Happy Birthday Eric! Oh how I wish I could say that to you in person, and give you a big hug. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you. Grandpa said the other day that he remembers when you would come up behind him to give him a hug and put your hand in his pocket for candy, even as an adult! He said "I've lost my only grandson". I thought the other day how we would've teased you about being 1/2 way to 50, now you'll always be 23.

I had a dream recently, we were at your house for your birthday and I was hugging you, you laughed and said "grandma I want to get a piece of cake", but I knew once I let go I would never see or hug you again. I woke up crying. Uncle Joe says he thinks of you everytime we go by your old house on M-59, because he spent so much time there when you both were young. We all miss you and there isn't a day we don't think of you. I want so much to hear my door bell ring and have you standing there with a big grin on your face, saying love you grandma. Today is so hard on your folks (actually every day is) they won't be home today and don't celebrate your dad's birthday, it's too hard since the two of you celebrated together. I love you Eric.