When you become a parent, or a teacher, you turn into a manager of this whole system. You become the person controlling the bubble of innocence around a child, regulating it. Kazuo Ishiguro
Each year around the anniversary of Erin's accident – 22nd December 2014, we do a walk in her memory. The Erin Moore trail and Erin's Enchanted Forest were created following the accident. The forest has become a wonderland of small decorations like colourful toadstools, butterflies, painted rocks and inspirational hangings. The theme for this year is garden creatures and decorations such as dragonflies, butterflies, toadstools and gnomes. As usual, coffee and chili were provided after the walk.
Here is what Mike said to the group of about 136 shortly before they set off.
‘’Thank you all for coming to remember Erin today – you have no idea how much it means to us that she is remembered in this way. Special thanks to all those that have helped – the parking attendants, guides along the trail keeping us safe, the chili and coffee makers and providers, John and Rose for providing their house, and to John and the trail team for maintaining (and adding to) the trail and forest.
As I (Mike) reflected at the celebration of Erin’s life, she was my bubble of joy. At Erin’s Celebration of Life, I recounted how Erin and Cameron used to play Mario games together. When players loses their lives they float around in a bubble. Another player can jump up to jab the bubble popping it to release the imprisoned player to continue the game. If only real life were so easy! Losing Erin was one of countless losses that occurred instantly three years ago, including joy. Don’t assume that it gets easier as time goes by; every morning as we wake up to our new normal we still cannot believe she is not here with us. However, we have little choice but to keep going. Just because on the exterior it appears that we continue living as we always did it does not mean that we have forgotten Erin, or have “moved on”. If we look calm on the outside, on the inside this is not true as the weight of loss still bears us down; at any given moment, Erin is not very far from our thoughts and alongside us in our activities.
You are here because you have engaged with us and supported us not only in the early days, but on an ongoing basis over the last 3 years. We have appreciated it when you have talked with us about her, remembered her and engaged with us and listened when we have spoken. It is extremely helpful and affirming to us when we talk of Erin that you listen actively, providing us with your memories to keep her alive in our hearts, rather than changing the conversation, or avoiding the difficult topic of loss.
Nonetheless we have many reasons to be joyful: Cameron - a thoughtful, engaged and wise almost-teen; good health; meaningful and fulfilling work; numerous loyal friends; a beautiful home, and a supportive community. And of course, Madeleine and Sebastian are a great balm and bundle of fun. One of our recent wonderful au pairs gave the children a bottle of bubbles as part of their Christmas gift. As the toddlers pranced around our living area joyfully jabbing the floating bubbles, it was as if Erin’s spirt and presence were released in a new manifestation of bubble popping. She is here with us in our family, her invisible omni-presence recreated through our little two.
So, we meet here today to walk to the wonderful forest where Erin is remembered, her creativity and joyful spirit is encapsulated, and where we once again celebrate her short life. As we walk, I urge you to reflect on her Life Lessons: Live in the moment; Celebrate friends, family and community; Be a trailblazer.
Whenever Erin had done something she was proud of she would raise her fist in the air So, before we set off, let’s release some of Erin’s joy into the walk. On the count of three, let’s raise our fists and jump high to pop Erin’s bubble, and then we’ll set off for the forest. Are you ready… One, two, three…
(PS: and if you were not able to make the walk, go some time to experience the peace and presence of our child in this beautiful place. You can access the well-signposted walk from the top of Ocean View Road, Lion’s Bay and follow the Unnecessary Trail to Erin’s Enchanted Forest, and place your garden ornament as an ongoing link of your family with ours.)
Each year around the anniversary of Erin's accident – 22nd December 2014, we do a walk in her memory. The Erin Moore trail and Erin's Enchanted Forest were created following the accident. The forest has become a wonderland of small decorations like colourful toadstools, butterflies, painted rocks and inspirational hangings. The theme for this year is garden creatures and decorations such as dragonflies, butterflies, toadstools and gnomes. As usual, coffee and chili were provided after the walk.
Here is what Mike said to the group of about 136 shortly before they set off.
‘’Thank you all for coming to remember Erin today – you have no idea how much it means to us that she is remembered in this way. Special thanks to all those that have helped – the parking attendants, guides along the trail keeping us safe, the chili and coffee makers and providers, John and Rose for providing their house, and to John and the trail team for maintaining (and adding to) the trail and forest.
As I (Mike) reflected at the celebration of Erin’s life, she was my bubble of joy. At Erin’s Celebration of Life, I recounted how Erin and Cameron used to play Mario games together. When players loses their lives they float around in a bubble. Another player can jump up to jab the bubble popping it to release the imprisoned player to continue the game. If only real life were so easy! Losing Erin was one of countless losses that occurred instantly three years ago, including joy. Don’t assume that it gets easier as time goes by; every morning as we wake up to our new normal we still cannot believe she is not here with us. However, we have little choice but to keep going. Just because on the exterior it appears that we continue living as we always did it does not mean that we have forgotten Erin, or have “moved on”. If we look calm on the outside, on the inside this is not true as the weight of loss still bears us down; at any given moment, Erin is not very far from our thoughts and alongside us in our activities.
You are here because you have engaged with us and supported us not only in the early days, but on an ongoing basis over the last 3 years. We have appreciated it when you have talked with us about her, remembered her and engaged with us and listened when we have spoken. It is extremely helpful and affirming to us when we talk of Erin that you listen actively, providing us with your memories to keep her alive in our hearts, rather than changing the conversation, or avoiding the difficult topic of loss.
Nonetheless we have many reasons to be joyful: Cameron - a thoughtful, engaged and wise almost-teen; good health; meaningful and fulfilling work; numerous loyal friends; a beautiful home, and a supportive community. And of course, Madeleine and Sebastian are a great balm and bundle of fun. One of our recent wonderful au pairs gave the children a bottle of bubbles as part of their Christmas gift. As the toddlers pranced around our living area joyfully jabbing the floating bubbles, it was as if Erin’s spirt and presence were released in a new manifestation of bubble popping. She is here with us in our family, her invisible omni-presence recreated through our little two.
So, we meet here today to walk to the wonderful forest where Erin is remembered, her creativity and joyful spirit is encapsulated, and where we once again celebrate her short life. As we walk, I urge you to reflect on her Life Lessons: Live in the moment; Celebrate friends, family and community; Be a trailblazer.
Whenever Erin had done something she was proud of she would raise her fist in the air So, before we set off, let’s release some of Erin’s joy into the walk. On the count of three, let’s raise our fists and jump high to pop Erin’s bubble, and then we’ll set off for the forest. Are you ready… One, two, three…
(PS: and if you were not able to make the walk, go some time to experience the peace and presence of our child in this beautiful place. You can access the well-signposted walk from the top of Ocean View Road, Lion’s Bay and follow the Unnecessary Trail to Erin’s Enchanted Forest, and place your garden ornament as an ongoing link of your family with ours.)