This afternoon, Erica ran her final marathon lap while surrounded by family and friends. We would like to share some thank yous.
First, thank you Erica. Thank you for your tremendous goodness. Thank you for your sweetness, your gentleness, and your passion. Thank you for your willpower, endurance, and that great competitive fire. Thank you for flashing that bright beautiful smile and your simple, honest approach to life. Thank you most for your commitment to your family, your friends, and above all, Christian.
Second, thank you to this tremendous community who loved, cheered, laughed, cried, prayed, held, hugged, cared, supported, called, visited, took care of the garden, wrote cards, mailed letters and care packages, stopped by with meals and groceries, and otherwise transformed Erica's fight with melanoma into this community's fight with melanoma. Thank you fighting with us.
Please check back here for information about a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life.
Erica, Christian and the rest of the Lipman/Lopez Gang
Sunday, April 6, 2008
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Team Run for Erica (minus Omar)
Omar getting ready to run
Mary, Chandra and Liz finish their 6 miles
Star and Christian run for the crowd
Tony and Jaime waving to the crowd
Team Run for Erica after the marathon (minus Jenny and Jaime)
Erica's Tree @ Upton Hill
Look how Erica's tree is growing and blooming!
Upton Hill Memorial to Erica
Erica's crepe myrtle tree by the batting cages at Upton Hill Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Plaque dedicating tree in Erica's memory
Plaque dedicating the tree in Erica's memory
A week before admission to Hospice
What a beautiful smile!
March 26: Liz, Star, Chandra, Erica and Kelly
March 26: Star, Chandra and Erica
March 12-13: Erica and Christian...check out those smiles!
With Uncle David
Dad, Mom, Erica, Megan, Heather, Chase and Uncle Bill
13 comments:
I have had the honor of sharing life with Erica since she was 2 and have known her family for 31 years. My daughter, Karen, loved to refer to Erica as her 'godsister.' I have seen true devoted love coming from all the family and friends ever since Erica became ill. Such devotion from everyone who knows her. I will miss her gorgeous smile, her honesty, love, compassion and her love of life. Yes, she will always be remembered as our athletic princess. So how do we live without you, Erica? We live stronger, as we have seen the great strength you have shown. We live with more love in our hearts, as we have seen the love from you, especially to your devoted husband, Christian. We will always remember you and we will see you again...our sweet angel...and
in Jesus' name we pray.....Amen.
I was very fortunate to have enjoyed life with Erica, starting when we played as young kids, to numerous Church events, to working at Upton Hill Pool, to living in San Diego and on. Our memory is where she will remain, and that may be what will ease our pain.
Our prayers to Christian, Judy, Art, Todd, Janna, Cory and family so the Lord may give you strength.
Love,
John, Claudia, Jake & Luke Graver
Though my heart is broken today, my life is fuller for having Erica's friendship sustain, entertain and inspire me for more than 20 years. A fringe benefit of our long friendship is becoming part of the Lipman family and coming to know her wonderful, wide circle of friends -- all of whom continually amazed throughout the past year. The only thing warding off despair for me today is knowing Erica would hate for us to be sad -- I've never known anyone so empathetic to others' emotions. Sharing our loss across her community of loved ones provides some solace. May the love of all those who loved her comfort Christian, the Lipmans and Lopezs.
A tremendous loss of a beautiful spirit...my prayers are with family and friends as they say goodbye...As Josh Kelley says in his song "Beautiful Goodbye"
"Oh sweet angel of mine
Gone to sail through the night
In my heart you'll always be
I hope that you'll remember me wherever you are
Goodnight, goodnight, my sweet love you're
Beautiful
Goodnight, goodnight, stars up above will
Be bright"
much Love, Kirsten
Dear Lipman/Lopez family,
The Reed (Wakefield) family has been keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. I have been following your blog religiously. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Erica will be and always has been such an inspiration for all. May God's strength lift you up when you need it most.
It is so hard to accept the end of such a young and beautiful life. We have followed and hoped for Erica's progress through this message board and family and friends.
For us our contact with Erica and her family goes back to High School days when the girls'soccer team for Wakefield High was such a success because of those tight relationships and their talent together. One memorable day came when the team won their final game over Fairfax High School for the District Championship and the names of the players were announced along with their college plans. After a long series of U.Va. destined graduates from Wakefield (including Erica) were announced, the Fairfax coach commented: "Wow! they're all so smart! And so it went on from High School through college and young adult life...
When Jordan and Cory played baseball together for Wakefield years later, and Erica came many of the games, she was always the source of much needed positive energy! We always admired and enjoyed her company and that of her family. Her fine qualities will continue to shine though we are now deprived of them in person.
Our sincere condolences to Judy, Art, Janna, Cory and Christian.
Sylvia, Tom and Jordan Albro
I had the pleasure and joy of knowing Erica through Bethel Church. I've known Erica for almost as long as I can remember, probably at least 20 years--we grew up together. As I remember Erica, I think about how I've never known her to be negative or down, I've never known her to say an unkind word about anybody, and I've always known her to be bright, joyful, happy, cheerful, loving, giving, and so many more adjectives. Even when she was going through her treatments last year, she always thought about other people--asking me about my family, my work, my interests when I would hang out with her. She never let the cancer crush her spirit, which is something we can all learn from her. Erica would not want us to be sad that she's no longer with us in body, she would want us to be happy that we knew her. So, I cry because she's gone, but I also smile because she touched my life in so many ways. Our loss is heaven's gain--yesterday we lost a rose, but heaven gained an angel. I rejoice in knowing that we will see her again. Christian, your love for each other was evident in pictures of the 2 of you and in the way you guys treated each other when you were together. Your marriage to Erica was a model and inspiration to others. We send our condolences and prayers to Christian, Judy, Art, Janna, Todd, Cory, and all the members of the Lipman and Lopez families, as well as to all of those whose lives were touched by Erica.
