Eric has been with our Savior now for three months. Our son, Evan, and I went to the cemetery together this afternoon and talked about how three months has felt like forever–though we don’t actually know yet what forever feels like, And then there are days it still feels like Eric is just on another long trip and I wake up thinking he is coming home soon. His clothes are still hanging where he left them in the closet. His stuff all around me. The holidays reminded us that while the earthly items Eric left behind are all around us like the memories that flood our minds and hearts constantly, Eric is not here. Yet, one of my great joys in this new reality, is remembering Eric’s Celebration Service and all the people who came to be with us and honor Eric’s life. Friends I originally knew from our years in Haiti traveled from Minnesota, California, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, and Canada.. Pastor friends came from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee. Dear family and friends also traveled across multiple states or drove hours through Texas. Our Haiti family was watching from Haiti. There were so many loved ones at the service, I could only spot some from afar and did not get the chance to connect with everyone. It was a scene that will forever be etched in my memory as the most beautiful representation of the Body of Christ. In a strangely comforting way, I felt like I was at our wedding, except at the end of our lives together, instead of the beginning. I never could have imagined all these people Eric and I have loved throughout our lives, from so may places, could all come together in the same place before we get to Heaven. I truly felt a tiny glimpse of the reunion Eric is experiencing in Glory. There are no words to adequately describe the gift of comfort your presence brought to my heart–even those I didn’t get time with. I saw each of you across the sea of faces. For more than a few, it took me more than a minute to recognize because of so many years since we have seen one another face to face. And then my heart nearly exploded when I realized who you were and that you were there…I wonder if this is how it will be when we all get to Heaven? And to see Jesus face to face after so many years of friendship and fellowship and longing to be fully in HIs Presence where there is fullness of joy. What a glorious day that will be!
The recording of Eric’s Celebration of Life Service can still be viewed by clicking HERE. The service starts at 51:22 after the pictures and videos.
Sometimes I think What will people say of me When I’m only just a memory When I’m home where my soul belongs
Was I love When no one else would show up Was I Jesus to the least of those Was my worship more than just a song
I want to live like that And give it all I have So that everything I say and do Points to You
If love is who I am Then this is where I’ll stand Recklessly abandoned Never holding back
I want to live like that I want to live like that
Am I proof That You are who you say You are That grace can really change a heart Do I live like Your love is true
People pass And even if they don’t know my name Is there evidence that I’ve been changed When they see me, do they see You
I want to live like that And give it all I have So that everything I say and do Points to You
If love is who I am Then this is where I’ll stand Recklessly abandoned Never holding back
I want to live like that I want to live like that
I want to show the world the love You gave for me I’m longing for the world to know the glory of the King
I want to live like that And give it all I have So that everything I say and do Points to You
If love is who I am Then this is where I’ll stand Recklessly abandoned Never holding back
I want to live like that I want to live like that, I want to live like that
Visiting Eric’s body the night before the Celebration of Life Service. “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” 2 Corinthians 5:8-9A photographer from our church and other friends sent me pictures to remember the service. I wish I had a photo of the sea of faces that will always be so dear to me. Thank you for celebrating Eric’s life with us.Pastor Paul, whom Eric served alongside the last year of his life and was with Eric on his last mission trips to Romania and Honduras reading the Obituary and pausing to share some mission adventures with Eric.I shared about how I had surrendered Eric to the Lord a long time ago and how God has answered every one of my prayers in His kindness and goodness. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8Our KOFAEL directors from Haiti sharing stories from the years in Haiti and since.Natalie, our fellow Haiti missionary friend, sang Goodness of God in Haitian Creole and English and shared Haiti stories about our crazy, Jesus and people loving Eric.
