My first impression was- This guy is funny and an amazing sunday school teacher? How can I get to know him better?!? Still such an incredible teacher for me, I love listening to him teach.
I have many favorite memories with Eric, but I think one of my favorites has also been one of the most recent memories I have. We were talking (of course until like 2 am) when they came to visit Grandma Jo and I realized I have such an affinity for him partly because we have the same personality type/energy. It was so great talking to someone who views work in the same way I do, yet has found a way to keep his personality firmly imbedded in himself- who hasn't let the world beat the fun out of him. :) Talking with Eric is always an enlightening experience.
Don't tell Eric, but I like the way he challenges conventional thought, especially in family discussions. I remember once it was the 4th of July (maybe?) and we were out on my parents' front lawn and the topic was communism. My mom actually got upset at him, which is very much a rarity.
Anyway, bottom line, any gathering is a lot more interesting when Eric is around, even if can be infuriating.
Ooh! Bonus story!
During the semester I roomed with Eric, there was a big YSA stake gathering of some kind we both ended up at. We both were involved in a big 30-person group playing Mafia, and after the first game, which Eric dominated in both volume and sheer number of words spoken, I made it my goal to get him hung every game, as dead players cannot talk at all. I was successful in getting him killed in the first round at least once or twice. I was very proud.
Eric is always the funniest guy at every social function I have ever attended with him. He can talk to pretty much anyone about pretty much anything. I also like how he doesn't "go with the flow". He never just accepts anything, he always researches it.
Side note: Communism does work, just not on a huge scale. It works on small island nations where everyone gets paid all the same money for doing different jobs that are very similar.
Funny memory: When Eric came to Grandpa and Grandma Killian's house to meet everyone for the first time, and when everyone turned around to meet him, he grabbed Brandon and pretended to kiss him on the mouth!
One of my favorite memories was on a conference weekend and everyone had come home and we had lots of extra people staying with us, so it was kind of crazy. After the morning session, Eric said, "Here, Sharon, let me make lunch for everyone and you just go have some time to yourself." Wow! I just remember what a relief that was. I went to the grocery store and ran a couple of errands, and when I came back refreshed, he had fed everyone (I think about 20 people) and the kitchen was all clean! I have found that's one of his gifts--he seems to know what people need and then cheerfully does what needs to be done!
I'm pretty sure Eric started the trend of Grandma Killian "Grandma Dottie" so I really appreciate that. Also I love the memories of him meeting new people and immediately asking them deep, probing questions because he wants to get to know them better. And one time he and Brooke were babysitting us (I'm not sure where Mom and Dad were) and Eric helped us memorize the ten commandments using hand actions. Basically he just gets really excited about things and I like that. :)
My first impression of Eric was that he was very outgoing and not afraid to break the ice and get to know someone he didn't already know. I thought that was pretty cool.
I first met Eric when he and Brooke came to mom and dad's on a date. I think they painted pictures with pudding or something weird like that. Anyways, Eric was being CRAZY- in a fun way- and I remember thinking how opposite he was of Brooke at the time. Oh how wrong I was on that count :-)
Matt and I were in high school when I first met Eric so I guess I was 17. We went to the district to see a movie (I'm not sure if Eric remembers this...) but when Matt and I got to the theaters to get our tickets Eric and a few other people were there. I can't remember if Eric introduced himself but I do remember him saying "You're skinny". Haha I wasn't sure if it was a compliment or not so I wasn't sure what to think and I was already nervous meeting Matt's family. It's so funny when I think about it now though :)
I havn't known Eric very long, but the day we met became an experience we share that will demand of me to forever consider him a close friend.
We met the day he came out of rehab the second time. I could tell that rehab was tough for him but some habits you just need to kick, and for him that habit was the outdated use of the sipa. He was coming out of a Holiday Oil with a Blue-Razberry Icee. While I was standing holding the door for him, I noticed his Little Ceasar's Pizza shirt he was wearing and I thought to myself, this man either has the greatest job in the world or the most refined sense of high fashion I have ever seen. I could not stand by without inquiring either way. He informed me that he did indeed work for the pizza-place-of-the-gods, and that it was his normal routine between getting off work and heading to Raging Waters Water Park where he was king of the Wiamaia Wave H2O Roller Coaster, to stop off at this convenience station to pick up his beverage of choice and unwind with a game of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles the arcade game. He explained to me that he fell in love with the game when he worked for B&R Chemdry spending nights cleaning the carpets of Nicklecades around town. The conversation ended awkwardly because of my stunned silence and mouth-gaping expression of unadulterated awe that I had for this man among men. That moment meeting Eric for the first time was Magic.
One of my favorite memories wth Eric was a time we went ice skating together. I am not sure that he had been ice skating much before that but he attacked that rink with such reckless abandon! While I clung on to the side for dear life Eric was out nearly killing himself but figuring out how to do pirouettes (sp?) and leaps. And I learned shortly thereafter that that is just the way Eric lives his life- attacking it head on with no fear- an awesome way to live!
