Dearest Eric--When your Mom and I were flying down I-70, me driving 85 miles an hour and your Mom trying not to panic because you were trying to be born much sooner than the nurses at Vail had said you would, I prayed, "God, give us a miracle."
There were two miracles that night--we made it to Rose Hospital just before you came and, the most important miracle, you were born.
I have never forgotten that night, and don't suppose I ever will. Your Mom was the bravest human being I have ever known. I kept telling her that we were modern women and, if we had to, we would get you into the world on the side of the road and then head on down to Denver. But I was scared to death, and so grateful when we met your dad at one of the exits and all I had to do then was hold your Mom's hand while we screamed through town.
I want you to know that your Mom is still facing life with all the courage (and even the rebirth of that great sense of humor) she exhibited that night. And I know that a big part of why she can do that is what a great kid you were.
I remember so many stories about you--the time your boots were packed up while the house was being renovated and it snowed hard and you said to me with envy, "YOU have boots." I remember your beautiful books that you wrote and your Mom helped you put together. I remember what a perfect gentleman you were when you came to one of our office parties. I remember the light in your Mom's eyes when she talked about you.
You live on in my heart as I know you do in so many hearts. You were a miracle and we will never forget.
Moments In Time / Hannah Banana (Cosin) As a 12 year old looking back when I was 6 or 7 I remember the everlasting moments me and Eric shared together as cousin's and friends, I remember the time he got all the cousin's stuck in the woods where he lived in Evergreen. And then the time when we went to the 50th wedding anniversery of some people our parents knew. I loved when we hung out togerther like that!!! When I think of Eric I thought of an outgoing, fun to be around kind of guy. He was always in a happy mood and being his own person. I really miss his laughter and his great way of living life. Everyday I think of him and try to remember that he's not gone and that he's still in my hart and always will be. I love him deeply with my hart and hope is having good life in heven.I LOVE YOU EIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU COUSIN, HANNAH BANANA
Moments In Time / Hannah Banana (Cosin) As a 12 year old looking back when I was 6 or 7 I remember the everlasting moments me and Eric shared together as cousin's and friends, I remember the time he got all the cousin's stuck in the woods where he lived in Evergreen. And then the time when we went to the 50th wedding anniversery of some people our parents knew. I loved when we hung out togerther like that!!! When I think of Eric I thought of an outgoing, fun to be around kind of guy. He was always in a happy mood and being his own person. I really miss his laughter and his great way of living life. Everyday I think of him and try to remember that he's not gone and that he's still in my hart and always will be. I love him deeply with my hart and hope is havinga goog life in heven.I LOVE YOU EIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU COUSIN, HANNAH BANANA
Remember ERIC / Mr.Dick Groft (Grandfather)
Dear Eric: some time has passed since you have left us and I ponder why even more. It is difficult to understand why our GOD needed you more than we needed you. I feel so sorry for you MOM, too. She is having a real tough time without you. I still have tears in my eyes when I write this to you. God,. I loved you Eric!! Sometime,somewhere we'll see each other again, I'm certain! Love, Grandpa Dick
Spring/ Shirley Grove (Grandma) Hi Sweetheart! This new Spring season touches me in such a special way because it reminds me of you. Your love of the outdoors and everything about nature and animals was such a part of you. A bunny ran out from the steps this morning as I went to get the paper. It was as if your spirit was sooooo present at that moment with me.
I created a group of your pictures on a table with all the Grove cousins and of course Bayliss. Heis three years old now. Remember how we got ready for his big Number One Day. Your Dad got this big tank of helium you wanted so you could blow up the balloons.
Imiss you HEAPS, Babe! Love Granny Grove
We Loved Well / Mom Dear Eric. I love you and miss you more than a million sunrises and sunsets; more than the height of Mount Everest; more than all the raindrops and tears that have ever fallen; more than all the ferret kisses in the world (and you know how much I adore the tiny tickle kisses of a ferret! Add all of those together, and that's how much I miss you.
