erica. YOur light is with us still.
Jennifer Castle
6 years ago
One of my favorite authors, Ken Liu, wrote, "We are defined by the places we hold in the web of others’ lives." I was reminded of this passage when reflecting on Erica's life. And what an interconnected web she wove, and made stronger. I used to joke to her that it was her fault (and Mike's) that our family ended up in the Hudson Valley after leaving California. I was doing research on areas on the East Coast, near NYC, and stumbled upon Hudson Valley Parents...where I discovered a community of like-minded people who ended up being my tribe. Ironically, she was one of the last HVP'ers I met in person, and by the time we did, we'd both heard so much about each other that it felt like fate (and on my end, an honor), that we'd be friends. Later, a casual comment I made to Erica about how I'd like to start a YA book club for adults led to her urging me, over the course of a year or two, to finally do it, and of course I did. Book club gatherings with Erica always brought the discussion to a new level of introspection and personal sharing; they were much more subdued (and shorter) whenever she wasn't present. I watched her grow and take flight as a writer in her own right, and her voice emerged so beautifully and authentically. Erica's level of curiosity about everyone and everything was always a reminder to me to stay awake, to always ask questions, to not get complacent or stuck or just lazy. Her straightforward kindness also kept me rooted to my own place of generosity. Whenever she'd pass a specialty bakery near Kingston that sold fancy decorated cookies in both the regular and gluten-free variety, she'd pick up one of each for my kids, knowing how much it might mean to my gluten-free daughter to have the same fun cookie as her sister. And then she'd drop them in my mailbox and text me, and my kids would run out to find them. And she was right; each and every time, it meant the world to Clea that someone thought of her that way. Erica brought us to our community, then showed me the joys of staying open and connected as a member of that community. The web that links us all is stronger, and larger, and sparklier, because of the places Erica held in it. Sail forward, dear friend. I hope your next adventure is ready for you.
Sam Irvine
6 years ago
Erica's energy penetrated everyone she met. She raised the mood in every space I shared with her. Anytime I saw Erica, she made me laugh and made me think and made me reflect; even for just a moment. Her enthusiasm for me; ME! and my children; My children! was present each time I met her despite her illness and her journey. She had the same dynamic personality the entire time I knew her. One of the last times I saw Erica in a coffee shop she handed me a beautiful little origami star and when I unfolded it, it read; "you are a wonderful person". This generosity of spirit is what defined Erica for me. She gave and gave, and at the same time received in the most joyful and appreciative manner. With heartfelt gratitude to Erica for having known her, and my warmest and deepest sympathy for her family.
We will miss Erica. For several years she played viola in our quartet and was a great inspiration to us all. She always had such a fantastic passion, not only for life, but for everything and everyone she knew or touched. What a rare wonderful lady she was. Thank you, Erica, for blessing us with your company, some of the time you were here with us in this earthly dimension.
Erica will be sorely missed by the 4-H Community. She showed a peerless amount of energy and enthusiasm for life, youth, and 4-H programming. Her selflessness in serving as a Volunteer in the midst of her cancer journey was remarkable. Love to Mike, Declan and Quinn, whose 4-H presentation on gemology I once had the pleasure of observing. Head On and Heart Strong Erica. Melanie and the Ulster County 4-H Team
Wendy Van Allen
6 years ago
I didn't know her personally, but I have been following her beautiful musings for some time online now regarding her cancer. As I sit here with tears in my eyes, I am grateful to have read her work and for the free-spirited life she lived. My deepest condolences to her family, her husband and children and all who loved her. May her Viking Ship take her home to the stars beyond the Rainbow Bridge.
Stacey Rein
6 years ago
Erica Chase-Salerno was the bravest woman I never knew. Writer, healer, wife, mother, friend. I know this because I'm one of the thousands who was privileged to discover her cancer journey in the folds of the Almanac. She astounded me with her humor and optimism, during what, for most of us (all of us?), would be a time to grieve.
But this was not her path. No - her path was lit with an unceasing inspiration. It is a path that broke every expectation of what it means to have a terminal illness.
Sharing her extraordinary wisdom and insight with complete strangers has been life changing;I suspect not just for me, but for everyone she connected with - making all of us a little less scared of what could be. Head on, and heart strong - her gift will live on.