I have so many great memories of Eric. Testing how quickly gasoline could catch fire in the guest bathroom. Creating a ramp so he could roller blade over the top of a car. Testing his new longboard on State Street from the Utah capitol down a 55% grade and skidding to a stop in a t-shirt and shorts. Breaking his arm trying to grab a tree branch from a trampoline. Becoming an Eagle Scout, Leading a meeting in his youth better than many adults did. Enduring to the end when most of his friends deserted him. Graduating with a BS and MS. A caring friend offering a Christmas soiree with gourmet food he prepared. Seeing him as a man and feeling so proud of what he had accomplished and realizing he would still make a major contribution to the world. Appreciating his choice of a wonderful woman to be my daughter-in-law.
Oh the favorite memories of Eric...Him coming home from Raging waters with half of his tooth missing and being so proud of it, especially since he couldn't go to the dentist for a little bit, so he got to walk around the day trying to squirt water from his now half tooth....The inevitable "Kristen, come help me with something..." that usually ended up lighting something on fire, taking a picture as he jumps over cars and say, "Make sure you move really fast when I land" or just trying an experiment that would allow him to figure how something works....The Afro that we once grew that was a curly mess and then him only shaving one side of it and wanting to go out in public with that...The need to "figure me out" all the time and his very quizzical mind in wanting to know people on a deeper level...Coming down every Christmas Morning to jump on our beds and wake us up...Going on trek as a Laurel and having him be a leader to the priests...and of course his Velociraptor!
I remember his big purple lips when he gets cold swimming, his hair, his trophy wall next to his bed downstairs, his velociraptor impersonation, his mac and me impersonation, the puffs of white powder that he summons around him when he snowboards, (must be Magic) the stimulating arguments about capitalism and a lot of other things, his mind and reasoning, his physical fearlessness that is sometimes confused with insanity, the bacon pizza, surfing, and bungee jumping, his boldness, his stylish brown shirt, his regard for others, the relief, surprise, and amazement, when we all met Brooke, and the immense power of Castle Grayskull that he always carries with him.
My first impression was, why is this new baby taking away attention from me. And then I thought, why is this the biggest baby our family has ever seen. Other than that I remember his cute laugh when he was a kid, walking home from elementary school, pulling the stems of weeds together, in-depth discussions over everything, having him play "devil's advocate" to....well everything. :)
My first impression was- This guy is funny and an amazing sunday school teacher? How can I get to know him better?!? Still such an incredible teacher for me, I love listening to him teach.
ReplyDeleteI have many favorite memories with Eric, but I think one of my favorites has also been one of the most recent memories I have. We were talking (of course until like 2 am) when they came to visit Grandma Jo and I realized I have such an affinity for him partly because we have the same personality type/energy. It was so great talking to someone who views work in the same way I do, yet has found a way to keep his personality firmly imbedded in himself- who hasn't let the world beat the fun out of him. :) Talking with Eric is always an enlightening experience.
ReplyDeleteDon't tell Eric, but I like the way he challenges conventional thought, especially in family discussions. I remember once it was the 4th of July (maybe?) and we were out on my parents' front lawn and the topic was communism. My mom actually got upset at him, which is very much a rarity.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, bottom line, any gathering is a lot more interesting when Eric is around, even if can be infuriating.
Ooh! Bonus story!
During the semester I roomed with Eric, there was a big YSA stake gathering of some kind we both ended up at. We both were involved in a big 30-person group playing Mafia, and after the first game, which Eric dominated in both volume and sheer number of words spoken, I made it my goal to get him hung every game, as dead players cannot talk at all. I was successful in getting him killed in the first round at least once or twice. I was very proud.
Eric is always the funniest guy at every social function I have ever attended with him. He can talk to pretty much anyone about pretty much anything. I also like how he doesn't "go with the flow". He never just accepts anything, he always researches it.
ReplyDeleteSide note: Communism does work, just not on a huge scale. It works on small island nations where everyone gets paid all the same money for doing different jobs that are very similar.
Funny memory: When Eric came to Grandpa and Grandma Killian's house to meet everyone for the first time, and when everyone turned around to meet him, he grabbed Brandon and pretended to kiss him on the mouth!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories was on a conference weekend and everyone had come home and we had lots of extra people staying with us, so it was kind of crazy. After the morning session, Eric said, "Here, Sharon, let me make lunch for everyone and you just go have some time to yourself." Wow! I just remember what a relief that was. I went to the grocery store and ran a couple of errands, and when I came back refreshed, he had fed everyone (I think about 20 people) and the kitchen was all clean! I have found that's one of his gifts--he seems to know what people need and then cheerfully does what needs to be done!
