My brother was the best. Always there for me as I was for him. We grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana at St. Joseph Grade School and both then went to Marian High School in this same city. My Mom was a single mother and was rarely around. It was me, Eric and the world. My older brother TJ was living with my Dad most of our lives as kids.

We grew up on our own in a divorced family. I was 6, Eric was 3 and TJ was 9 at the time of the split. Life wasn’t easy but we had a place to call home. Money was always an issue. Rage was a factor from our Dad and just plain ol abandonment from our Mom for another spouse was the norm.

Eric and I were different and he was more than a brother to me. My friend that never ends. We took care of eachother, understood one another and encouraged eachother with the greatest love, laughter and spunk.

Even though he died on Valentine’s Day 2002 we are one in the Holy Spirit, one in Christ and one in God’s Love. Everything I do is for him and to keep his love for Christ alive in the world. Being a ripple of love is what we are.

Eric was kind, the best listener, goofy as all get out and so funny! He was a beautiful person inside and out.

Eric was 17 years old when he died but he left the best. He left a legacy of kindness, pure heartedness and a goal of justice.

We walk in this now with full force, the force of God’s Hand, Mercy and orchestration.

If you would like to join me in being more giving, being honest and doing not random but divinely guided acts of kindness please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay in Love.

Sincerely, Melissa (Henry) Schroder

Eric’s sister