Stacey Rein, Tivoli, NY
Stephanie Ellis
6 years ago
There are so many things to say about Erica, but what I would want to express about her most to someone who never met her was her ability to dig deep, to face her own demons, question her own assumptions, and reinvent parts of herself over and over again. She was always so ERICA, but also so able to forget everything she thought she knew about something, drop her ego completely, and begin again with completely new ideas. I saw her do that again and again. It was remarkable. So rare to see in people. She was so curious, so open, so willing to learn. She was famous for saying something was "epic!" or a "game-changer!" She totally meant it every time she said it. She was never stagnant. Always ready for the next "game-changer". Always open to that next thing that would change everything for her. I loved that so much.
The other thing I would want someone to know about her is the way she SAW you. I had the pleasure of going to Jacob's Pillow with her last summer (2018) and saw a dance company we loved, Monica Bill Barnes. We spoke to the 2 dancers in the company after the show and of course Erica was effusive. But it was what she was telling them about their dancing that sticks with me. She completely saw what they were doing with their dance and reflected it back to them. Watching them take in her love of their work was such pure pleasure. You see it in the video when she meets The Rock - the moment when his face and body language change and he realizes this isn't just some fan he is speaking to - this is a person who SEES him. What a lucky guy getting to meet Erica. I aspire to see people as you did, my friend. To see their many parts and accept them fully and with love.
Since her death last week I keep having waves of memories of her. I am so grateful for every moment I had with her. I wish there had been even more. I am not going to fully absorb that she is not on this plane with us anymore for a while. It is difficult to accept. As much as Erica was ready to face her own death and her mortality, I don't feel quite so ready. I miss her deeply. Every day since her death I have taken actions inspired by her life. I am being more present. I am being more open. I am letting in more love. I am trying to notice and appreciate things that I didn't before. I am making sure people know how much I love them. I am thinking about how I can create greater connection and community. I am trying to be less afraid. Her life had a deep, important and lasting impact on me. I am figuring out how to carry that forward. I hope to honor her in small ways every day for the rest of my life.
I hope I enjoy at least ONE thing in my life as much as Erica enjoyed cannoli cream. I am going to try. I love you so much, Erica.
You So beautifully captured Erica's amazing essence in this reflection.
Sheila Sweet
6 years ago
I knew Erica through the Shine group. I absolutely loved her spirit and energy. Over the years we would email each other and that energy was always there. The word love comes to mind when thinking of her. My heart and blessings go to her family. She will always be in our hearts.
Christine King
6 years ago
Erica lived, truly lived so much in her short life! I didnt know her really well but she was always an inspiration to me. As a first time, nervous homeschool mom, she gave me words of encouragement and support and let my kids choose books from her homeschool library. She had more courage than anyone else I've seen! She smiled more than most of us with good health ever did. She appreciated the little things. She promoted justice and loved all, as I saw in her writings and comments. I only hope to see her on the other side where I will give her a great big hug! Hugs and prayers to her husband and kids, also brave souls. I hope that they reach out to those around them if and when they ever need. My love to Erica and her family. She will be sorely missed.♡
Carol Conway
6 years ago
I am so very sorry to hear of Erica's passing. I did not know Erica very well as our lives crossed paths briefly through a ceramics class sponsored by Miles of Hope that I assisted. She was resistant at first about attending the class but in time, I know that she secretly enjoyed it especially when her brother, George, joined her in class during a visit. Her sense of humor and encouragement to others made everyone smile. I remember the last day of class, she gave everyone in the studio inspirational cards and folded paper stars with inspirational sayings inside. She truly touched everyone's heart. I carry the card and folded star in my wallet and will cherish it. As I read all the tributes to Erica, I can see why she meant so much to so many. I wish her friends and family peace in their hearts and joy in the thoughts of this wonderful woman.
Sarah Uzelac
6 years ago
Erica was radical in every (great) sense of the word and I'm so glad I knew her. Love to Mike and the kids. <3
Elizabeth Key
6 years ago
One of the bravest people I know passed away yesterday morning. I reached out to her last week, just with a feeling that all my thoughts about her would be in vain if I didn’t since I knew there wasn’t much time left. I asked how she was and she told me things were progressing, she was finishing up. (Oof)
What wise and certain words they were, to know your time is coming and face it as bravely as going to war. In my opinion, that’s exactly what she had done; she had fought with every ounce of her being and she had done it with grace and a quick whit. Erica had this way of teaching you to communicate and be more selfless just by having a conversation with her. Then to kick it another step further, she would thank *you* for sharing, as if a privilege and yet, it was truly mine.
