18. In high school, Erin had a friend named James Cassick who was an artist and wanted to sketch her. This is his sketch, with butterflies all over Erin (if you haven’t figured it out, by now, Erin absolutely LOVED butterflies). We both thought that what he drew was really awesome and I remember being so impressed and so happy that he had done it. Over a decade later, we still had James’ sketch up at home and even though it’s a little worse for the wear after so many years and moves and we never had it framed, it always brought a smile to our faces when we looked at it. When I looked at it after Erin had died, it was even more powerful, because not only was it a beautiful depiction of Erin, but it also reminded me of those days in high school. Maybe this is just my imagination, but I noticed that his sketch seems to look more like Erin in the later years of her life than how she looked in high school when James drew it. Like he could tell the future and see what she was going to look like.
What a beautiful way to honor Erin on her birthday. Thank you for continuing to keep her spirit alive and always sharing your love for her. Your words are genuine and thoughtful, something she always appreciated. The coffee mugs were a Christmas gift from me, with the thought you guys would each have one. She could not wait to use them, Lol. The pure vulgarity alone was enough to make that mug her favorite! Love you Aaron, I think of you, and her every day. -Jen
Thank you, Jen! I thought they were a gift and I’m happy to know they were from you. I’m keeping her vulgarity alive and still using that mug these days. I love and think about you, too, and I know that she lives on in your heart, so thank you for keeping her spirit alive, as well.