Eric has a gift for enjoying life. Wherever he is and whatever he's doing, he just enjoys life and people and can make almost any activity fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure Eric started the trend of Grandma Killian "Grandma Dottie" so I really appreciate that. Also I love the memories of him meeting new people and immediately asking them deep, probing questions because he wants to get to know them better. And one time he and Brooke were babysitting us (I'm not sure where Mom and Dad were) and Eric helped us memorize the ten commandments using hand actions. Basically he just gets really excited about things and I like that. :)
ReplyDeleteMy first impression of Eric was that he was very outgoing and not afraid to break the ice and get to know someone he didn't already know. I thought that was pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteI first met Eric when he and Brooke came to mom and dad's on a date. I think they painted pictures with pudding or something weird like that. Anyways, Eric was being CRAZY- in a fun way- and I remember thinking how opposite he was of Brooke at the time. Oh how wrong I was on that count :-)
ReplyDeleteMatt and I were in high school when I first met Eric so I guess I was 17. We went to the district to see a movie (I'm not sure if Eric remembers this...) but when Matt and I got to the theaters to get our tickets Eric and a few other people were there. I can't remember if Eric introduced himself but I do remember him saying "You're skinny". Haha I wasn't sure if it was a compliment or not so I wasn't sure what to think and I was already nervous meeting Matt's family. It's so funny when I think about it now though :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI havn't known Eric very long, but the day we met became an experience we share that will demand of me to forever consider him a close friend.
ReplyDeleteWe met the day he came out of rehab the second time. I could tell that rehab was tough for him but some habits you just need to kick, and for him that habit was the outdated use of the sipa. He was coming out of a Holiday Oil with a Blue-Razberry Icee. While I was standing holding the door for him, I noticed his Little Ceasar's Pizza shirt he was wearing and I thought to myself, this man either has the greatest job in the world or the most refined sense of high fashion I have ever seen. I could not stand by without inquiring either way. He informed me that he did indeed work for the pizza-place-of-the-gods, and that it was his normal routine between getting off work and heading to Raging Waters Water Park where he was king of the Wiamaia Wave H2O Roller Coaster, to stop off at this convenience station to pick up his beverage of choice and unwind with a game of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles the arcade game. He explained to me that he fell in love with the game when he worked for B&R Chemdry spending nights cleaning the carpets of Nicklecades around town. The conversation ended awkwardly because of my stunned silence and mouth-gaping expression of unadulterated awe that I had for this man among men. That moment meeting Eric for the first time was Magic.
One of my favorite memories wth Eric was a time we went ice skating together. I am not sure that he had been ice skating much before that but he attacked that rink with such reckless abandon! While I clung on to the side for dear life Eric was out nearly killing himself but figuring out how to do pirouettes (sp?) and leaps. And I learned shortly thereafter that that is just the way Eric lives his life- attacking it head on with no fear- an awesome way to live!
ReplyDeleteI have so many great memories of Eric. Testing how quickly gasoline could catch fire in the guest bathroom. Creating a ramp so he could roller blade over the top of a car. Testing his new longboard on State Street from the Utah capitol down a 55% grade and skidding to a stop in a t-shirt and shorts. Breaking his arm trying to grab a tree branch from a trampoline. Becoming an Eagle Scout, Leading a meeting in his youth better than many adults did. Enduring to the end when most of his friends deserted him. Graduating with a BS and MS. A caring friend offering a Christmas soiree with gourmet food he prepared. Seeing him as a man and feeling so proud of what he had accomplished and realizing he would still make a major contribution to the world. Appreciating his choice of a wonderful woman to be my daughter-in-law.
ReplyDeleteOh the favorite memories of Eric...Him coming home from Raging waters with half of his tooth missing and being so proud of it, especially since he couldn't go to the dentist for a little bit, so he got to walk around the day trying to squirt water from his now half tooth....The inevitable "Kristen, come help me with something..." that usually ended up lighting something on fire, taking a picture as he jumps over cars and say, "Make sure you move really fast when I land" or just trying an experiment that would allow him to figure how something works....The Afro that we once grew that was a curly mess and then him only shaving one side of it and wanting to go out in public with that...The need to "figure me out" all the time and his very quizzical mind in wanting to know people on a deeper level...Coming down every Christmas Morning to jump on our beds and wake us up...Going on trek as a Laurel and having him be a leader to the priests...and of course his Velociraptor!
ReplyDeleteI remember his big purple lips when he gets cold swimming, his hair, his trophy wall next to his bed downstairs, his velociraptor impersonation, his mac and me impersonation, the puffs of white powder that he summons around him when he snowboards, (must be Magic) the stimulating arguments about capitalism and a lot of other things, his mind and reasoning, his physical fearlessness that is sometimes confused with insanity, the bacon pizza, surfing, and bungee jumping, his boldness, his stylish brown shirt, his regard for others, the relief, surprise, and amazement, when we all met Brooke, and the immense power of Castle Grayskull that he always carries with him.
ReplyDeleteMy first impression was, why is this new baby taking away attention from me. And then I thought, why is this the biggest baby our family has ever seen. Other than that I remember his cute laugh when he was a kid, walking home from elementary school, pulling the stems of weeds together, in-depth discussions over everything, having him play "devil's advocate" to....well everything. :)
ReplyDelete