L.C. Bird's auditorium was packed.  This was the last concert of the year -- the last one without that special soprano, Erica Dawn Kilpatrick. 
     Following the last performances of Sudden Image and Reflections, Mr. Tylus came up on stage and read the statement written by us as we turned over the proceeds of the Erica Dawn Kilpatrick Memorial Fund to the show choirs.
     Then the stage began filling with both show choirs and the concert chorus all wearing the special memorial t-shirts they had designed for the occasion.  The house lights were brought low, the projector screen was lowered from the ceiling, and after some slight technical difficulty, the projector was started -- and the slide show began.
     Erica, while your pictures flashed on the screen the words to For Good were sung.  The lyrics talk about “people come into our lives, bringing something we must learn”, and “because I knew you, I’ve been changed for the better”, and “you’ll be with me, like a handprint on my heart”. Some of your friends had a hard time getting the words out -- and we, your family, and the entire audience, had a hard time just getting through it all.
     When the song was over -- the auditorium was completely quiet except for the sniffles, crying and occasional cough from the dark.  Your friends came over and gave me and your father sunflowers.  We hugged them, and cried with them.
     Erica, it was the most beautiful tribute to you.  We love you so much, and miss you even more.  Rest in peace, my doots.  You were right – you WILL NOT  be forgotten.