I hope and pray for her family as they look for ways to understand and to carry on as I know that’s exactly what she had planned for them. She spent a lot of her time here helping others understand her situation and even attempt to comfort them, during her most difficult times while simultaneously making them laugh.
Her life will be a constant reminder of how much of an impact one person can have when we choose to be present and always be willing to stride forward toward growth.
Jeanne Peck
6 years ago
I never met Erica but heard so much about her uniqueness from her
parents there are no words to describe the loss of a child may God bless you with comfort
I have thought for a long time about what I would write about Erica. Actually, I thought that I should write something for her, when she was here, so that she could read it and know that I loved her and appreciated her. I have read all of the comments below and it all holds true for my experiences with her. She made us all feel loved and important and exciting and funny! She laughed with us and listened to us talk about ourselves and our lives even when she had so much going on in hers. I know it was hard for her to ask people for rides and favors but I hope that in the end she knew that everyone wanted to help her as she had helped us in some way over the years that we knew her.
She was my friend and my neighbor and she was bigger than life. I have never known anyone like her because I don't think there is another like her. She was special.
A couple of days before she passed I knew her time was short but I still couldn't seem to put anything together on paper. Maybe I felt like anything I wrote wouldn't be quite enough. But I know now that anything I would have sent her would have been welcomed into her with all her being and loved by her. She always recognized love in others and she spilled gratitude out of her. In the end I just texted her, "I love you." I'm so glad I did. But I know she knew it anyway.
She was spiritual and kinetic. She was a beam of light. She still is.
Erica inspired me to love life everyday. To see things in a completely different way. She expressed herself with so much joy. Her involvement in our Gurl Scout Troop was always an adventure filled with laughter and smiles. As MC at our woodland pond holiday caroling she kept us all riveted and happy and even with all of her instruments and holiday hats it’s just not the same. I really miss her in my life. I feel so lucky that our paths crossed. Her strength and courage through her cancer journey helped me to care for a friend through her cancer experience, with strength. I never had a chance to tell her that. She made the conversation about sickness and death public, easier to talk about. She really guided me through her actions and writing and I’m grateful for that.
Absolutely the best babysitter ever. Full of fun and vibrant life. My sorrow for all the Chase and Salerno families and also at the same time I know that Erica is free of the confinement that she had these past years and enjoying her old self.
Erica's enthusiasm for life was simply contagious! We miss her bright smile, and the energy she infused into our lives. Seeing these beautiful photos reminds us of her spirit, which will always remain with us, and is a blessing to us all. My family looks forward to celebrating Erica's life with yours on June 16th.
I am grateful to Erica for reconnecting us and our families and I feel incredibly blessed to have been such a close part of her life, even if our reconnection happened later than sooner. So many things come to mind when I think of her, but the most encapsulating times involve my children. A few come to mind: Once when going through a tough medical spike with my son Joey, I ran into her and started crying and started to apologize, but she said, "I can handle the hard stuff." This was right before her cancer diagnoses so I would find out how true that was. She loved my son, who has autism and isn't always the easiest person to understand, for who he was. She connected to him on his level. She would keep stacks of potato chips at her house that he loved so when she saw him or one of us she would give us one. I mean, who does that!? She asked to take him to the science fair at SUNY NP and she guided him through various workshops that challenged his sensory issues. She took my daughter all over with her family and had some really heartfelt conversations with her. She told me she really felt like she and Sammy really had a connection and she got her. She was right; when Sammy found out that Erica only had months to live, she cried and said she couldn't believe that such an amazing person would be gone from her life. So, thank you, Erica, for reconnecting our families. I have learned so much from you and I am forever changed by knowing you so closely.
I've been trying to find the words to express the joy I feel at having had Erica's friendship in my life, the astonishment I feel at her extreme vibrance, the inspiration I feel because of the way she fully embraced her life and her dying, and the grief I feel that we won't have deep conversations anymore, and I can only think of two words that can encompass these things: Love and gratitude. I have enormous gratitude for having known Erica. Erica is love. And, her love shines on. I love you, Erica.
These beautiful photographs totally remind me of Erica's exuberance for LIFE with a capital L. Her smile was/is unforgettable. From the days when our singing lessons were back to back at Nancy Herforth's, I have followed Erica's journey with much appreciation. More recently it was especially her contribution to the Kids ALmanac, and her openness inviting us, young and old, in to her cancer journey, dispelling fear by spreading so much courage, quirky insight and even infectious joy in darker corners of our psyches. Thank you Erica. YOur light is with us still.
