Eric, my nephew whom I loved dearly, was lost to suicide while in the Armed Services. He was such an inspiring and meaningful part of my life. Eric loved my vision and talked often about helping me one day with the homes for children and the company. He spent many hours play testing the games and reading my stories with such excitement and feedback, so amazed by what I was creating. He was my biggest cheerleader. I knew that I would make Eric my main character to preserve the essence of his heart and soul and have it reach children in need. Eric was an embodiment of integrity and concern for others before himself. He was the real deal with such an amazing amount of sensitivity and innocence, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing through the eyes of a child.

I truly felt so loved by him and I felt I had such purpose for him while he was here. It’s very lonely without him. It always felt as if Allan, Eric’s uncle and I gave him a sense of shelter, protection and love. We started out as teachers for him, teaching him trust, love, wisdom and encouragement and we gave him memories he could carry with him, but in the end he became our teacher. Eric allowed me to tell him the truth no matter how painful and emotional it might have been. He loved us beyond measure and even had a way of finishing our words for us. I truly get to take all of what Eric was and stood for and create an amazing character with all of his traits and touch children all over the world. I asked him once, “Why do you always want to be with us?” He simply replied, “Because you love me”.