I wish I could understand why you had to go. But I think God has been giving me some answers about that. And they all have to do with your health. God has provided me with some indication that had you lived to be an adult, your life most likely would have been extremely difficult--and filled with many trials. And so, I must accept God's plan for you--and for me. But Eric, it is the hardest truth to accept.
I think it's possible that your pure little soul knew this. You always seemed to know and understand things of a spiritual nature. It just seems to me that you were on a mission on Earth. You surely must have completed your mission, because God called you home.
I'll never know what you were feeling on that horrid night of December 7, 2004. But I must acept that GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES!!!
So, my most beloved son, please don't forget me. Please carry all the loving memories of us in your heart and refer to them frequently. Our loving memories will always be here for us, right baby?
And please continue to send me your love. I can never get enough of your love, your smiles, your humor, your wisdom. You.
Eric, it was such a priviledge to be your mother. It has made me into a loving, kind, patient and compassionate person. You did this for me Eric. You!!!
I remember going to church when you were little. I was depressed, but not really aware of i t. Remember how I would just bawl at church (embarrassing for Dad and me)? God was touching me and holding me and he was saying "Teri, you are loved and you are so precious in my eyes."
This is what I want you to know Eric. You are loved and you are so precious in my eyes." And yes, Eric, I continue to bawl in church...many places actually.
God gave us to each other. To have and to hold; to nurture and to comfort; to guide and support; to teach and to love. We did that. We loved each other very well, my Eric. Love is messy sometimes. But we loved well; and we faced life's obstacles together. And we lived the truth of life together.
I will never forget my time as your mother. It was the most remarkable gift.
With all my heart. Momma
My Life Without You / Shirley Grove (grandma) From the permanent lump in my throat to the tears that flow so easily I find that I have not completely accepted that you have left this earth, sweetheart, Memories of you are with me constantly, thank God. The collage of your pictures hangs on my wall in tribute.
At our Olathe Olympics Party, a late celebration of Allie's birthday, all the five cousins talked about you so much. It was warm so the games were held on my driveway. (where you skateboarded on your Dad's old board that you had reconditioned) Your presence was a missing piece of the puzzle, Eric. Uncle Tom had a tough time coordinating the jump rope event and Uncle Curt didn't let him forget it, either.
You have so much love flowing your way. I miss you so.
And God Said.... / Diane Cassidy- Angel Mom-Katie
I said, God I hurt And God said, I know
I said, I cry alot And God said, That's why I gave you tears
I said, Life is so hard And God said, That's why I gave you loved ones
I said, But my loved one died!! And God said, So did mine!!
I said, It's such a great loss!! And God said, I saw mine nailed to a cross!!
I said, But your loved one lives!! And God said, So does yours!!
I said, Where is he now?? And God said, My Son is by my side and Your Son is in my arms!!
Thinking of You Eric / Cathy Harter -. Stephen's Mom (grieving mom )
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
Holidays..../ Diane Cassidy- Angel Mom-Katie
Christmas is the happiest of times
for those who believe....
Christmas is the saddest of times
for those who grieve....
May God bring you and your
family comfort to help
ease the pain!!
Your in my thoughts and
prayers!!
Father and Son / Kevin O'Brien (Father of Austin )
December 14, 2005
Dear Eric,
Austin and I came to visit you last week. It was cold with light snow on the ground but a beautiful clear day. I could see others had been there before us.
It’s been a year now and I want you to know how much we all miss, especially Austin, and thank you for all that you gave us.
You taught me about compassion, tolerance and how difficult it is for a young man to find his way through this world. Things I thought I knew, but you made me realize I didn’t fully understand.
Thanks for all that you were and for being Austin's friend. We are all better because of your being here.
We will never forget.
Kevin O’Brien
Father of Austin O’Brien
Dear Eric / Randy Waggoner (Uncle)
Dear Eric,
It’s been a year since you left us and it is still hard to express in words the feelings that I have experienced.After Aunt Becky built this webpage for you I knew I needed to share something about you and the relationship we had but it has been hard to put into words.
