For whatever reason this past weekend I found myself thinking often of my father and stepfather. Both of these important men in my life reside in heaven.
In a little background. My daughter who was a delightful surprise was born 9 months after my stepfather’s passing. Amazingly the day of my stepfather’s memorial my husband out of the blue said to me “We should have a baby girl and name her Ericka James after Rick (my stepfather)” My stepfather’s name was James Eric and he went by Rick. Little did he or I know but I was at this point just a few days into pregnancy. A little while later my mother was going through my stepfather’s night stand to look for a few things she was thinking of giving my boys and came across my baby ring. We were surprised and thought it strange that it was in HIS night stand. I knew once I found out I was pregnant it was going to be a girl, it was his way of letting me know I decided.
My daughter is named after her grandfather in first name only. (I’m sure my mother will comment below regarding her middle name not being James it is a very touchy subject with her, and sometimes I do regret not following through and giving her that middle name). I spelled her name E”rick”a to honor the name he went by Rick.
A few months after she was born I was sadden that she would never meet her grandfather. If there was anyone that had a way with children it was Rick, she would have had that man wrapped around her little finger. So I wrote a poem to give her one day and wanted to share it today.
Here are a few scrapbooking pages I’ve done with my fathers in mind.

LeeAnn says
What a sweet poem Colleen. And what a great story about Ericka…I knew you named her after Rick, but didn't know the timing of everything.
Amy says
What a touching story! Some things are just meant to be.
Following you from Friendly Friday.
Amy
The Thrifty Thumb
http://www.thethriftythumb.blogspot.com
~Shelley~ says
So incredibly sweet….very touching story. Beautiful poem!
New follower from Friendly Friday! Would love for you to come visit and follow me!
Happy Friday 🙂
~Shelley @ Shelley's Swag
http://www.shelleysswag.blogspot.com
Nan Bennett says
I'm your follower, Thank you for share nice blog,
http://beonefineday.blogspot.com/
my community is http://theblogfrog.com/1233755
Have a nice day.
Nan
Bethany Larrabee says
So beautiful.
Kathleen B. says
Such a sweet post. My dad is in heaven as well as is the dad of my oldest three boys. It is not an easy road to walk down. I love the story about how your daughter got her name though and the beautiful scrapbook pages!