And so we start another day. The grassroots tributes below bring us much comfort. The Dear Erin video was created by an extremely talented young woman that Erin went to school with at Jane Long Middle School, Emma Raleigh, who took quotes from classmates about Erin and combined them with photos from this website and set them to music.
On Tuesday evening, my boyfriend Garrett DeAtley, a second grader at Erin's old elementary school, called me when I was out walking Willie and Teddy. He invited me to come to his baseball game on Wednesday. The Rattlers usually wear burgundy and black, but you can see from the team shot below that they switched out for the evening. What a handsome group, and their inner beauty (handsomeness) is as bold and radiant as their outer selves.
I never ever thought that total strangers could effect my life the way the Buenger Family has. I didn't realize that the passing of a little girl I never met could cause a 37 year old woman such heart ache. I praise you Vicki for being us a remarkable Mother and I hope that my daughter can grow up to have some of the genuine qualities that Erin posessed. The quote in the film states it all "she was a fighter and a lover" Thank you for sharing your daughter with me.
ReplyDeletewow. what a touching video. my eyes filled up with tears watching it. what a sweet tribute. Dr. (Vickie) Buenger, you were my prof in one of my mgmt classes a few years ago. (Class of '05)...at that time you told us about Erin and her website. I consistently stalk your blog. :) (In fact, one time you mentioned a blog stalker and were nervous that they were going to know you were going out of town, and realized after a while that it was your own IP address, but before i read the end of that post, i was SURE i'd been busted). I've been sitting here for days wondering what to write. And the truth is, I can't think of a thing that would make the hurt of losing a precious family member any better. I am a mom myself now, to a beautiful 6 month old baby girl. I can't imagine losing my angel right now, much less after 11 years of bonding. Know that you and your family are a true inspiration to others. You all have SUCH a positive outlook on life. Erin taught so many people so many important lessons, she was and is a remarkable young lady. I can't wait to meet her in heaven one day and introduce myself to her and officially get to hug her neck (I'm still kicking myself for not contributing to the Erin project, what a BRILLIANT idea). You all are loved, even by those who barely know you and you will by in my thoughts and prayers. ~Raschel (Bryan) Ragsdale
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing video! One that needs kleenex for sure! Thanks for sharing that! I still just am amazed to think of how many people are praying for you knowing how many people that I know that are praying and just the chain affect that builds! "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit."
ReplyDeletePsalm 34:18
Loren
Emma's tribute is so touchingly beautiful and all the sweeter because it comes from the hearts of other precious children her age.
ReplyDeleteVickie, please let me know if I can be of any help in any way.
Love,
Kimberly Reeves
What a beautiful tribute...You did an AMAZING job raising Erin for sure...giving her the freedom to get out there and live her life to the fullest. Your whole family is an inspiration. I think of Erin ALL the time and always will..
ReplyDeleteAmazing. Everyday I check in and find something new about Erin- like a little present to unwrap everyday. I hope you and your family can get away and clear your head a bit and take stock when the time is right. Thinking of you and sending you strength from far away.
ReplyDeleteI saw this video the other day, and still cannot watch it without an entire box of kleenex. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful precious child.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers and thoughts
Nancy
Beautiful. I'll just check in on that every time I feel emotionally stifled. Got the tears flowing.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and Walter and Davis.
Margot
Emma's video is beautiful and touching.
ReplyDeleteShe included my favorite photo - Erin and Scarlet. It sits in my office bringing memories of summer visits spent with special friends.
You are always in my thoughts.
What a beautiful tribute. It left me speechless.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers
kim-
I found your site through Sarah Smith Spot - I have seen mentioned several times that Erin loved horses. I have a very tender spot in my heart for lovers of horses. My daughter works with them every day - both her horses are rescues. I am sure that my daughter's friend, who left this world a couple years ago because of cancer at the age of 18, was at Heaven's gate to meet Erin with a horse all tacked and ready to ride. You see, Jessica we are certain tends God's horses now - I know Jessica is keeping Erin busy with all those special horses that come to God and that she knew Erin would be the perfect new Angel on Horseback - Hug those Horses, girls!
ReplyDeleteAll of the tributes have been so beautiful. I suspect that there will be many many more since so many people loved and were effected by Erin.
ReplyDeleteWe feel so much for you but don't have many words. Please just know that we are thinking about you, Walter and Davis. Tamiko
Like everyone who ever met Erin, her friends love her deeply, and it shows with this beautiful video. Her friends themselves are a tribute to Erin's well-lived life. She made such a difference in so many lives. I hope Walmart has plenty of tissue in stock...we all need it. Take care and let me know if there's anything I can do for you all.
ReplyDeleteLaura
WOW! What a beautiful video and song! I am so impressed! My love to you always and think of you!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Beverly
I've been trying to figure out what to say for a week now, knowing that no matter what I said it would somehow seem lame, inadequate or inappropriate. I have spent many moments thinking about you all (especially when playing Set and Scrabble last weekend).
ReplyDeleteI am constantly amazed by all of the things Erin packed into her far too few years, and she was such an inspiration and joy to so many. Robert Borden's article really was a fantastic tribute, and I am sure the video is as well, but it will have to wait until I'm not at the office. Even though I know my skills are best suited for doing the job I'm currently doing, Erin has pushed me closer than I thought anyone could to wanting to get back in the lab and be a part of the 'front line' of cancer research. As my PhD thesis advisor said when three of our lab members lost loved ones to cancer in as many months, "We have GOT to DO something about this cancer thing." I couldn't agree more.
What a beautiful video and tribute to your precious daughter. May God hold you closely through the coming years.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Leigh in San Diego
that was a beautiful video. she had great friends.
ReplyDelete