Love,
Kim & Patrick Donahue
Erica and I went to PT school together and I feel privilaged to have had her in my life and call her a true friend. I will remember her for the joy, compassion and honesty in how she lived her life. Erica always knew how to make others feel better and could always laugh at herself (which in turn made us all laugh). I will remember all the great times we had together and how she was always there for me when it counted --including there to celebrate the adoption of my son at his 1st birthday. I remember with special fondness the great road trip we took with Sam to New Orleans during spring break. I am especially greatful that Erica and Christian found each other and were able to bring each other so much joy. All of our lives are better for having known you, Erica. My most heartfelt condolances go out to the Lopez and Lipman Families during this difficult time. Peace to everyone.
Love, Stacie
Dear Erica Joyce,
This is the note I should have written and the words I should have spoken to you each day you were alive...
You were many things in your life. A loving daughter. A caring sister. A devoted wife. But, to me, you were a cherished friend. People often mistook us for sisters. And, indeed, the line between friendship and sisterhood often blurred for us.
Like sisters, we traveled together through pivotal life moments, leaning into one another for some sense of our place in the world. In our teens, we toasted each Friday with spoonfuls of ice cream and chocolate syrup. In our twenties, we journeyed across the country to find ourselves under the bright San Diego sun. And in our thirties, we married our soulmates who we described to one another in conversations that stretched into the night.
I never considered that you would not also grow old with me, and recount the days of our youth that bound us together. So forgive me for not knowing how to keep growing without you. And forgive me for not telling you each day you lived that you made a difference in my life.
Since yesterday, I have stretched back into my past to find you. And I settle on our first few months in San Diego back in 1998. We had to share a bed because we didn't have enough money to buy one for each of us. Each night we lay beside each other, talking about futures that stretched into the horizon. When we finally bought another bed and I moved into the other bedroom, I called out to you across the hallway: "Erica? I miss you!" And I came running back into your bed as you laughed hysterically in the darkness.
Now here I am, calling out to you again: Erica, I miss you. And I hear your distant laughter as I struggle to find you in this, the darkest of my nights.
Love, Susie
A Letter From Heaven
There is None Like You
"To my dearest friends and family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every
morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and
He said, "I welcome you".
"It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your friends and family,
They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly,
you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do,
to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do, and
foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And I will be beside you
every day and week and year
and when you're sad
I'm standing there to wipe away the tear.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you..
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry,
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er,
I'm closer to you now than
I ever was before.
And to my very many friends
trust God knows what is best,
I'm still not far away from you
I'm just beyond the crest.
There are many rocky roads
ahead of you and
many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by
taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God
at night...
"My day was not in vain".
And now I am contented....
that my life was worthwhile.
Know as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in you footsteps
only half a step behind.
And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face,
that's me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace.
And when it's time for you to go
....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going..
..you're coming here to me.
And I will always love you
from that land way up above.
Will be in touch again soon.
P.S. God sends His Love
My sincere condolences to Judy, Art, Janna, Cory and Christian.
Amy Spurio
I had the honor of meeting erica and janna, many years ago. Erica always had a beautiful smile and kind works to share. I went to elementry with janna, and ms lipman would come and pick me up for girlscouts so I would'nt miss a meeting. janna and I contiued school with each other and graduated from wakefield high school. This family is so warm and full of love, my prayers will be with you, and god has taken her hand and has eased all the pain we could'nt help her fight. I will be there on sunday, janna, the lipman family I love you. Jennifer Ruffin, norfolk va
Judy, Art, Todd,Janna,and Cory, and Christian, my heart and prayers go out to you all at this. It has been decades since I experienced the radiant and infectious smile of Erica, and felt her warm heart. She was the kind of student that every teacher adored and was everyone's friend.
After hearing of her "transition" from Toni, I came to this site and renewed my connection with Erica.
With a lump in my throat, I learned of Erica, the "lost years", and feel so honored to have known her. The pictures show a loving, friendly, caring, courageous, and beloved wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
Her sunshine never wavered and never will. She has touched us all with the gift of her presence. She has made us all more able to love and live courageously by her example..
I was touched by Susie's words......these are things I wished I would have said before.
I hope we can get together soon and reconnect. Your family has always been a special part of my Barcroft "heart".
Love,
Mary Wright
Erica, my God sister. Your enthusiasm for life, your bright smile, your fun personality. Always so understanding, always curious, always there for me.
I know that you're no longer physically with us, but I still feel your presence and your fun spirit. You lived in various cities, followed your passion of becoming a physical therapist, earned multiple degrees, bought your very first home, found your soul mate. Your career was exactly who you were - patient, so very patient. Patient with me as a youngster wanting to hang out with you and the older kids, always being so nice to me and someone to look up to. Although I wished I had a sister, seeing how you and Janna had each other, you two always welcomed me into your sister circle and never made me feel envious. I only ever felt happy that you both included me as if I was part of your duo.
One night 20 or so years ago, we stayed over at Kim's house with some Church girl friends. You and I decided to sleep in the hammock outside that night, which now that I reflect, was probably one of the craziest things I've ever done. We giggled and were scared of noises - but it was fun, that's all I remember. Really fun. I can't even imagine a holiday or birthday that doesn't include you or your family. You were a part of my life since I was born, and recently we became neighbors in Burke. Your parents, my Godparents, brought you into this world and were wonderful parents who helped you to become this amazing woman we all admire. Life won't be the same without you, but you left many impressions and footprints in our lives and we are all blessed for knowing you.
Karen
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