This past weekend was Erica's Run in honor of my beautiful niece, who passed away in 2009. My sister has an amazing team of women that has helped to organize this event, now in its third year - her son and two daughters are now on the board, too.
My niece, Jackie, wrote a beautiful poem about her sister .....
I'm so glad we were able to take the trip to Merrimack, NH - the wonderful team of volunteers helped to make the 3rd Annual Erica's Run grow from 207 runners last year to 436 runners this year!! The money raised goes to assist families in the community that are in the midst of battling cancer, to help pay their bills. When my sister and her family were in the battle for Erica's life, the community of Merrimack came to embrace them and become a part of their family, so it's such a wonderful gift to be able to give back!! I love to go there and become a part of the community, if only for a short time.
My niece, Jackie, wrote a beautiful poem about her sister .....
Our Angel Erica
Daughter, Sister, Friend
Erica Nicole, a baby
girl born with a head full of hair
and a set of big
brown eyes that loved to stare.
As she grew into a
young little girl,
she loved to play
dress up with Nana's rhinestones and pearls.
She was a tomboy in
dresses
who made plenty of
messes.
Having to sit in the
bathtub just to eat her food,
she created a
monstrosity as she chewed and chewed.
A daughter who gave
her mother a run for her money,
who woulda thought,
she'd grow up to be so funny.
She went from
bullying her two sisters and brother,
to a young woman who
protected and loved them just like her mother.
She was a loyal and
true friend,
all the way from
beginning to end.
She puts the sun in
our sunshine,
because our hearts
will forever intertwine.
With a smile that
would light up a room,
and an enticing scent
of sweet perfume.
Beautiful,
intelligent and talented too,
are qualities of
Erica's just to name a few.
Strong courageous and
brave also come to mind,
- J.M. Pombrio
