home

Dear Ern:
As I'm sitting here writing this final goodbye to you, Even though I got to say it partially there Saturday afternoon with you, I want you to know that this letter sure wasn't an original idea. It was thought up by someone alot smarter than me by another unfortunate parent that was having to say goodbye to her child so many years too soon.
You see Ern you were supposed to have to go through all of this pain and sorrow with your grandparents and your mom and me. You little wart---you outsmarted us all didn't you?
Over the last few hours since you left us I've been thinking that I've got to remember the good times we've been blessed with having you here with us--and Little Man I don't think I would have enough time to tell them all.
You have three brothers. Even though you were an unexpected surprise package you were a great one. It seemed like God just took the best parts of each of your brothers, mixed them up, and put them all into you. You'll never know how proud I was and still am when someone tells me that every one of my boys look just like me! Thank goodness God mixed a little of your mom's good looks in there too.
You and I have been so lucky in our life. We've been blessed with having your mom in our lives. She was the very best mother a boy could ask for and the best wife any man could expect. Even though they teased and picked on you unmercifully you had three of the best brothers a boy could hope to have and I had four pals I wouldn't change if I could.
You are going to leave such a huge void in so many people's lives. Grandpa Tweedy's fishing buddy, Granddad's right hand man, Grandma's lawn mower man, and, Grandma Tweedy's the only one that sewed shirts that fit you, someone for Mat to tease, Kole's weight lifting partner and video game opponent, Josh's baseball teammate, and you difinitely know the plans your buddies had for you with football and basketball.
You were one of the best hunting and trapshooting partners a dad or brothers could ask for. I was so much lookin forward to teaching and showing you things that would have made you a huge success in life.
Rush Limbau always used the corny phrase Ern, "On loan from God." That's what you boys were and we just never knew when He was going to call that note in. I'll tell you one thing-- the interest on yours is a lot of pain and sorrow knowing that we're not going to have you here with us any more. Trust me--the joy you've given us all is worth every heartache and tear.
Robert and Barb were over and told us that with each tear that is shed a little pain is healed. I'm afraid before we're over this pain of loosing you there's going to be buckets shed.
I know Ern that you find it hard to believe, but you really haven't heard all of my jokes yet. I wish so much I would have had the opportunity to have told them all to you,
How will Bill ever find his way around down here hunting unless your there to tell him to turn left----"Right thar, Bill?"
I was down in the shop after the accident and sure enough there was that dumb old bike of yours laying on the floor right in the way of my tool box again. When I moved it this time, Ern I was wishing so much that I'd have to do it again every time I walked into that shop for the rest of my life.
Ern you will never know, I just hope that we've told you and demonstrated to you just how much you have made your mom's and my life these past 12 years and roughly 8 months so much more enjoyable and fun. I so much wish I would be able to buy you that Harley you wanted that I kept Telling you was way too dangerous!
Vickie came over the other night, Ern and she said something that really hit home with me. She said, 'When you pick a rose you don't pick the old wilted ones, you select the brightest most perfect one." That is what God did when he took you from us Saturday afternoon.
Well, Little Man there's so much more to say, but I've got to close this tear filled letter to you before the computer keyboard shorts out. Great Grandma Moberly never really got to know you while she was with us here on earth. Now you and her can get to know one another a whole lot better. Please don't laugh at us down here too much when we're hoeing beans. We sure wish you would be helping!! oh, by the way Ern, when you get to Heaven I'm sure you will finally realize that what I've been telling you all along is true--WWF "is" really fake.
Love,

DAD