To those of you who think that we're okay
Now that its been a year since our son has gone away

To those of you who think the magnitude of time and space
Does ease the torment and the pain that still we daily face

To those of you who think that because we laugh and smile
We have blissfully forgotten, at least for a little while

To those of  you who think that -

I have to say that you are wrong
For it matters little just how long
He's been away from our embrace
No anesthetic can that pain erase

But when we hear his lovely name
We can imagine that its still the same
With that little sparkle in his twinkling eyes
His knowing glance - his words so wise

So when  you see us, when we've gone out
Please say his name - he's here no doubt

And when you're in your hearth and home
Please say his name - he's not alone

And when you're in your church to pray
Please say his name - its for another day

And when you celebrate life's many joys
Please say his name - he's not like other boys

And just before you sleep at night
Please say his name - it just might be alright

For when you say his name out loud
He stands before us tall and proud

We see his image very clear
Its good to see you, Eric dear

And then we'll know that he is fine
His love around us all the time.
                                                                  
                                                                    Joan and Mark Adler,
                                                                    on the occasion of the
                                                                    unveiling of Eric's gravestone,
                                                                    June 2nd, 2002