This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Erica Dawn Kilpatrick who was born in Richmond, Virginia on August 13, 1988 and passed away on February 22, 2005 at the age of 16. We will remember her forever. 

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February, 2008

Erica,

Another year has passed, but yet - today it just seems like it was only yesterday that I received the phone call that you had been med-flighted to MCV hospital and that I needed to get there right away.  I said so many prayers on the drive over to MCV -- praying that you were going to be okay.  But, you weren't okay.  Not at least from my point of view...I'm sure you were happy to be in His presence.  But, you left behind so many that loved you - and that still miss you.

We each have a destiny - God's grand plan for us.  Perhaps it takes many lifetimes to realize that destiny...or maybe just one.  I struggle with my patience and faith -- but, I keep in my heart the hope of seeing you and holding you again.  I have to believe that God does hear my prayers and he does answer them...even if that answer isn't exactly what I had in mind.

I love you, Erica.  I miss you so much -- like as many drops of water it takes to fill the oceans.

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February, 2007

Erica,

I would love to be able to reach out and touch you – to whisper in your ear that I love you, to let you know how much I miss you. But, it breaks my heart over and over again that I can’t.

I could spend a lifetime on the “if only’s”…if only you hadn’t gone that route; or if only school wasn’t out that holiday. But, that is torturous.

You are, by far, the one star which burns the brightest…the last light to fade into the rising sun. Until we can embrace each other again – rest in peace, Erica. 

I love you,
Mom


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September, 2006

                 
Love Is Stronger Than Death


Love is stronger than death.
So I must be content to know that
love is not affected by death--
it doesn't end, it doesn't diminish,
it doesn't change.
Instead, love is immortalized
and eternalized through death.
And the possibility of that love ever
being damaged or broken
is eliminated forever.
I'll put my trust in love.


- Mary Hollingsworth

...I love you, Erica.  Always.

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February, 2006

Oh, God.  This does not seem real even today.  How can I put into words what is truly in my heart?  My soul screams out for you every day.  I fluctuate between being “okay” and being in that dark empty place where your light here on earth used to shine.  People comment on how strong they think that I am…but, that is just a necessary illusion provided by the grace of God to carry me through.

The phrase “time heals all wounds” is incorrect – it is better said that “time teaches us how to endure the pain”.  After a year, I don’t feel healed – instead I’m learning how to function day-to-day along with the constant tears, the pain deep in my heart and soul, and the loneliness without you.

Life is not measured by the number of days you spend here on earth, but instead by what you’ve accomplished with the time you were given. Erica, you made more of an impression on people in sixteen years, than most people do in an entire lifetime.

I close my eyes, and I can visualize you running up to me – you practically leap into my embrace as you wrap both of your arms around my neck and hug me tight.  Kissing me quickly on my cheek – you then grab my hand and pull me after you – you are excited for me to meet everyone there in heaven with you…

I miss you, sweetheart.

You were a beautiful, talented, young lady who had so much to live for…and so much more to do.  Even though, I know you are with the Lord now singing in his heavenly choir, I find it hard to think that your time was done here.  I was so proud of you.  You were able to do cheering, two show choirs, two dance classes, two churches, gym, and still make straight A’s!  You were amazing.

We shared a love for movies – especially the scary movies, and I will miss having you to watch them with me (or seeing them first and telling me not to bother seeing them because they sucked!).  You were my workout buddy – making my abs burn with all the workout moves you learned in dance class.  Or, saving me the elliptical machine next to you so that we could work out side by side.

I still can’t believe you’re gone.  I go to sleep missing you, and wake up realizing that I have to spend the rest of my life without you.  I haven’t come to grips with what happened, yet – perhaps I never will.  The grief is overwhelming.  I grieve for you every minute of every day. I wish I had gotten a miracle that day, but I didn’t.  I am thankful that your last conscious thought was not of fear, and that you didn’t suffer.  I hope in this the doctors and witness to the accident are correct.

I love you, baby.
Mom