I love You, Lord For Your mercy never fails me All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice You have led me through the fire In darkest night You are close like no other I’ve known You as a Father I’ve known You as a Friend And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful, oh yes You have And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me With my life laid down, I surrendered now I give You everything, oh Lord Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me (oh yeah, oh yeah) Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me With my life laid down, I surrendered now I give You everything Your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me
And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God I’m gonna sing
All my life You have been faithful (All of my life You’ve been faithful) All my life You have been so, so good (So good with every breath) every breath that I am able (Every breath I’m able) I will sing (I’m gonna sing) Of the goodness (of the goodness of God, yes I am) I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Pastor Branch (aka “Papa Daq” was a mentor to Eric in his youth, the Pastor who married us, and has supported us in ministry through the years alongside his wife, our dear Brenda, and Bethany Church.Childhood bestie Jason, the first person Eric led to Christ, shared his powerful testimony.Pastor and our Seminary buddy Mark sharing Scripture and that if you didn’t know anybody, and met Eric, you suddenly knew everybody. 😉Pastor and Seminary buddy Geoff sharing Scripture and about all the ways Eric loved to beat everyone in life and then to Jesus. *Evan even told me just today that Eric won the last game he ever played with Evan a few days before he left us. He told Evan, “Yeah, you’ll never beat me.”
Our sweet babies. Thank you for praying for our family.Please continue to keep Eric’s parents, Terry and Mona, and Ream nieces in prayer. They have lost so much after losing both sons and all seven of their grandchildren losing their fathers early. Both Eric’s parents and my mom lost their fathers very early in life too.
Pastor Chris, who also served with Eric in church and on mission trips this past year sharing our Hope in Christ. Chris and Tahrea and our church family have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus to us.Eric even preached at his own funeral! This was a clip from Eric’s last sermon in June 2024, the week we were informed about the tumor in his trachea. Eric’s sermon was titled, “His Last Words.” You can listen to Eric’s sermon by clicking HERE.Sweet Diana singing, Christ Our Hope In Life And Death
What is our hope in life and death? Christ alone, Christ alone What is our only confidence? That our souls to Him belong
Who holds our days within His hand? What comes, apart from His command And what will keep us to the end? The love of Christ in which we stand
Oh, sing hallelujah Our hope springs eternal Oh, sing hallelujah Now and ever we confess Christ, our hope in life and death
What truth can calm the troubled soul? God is good, God is good Where is His grace and goodness known? In our great Redeemer’s blood
Who holds our faith when fears arise? Who stands above the stormy trial? Who sends the waves that bring us nigh Unto the shore? The rock of Christ
Oh, sing hallelujah Our hope springs eternal Oh, sing hallelujah Now and ever we confess Christ, our hope in life and death
Unto the grave, what will we sing? “Christ, He lives, Christ, He lives!” And what reward will Heaven bring? Everlasting life with Him
There we will rise to meet the Lord Then sin and death will be destroyed And we will feast in endless joy When Christ is ours forevermore (forevermore)
Oh, sing hallelujah Our hope springs eternal Oh, sing hallelujah Now and ever we confess Christ, our hope in life and death (oh, sing)
Oh, sing hallelujah Our hope springs eternal Oh, sing hallelujah Now and ever we confess Christ, our hope in life and death Now and ever we confess Christ, our hope in life and death
I’ll raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away And I’ll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am And every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm –Casting CrownsEric has discipled Andres the past three years and he has become a part of our family–the sweetest gifts are our spiritual “kids”–blessings through the years. Most of them were there. Love you Kendal, Cristian, Devin, Kelli, Sydney, Miguel, Nate, Josh, Peter!
My Dad, Randall Price, and brother Jonathan Price, shared at Eric’s burial service.Dear Friends Julienne and Rebekah singing in unison, It is Well With My Soul, in Haitian Creole and English
I selected a gravesite close to the road so that it will be easier for those who venture here to stop by and view what Eric’s unique monument will share. (Eric’s special request!)Eric’s dog Myka saying goodbye.Eric’s mom and I take turns redecorating the cross that was gifted to us at the funeral service until we are able to get the permanent monument which Eric was very specific in requesting to be able to continue to share the gospel from the grave. I believe he is doing that even without the monument!This morning, I jogged down to this place where Eric and I had our wedding reception. The glass bottom boat where we sailed away waving goodbye to our wedding guests is still there.Eric has now sailed on ahead of me. As much as I/we miss him, I’m so thankful He is rejoicing with Jesus. Until we meet again. we can still celebrate together because we worship the same Savior–our Hope in life and death!
