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Erik's 18th Birthday
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3 January 2009:
Like many of his friends, Erik looked forward to his 18th Birthday as a right of passage, a coming of age with new found rights, like being able to legally enter a pub and buy his Dad a beer. Over the past few years, plans of where to have Eriks 18th birthday party and what format it would take were discussed, it was something to look forward to, a milestone in Eriks life.
Erik wanted to build a bar as his school project for 2008. Johan and Erik drew up the plans and discussed it several times however, due to the cancer, Erik did not attend school much in 2008 and the bar did not come to fruition.
We put a lot of thought into how we wanted to experience Eriks 18th birthday and when we saw a bar that looked right for our house, we knew it was the right thing to do. The bar was installed in our living room and we invited Eriks close friends, including their parents and some of our close friends to gather and have a drink to Erik and all the wonderful memories we have of him.
Despite an underlying sadness, the evening flowed with good conversation, some guitar playing and singing by Jarrod, with Matt playing Eriks guitar, (the striped one). There were bar snacks, both cold and hot with some fairy floss and a chocolate tower with strawberries for dessert. The bubble blowing for the little and not so little ones included lighting some Star Sparklers. Towards the end of the night, we ordered some Pizza as the virtual sports games heated up on the Nintendo Wii.
The 18 orange roses were in full bloom throughout the evening and we know that seeing us come together like this for his special day, would have bought a huge smile to Eriks face.
A special thank you to two families who bought two bottles of wine called Erics Blend. On the front of the wooden wine boxes was a lovely message to Erik. We will treasure them and find a place for them in Eriks bar.
We look forward to toasting a drink to Erik on his birthday in the coming years.
(Slideshow of pictures taken on the day is on the Home page of this website).
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2 Comments
Today I read your birthdaystory. It sounds great en I think, Erik enjoys it too. I deeply believe, that we don´t really go away, we only go in another form of living.
My mother dies, when I was 9 years old and she´s still with me. I veel her very often; she looks about me and my sisters. So I think Erik also isn´t gone; he looks about you and wants you to live and enjoy life. None gets beter from staying in thougts with payn en sadness and we can`t chance the past.
I think each one of you had done his very best voor Erik and now you have to look forward. I can imagine, that it`s very hard , but staying in sadness will make your hards hard and this can`t be Erik`wish for you.
I really hoop, that you find a way to be happy again.
Michel and I often think about you ,wishing you the best.
With love
Susanne
It is good to hear from you and thank you for sharing your mothers story with us. We are keeping active and involved and taking one day at a time. We also think of you and Michel often and look forward to seeing you again in Holland.
Thank you for your best wishes,
Lief
Denise, Johan, Aimee