For Erin

Erin was a smile and a friendly greeting,

born as much of inner strength as of inner warmth;

A smile that brought a touch of the sun into these gray walls.

Both contagious and courageous,

it could chase the shadows from our thoughts

and give us hope in the face of doubt;

it could help flowers to bloom

in the caverns of our hearts,

and even ease our burdens, if we let it.

It was a smile born of simple things,

of the ‘Sousa’ alarm on WQRS, and a mochachino in the morning,

a slice of Don Pablos’ apple pie for lunch,

a piece of chocolate, especially in the afternoon,

a box of pastries from Beaubien’s,

a new car, well bargained for.

It was a smile born of adventure,

of traveling abroad,

studying in Japan,

journeying to France, alone and uncertain.

Both classical and comfortable,

as much symphony as rock-and-roll,

as much fine wine as a friendly beer,

Erin was that ever-present smile and that always-friendly greeting.

That is how she will be remembered.

And that is why she will be greatly missed.

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In memory of Erin Michelle Ryan Dice

Born July 2, 1972, Died August 25, 1996

Erin worked with me as a buyer in the purchasing department.  She joined the company in November, 1995. She died suddenly of complications resulting from lymphoma.