The other day while thinking about what to say something came to me that I had never realized before.I think that you may have played a part in this realization.You always looked up to your cousin Chase as long as I can remember but I don’t think you knew how much you meant to him.Like I said earlier, I was thinking about you two the other day and realized that every time we talked about you with Chase he always got this very special smile on his face.Just the mention of your name brought so much joy to him that he could not hide his love that he had for you.You were very special to all of us and we miss you greatly.
Best Big Brother / Bayliss Grove (Brother) Eric,
I miss you so much. I see your pictures and smile. I point and say, "I love my Eric." I told Mom at Thanksgiving, "Eric's coming home! - I love Eric." I can't believe it's been a little over a year since I've seen you. The last day I saw you was your 13th Birthday. You took me next door that morning and we rode the disk down Thom and Caroline's snowy hill. When we got to the bottom of the hill, you put the disk in one hand and my hand in the other and we walked back up the hill to do it again. You called to Mom and asked her to get a coat and mittens for me because you thought I was cold. We laughed and laughed. When you left that day, you said, "Bye Punkin-Schtinker.. see you next weekend!"
I really miss you, big brother. I miss seeing you as you walked through the door and dropped to your knees to give me a big hug and kiss. I miss the pillow fights in the basement. I miss sleeping with you - it made me feel so grown-up to sleep with you that last weekend you were at home with us. I miss everything about you.
Thanks for coming to see me. A couple of nights after you left us for good, Mom was carrying me past your room and said, "who's room is that?" I said, "Angel's." She said, "you mean Eric's?" I told her, "Angel's." I was only 20 months old and didn't really speak much. But, you had told me that you were now an angel and that's what I told Mom.
Mom and Dad cry all of the time. They miss you a lot. They talk about you all of the time. Mom tells people that I have such a "great personality" because of the unbelievable love, adoration and passion you had for me. You made me the focus of your time and affection. You were an amazing big brother!!!!
I wish you were here. I looked forward to our time together - thought we'd have more. You always made me feel so good - so loved. A little brother couldn't ask for more from a big brother.
Thank you for the time we had together. It was short but everlasting. I am who I am because of you! Please take care of my family and help them find peace with your untimely departure. Please watch over Sophie - the puppy we picked out together! Please keep that star shining for me to see at night as I drift to sleep.
I love you! Bayliss
Your Entrance Into My Life / Shirley Grove (Grandmother) Eric, I relive the December day your parents called to KC from Denver, to say you burst into being........shortly after they arrived at the hospital. I made a huge sign and hung it in the teachers lounge at my school. "Eric Donald Grove Made Me a Grandma"..Whee!"
Our lives became so special because of you. Uncle Curt and Uncle Tom were so happy to be "uncles". Grandpa Stan and I saw you two weeks later in Albuquerque at Aunt Marilyn's. The moment the three of you came in the door, we were all so excited that I remember crying. You had your first bath in their kitchen sink.....not real happy, as I remember....Ha!
Sweetheart, that was just the beginning of so many wonderful times we had with you......special & funny things you said....... (your Dad has saved some of them) Among them is the saying on your headstone when you were riding in the car with him one day and looked up at the sunset..."Look, Dad, the sun is kissing the mountains!"
I could go on and on, Eric. Do you get an idea of how much we miss you??? 'More than words can express, Babe. Your Aunt Becky has given all of us a wonderful present with providing this opportunity for us to express our thoughts about you.
Tributes and Condolences
I loved when we hung out togerther like that!!! When I think of Eric I thought of an outgoing, fun to be around kind of guy. He was always in a happy mood and being his own person. I really miss his laughter and his great way of living life. Everyday I think of him and try to remember that he's not gone and that he's still in my hart and always will be. I love him deeply with my hart and hope is having good life in heven
.I LOVE YOU EIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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