Where do I begin? Do I start by talking about the void Eric has left in my heart with his departure? or do I talk about the joy and meaning of life he brought into my life and the lives of those around me from the day I met him as a teenager in Cairo many years ago? Or, shall I talk about the simple joys I experienced first as a wife, and then as the immediate family member and friend to this unique man? Or shall I describe the amazing father he was to our three children, and four grandchildren?
It is very difficult to describe a soul that was as large as life... Eric was a walking encyclopedia, a comedian who carried hints of jokes in his back pocket, which he used to pull out at gatherings and cocktail parties to make everyone laugh; Eric was very handsome and charming. It was no surprise that he was known in the diplomatic circles in Cairo as the most eligible bachelor in Cairo. Eric was pure, honest, loyal and very loving.
Some people come and go in our lives, leaving very little of them inside us, but not Eric. With his generous spirit Eric gave so much of himself to each and everyone of us, which will remain with us forever. Before he died, Eric asked that his ashes be spread over various parts of the world. But, what he did not know is that during his lifetime he had already spread a small piece of him and his spirit inside every person who knew him.
But to me, Eric was much more than that. He was the noble spirit that loved me no matter what. When we separated and I moved to DC, for reasons beyond our control, he told me that while I should go and live my life, I will always be his wife. He kept his promise, and our wedding ring was still in his finger in his death bed. And when I remarried in 2015, he told me something that I will never ever forget. He said that now that our three children are married and settled, and I am married to a good man, he is at peace and is ready to go. Every time I remember his words I cannot hold my tears. How can any human being be this generous and forgiving? Eric was.. I will always love him and I miss him greatly.