One of my favorite authors, Ken Liu, wrote, "We are defined by the places we hold in the web of others’ lives." I was reminded of this passage when reflecting on Erica's life. And what an interconnected web she wove, and made stronger. I used to joke to her that it was her fault (and Mike's) that our family ended up in the Hudson Valley after leaving California. I was doing research on areas on the East Coast, near NYC, and stumbled upon Hudson Valley Parents...where I discovered a community of like-minded people who ended up being my tribe. Ironically, she was one of the last HVP'ers I met in person, and by the time we did, we'd both heard so much about each other that it felt like fate (and on my end, an honor), that we'd be friends. Later, a casual comment I made to Erica about how I'd like to start a YA book club for adults led to her urging me, over the course of a year or two, to finally do it, and of course I did. Book club gatherings with Erica always brought the discussion to a new level of introspection and personal sharing; they were much more subdued (and shorter) whenever she wasn't present. I watched her grow and take flight as a writer in her own right, and her voice emerged so beautifully and authentically. Erica's level of curiosity about everyone and everything was always a reminder to me to stay awake, to always ask questions, to not get complacent or stuck or just lazy. Her straightforward kindness also kept me rooted to my own place of generosity. Whenever she'd pass a specialty bakery near Kingston that sold fancy decorated cookies in both the regular and gluten-free variety, she'd pick up one of each for my kids, knowing how much it might mean to my gluten-free daughter to have the same fun cookie as her sister. And then she'd drop them in my mailbox and text me, and my kids would run out to find them. And she was right; each and every time, it meant the world to Clea that someone thought of her that way. Erica brought us to our community, then showed me the joys of staying open and connected as a member of that community. The web that links us all is stronger, and larger, and sparklier, because of the places Erica held in it. Sail forward, dear friend. I hope your next adventure is ready for you.
Erica's energy penetrated everyone she met. She raised the mood in every space I shared with her. Anytime I saw Erica, she made me laugh and made me think and made me reflect; even for just a moment. Her enthusiasm for me; ME! and my children; My children! was present each time I met her despite her illness and her journey. She had the same dynamic personality the entire time I knew her. One of the last times I saw Erica in a coffee shop she handed me a beautiful little origami star and when I unfolded it, it read; "you are a wonderful person". This generosity of spirit is what defined Erica for me. She gave and gave, and at the same time received in the most joyful and appreciative manner. With heartfelt gratitude to Erica for having known her, and my warmest and deepest sympathy for her family.
We will miss Erica. For several years she played viola in our quartet and was a great inspiration to us all. She always had such a fantastic passion, not only for life, but for everything and everyone she knew or touched. What a rare wonderful lady she was. Thank you, Erica, for blessing us with your company, some of the time you were here with us in this earthly dimension.
Erica will be sorely missed by the 4-H Community. She showed a peerless amount of energy and enthusiasm for life, youth, and 4-H programming. Her selflessness in serving as a Volunteer in the midst of her cancer journey was remarkable. Love to Mike, Declan and Quinn, whose 4-H presentation on gemology I once had the pleasure of observing. Head On and Heart Strong Erica. Melanie and the Ulster County 4-H Team
I didn't know her personally, but I have been following her beautiful musings for some time online now regarding her cancer. As I sit here with tears in my eyes, I am grateful to have read her work and for the free-spirited life she lived. My deepest condolences to her family, her husband and children and all who loved her. May her Viking Ship take her home to the stars beyond the Rainbow Bridge.
Erica Chase-Salerno was the bravest woman I never knew. Writer, healer, wife, mother, friend. I know this because I'm one of the thousands who was privileged to discover her cancer journey in the folds of the Almanac. She astounded me with her humor and optimism, during what, for most of us (all of us?), would be a time to grieve.
But this was not her path. No - her path was lit with an unceasing inspiration. It is a path that broke every expectation of what it means to have a terminal illness.
Sharing her extraordinary wisdom and insight with complete strangers has been life changing;I suspect not just for me, but for everyone she connected with - making all of us a little less scared of what could be. Head on, and heart strong - her gift will live on.
Stacey Rein, Tivoli, NY
There are so many things to say about Erica, but what I would want to express about her most to someone who never met her was her ability to dig deep, to face her own demons, question her own assumptions, and reinvent parts of herself over and over again. She was always so ERICA, but also so able to forget everything she thought she knew about something, drop her ego completely, and begin again with completely new ideas. I saw her do that again and again. It was remarkable. So rare to see in people. She was so curious, so open, so willing to learn. She was famous for saying something was "epic!" or a "game-changer!" She totally meant it every time she said it. She was never stagnant. Always ready for the next "game-changer". Always open to that next thing that would change everything for her. I loved that so much.
The other thing I would want someone to know about her is the way she SAW you. I had the pleasure of going to Jacob's Pillow with her last summer (2018) and saw a dance company we loved, Monica Bill Barnes. We spoke to the 2 dancers in the company after the show and of course Erica was effusive. But it was what she was telling them about their dancing that sticks with me. She completely saw what they were doing with their dance and reflected it back to them. Watching them take in her love of their work was such pure pleasure. You see it in the video when she meets The Rock - the moment when his face and body language change and he realizes this isn't just some fan he is speaking to - this is a person who SEES him. What a lucky guy getting to meet Erica. I aspire to see people as you did, my friend. To see their many parts and accept them fully and with love.
Since her death last week I keep having waves of memories of her. I am so grateful for every moment I had with her. I wish there had been even more. I am not going to fully absorb that she is not on this plane with us anymore for a while. It is difficult to accept. As much as Erica was ready to face her own death and her mortality, I don't feel quite so ready. I miss her deeply. Every day since her death I have taken actions inspired by her life. I am being more present. I am being more open. I am letting in more love. I am trying to notice and appreciate things that I didn't before. I am making sure people know how much I love them. I am thinking about how I can create greater connection and community. I am trying to be less afraid. Her life had a deep, important and lasting impact on me. I am figuring out how to carry that forward. I hope to honor her in small ways every day for the rest of my life.
I hope I enjoy at least ONE thing in my life as much as Erica enjoyed cannoli cream. I am going to try. I love you so much, Erica.
Really liked reading this, Stephanie, thank you.
You So beautifully captured Erica's amazing essence in this reflection.
I knew Erica through the Shine group. I absolutely loved her spirit and energy. Over the years we would email each other and that energy was always there. The word love comes to mind when thinking of her. My heart and blessings go to her family. She will always be in our hearts.
Erica lived, truly lived so much in her short life! I didnt know her really well but she was always an inspiration to me. As a first time, nervous homeschool mom, she gave me words of encouragement and support and let my kids choose books from her homeschool library. She had more courage than anyone else I've seen! She smiled more than most of us with good health ever did. She appreciated the little things. She promoted justice and loved all, as I saw in her writings and comments. I only hope to see her on the other side where I will give her a great big hug! Hugs and prayers to her husband and kids, also brave souls. I hope that they reach out to those around them if and when they ever need. My love to Erica and her family. She will be sorely missed.♡
I am so very sorry to hear of Erica's passing. I did not know Erica very well as our lives crossed paths briefly through a ceramics class sponsored by Miles of Hope that I assisted. She was resistant at first about attending the class but in time, I know that she secretly enjoyed it especially when her brother, George, joined her in class during a visit. Her sense of humor and encouragement to others made everyone smile. I remember the last day of class, she gave everyone in the studio inspirational cards and folded paper stars with inspirational sayings inside. She truly touched everyone's heart. I carry the card and folded star in my wallet and will cherish it. As I read all the tributes to Erica, I can see why she meant so much to so many. I wish her friends and family peace in their hearts and joy in the thoughts of this wonderful woman.
Erica was radical in every (great) sense of the word and I'm so glad I knew her. Love to Mike and the kids. <3
One of the bravest people I know passed away yesterday morning. I reached out to her last week, just with a feeling that all my thoughts about her would be in vain if I didn’t since I knew there wasn’t much time left. I asked how she was and she told me things were progressing, she was finishing up. (Oof)
What wise and certain words they were, to know your time is coming and face it as bravely as going to war. In my opinion, that’s exactly what she had done; she had fought with every ounce of her being and she had done it with grace and a quick whit. Erica had this way of teaching you to communicate and be more selfless just by having a conversation with her. Then to kick it another step further, she would thank *you* for sharing, as if a privilege and yet, it was truly mine.
I hope and pray for her family as they look for ways to understand and to carry on as I know that’s exactly what she had planned for them. She spent a lot of her time here helping others understand her situation and even attempt to comfort them, during her most difficult times while simultaneously making them laugh.
Her life will be a constant reminder of how much of an impact one person can have when we choose to be present and always be willing to stride forward toward growth.
I never met Erica but heard so much about her uniqueness from her
parents there are no words to describe the loss of a child may God bless you with comfort