Erin Whitney Thomas

Mr. and Mrs. LaMarche
I have been thinking of Erin a lot lately, especially when Mr. LaMarche talked about her at the Memorial Service, recalling Erin's words: "It's too easy to be mean and critical, and it can take a lot of effort to be kind, especially in certain circumstances. I still choose to be kind." I want to mirror my intentions as Erin did.

I hope you guys are well. I pray for you two and Erin all the time. The week of her death I couldn't stop watching Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserable. I introduced them to my kids, only to hear at her service how much Erin loved those musicals too. I do believe she is in a better place and watching over us, giving us signs.

God bless you.

Tara
Classmate and Friend

Dear David and Jane:
My thoughts.....
One of Erin's many gifts when she toddled into the Leib family's lives 40 years ago was that she created a connection with our families that I respect and cherish. Your generosity in maintaining that in the face of your grief is quite astounding to me, and quite a role model for grace under duress. I thank you again for that, and hope that we can maintain a friendship in honor of ourselves as we get older, as well as in Erin's memory.
Fondly:
Lynne

Dear David, Janie and family:
We are so sorry for the loss of your daughter, Erin. We never got to meet her, but just know she was a wonderful person, like her parents. May your many memories of Erin help to give comfort to your hearts.
Love,
Your cousin Bev and Verne

Dear Janie and David:
We are very sad to hear news about Erin. Our hearts break for you and your family. She was a beautiful person, both inside and out. We have to envy her goodness to so many. May God ease your grief with great memories of your sweet daughter. We are making a donation to Brigham and Women's Hospital in memory of Erin.
Love,
Cousins, Mona and Nick

I spent a few hours the morning of July 4th giving Blood Platelets in Erin's memory. Last night - reflecting on my day - I decided to finally decided to share my story on our American Red Cross Support Page. For the LOVE of one special person- this is for you Erin! The outpouring of support and love shown by these people who never knew our Erin - has overwhelmed me. It read: I have wanted to share my story for a while... My daughter's very best friend in the whole wide world, and a second daughter to me... died in a tragic accident in February, 2018. Erin Thomas, Mt. Pleasant, SC - was one of the most selfless people I have ever know. She died in an accident while visiting friends in Boston, MA - she was a Big Patriots Fan. Tragic...is an understatement! Her family, Her friends, we have all been shattered by her untimely death. She was a Blood Donor. She loved giving blood, and was so proud every single time she donated. Because of Erin - She and my daughter - donated blood regularly. After her death - Erin's organs, skin, tissue, Everything that could be donated - Was! Within a month of Erin's death, my daughter received a call, pleading for her to give Platelets. The fact that it was something new to Heather, she asked me to go with her.... to hold her hand. Of course - I did. Immediately, I began feeling the pull - why - why don't you just step up and do this. I was just a chicken. I had NEVER even considered giving blood, platelets, anything. I was the typical woosie! Because of Erin - and because I was going to hold my daughter's hand - I decided - driving over to the Red Cross - why not me. After my first donation of platelets... I found out I was O- and in high demand - and I just can't say NO. My platelet count is almost 400 and when they call..... I go. Thank you all for your courage. The courage of Erin Thomas, and Heather Smith - made me step up - and now I am a Plateleteer. And I am so very proud of myself.

Dear Jane and David:
You and Erin are often in my thoughts. I wish there was something that I could say that was wise or would comfort you, but I don't think there is anything that anyone could say that would comfort parents on the loss of a child. We are so very sorry for your loss.

We didn't get to know Erin very well, but the conversations we did have with Erin, we found her smart and charming. We admired her discipline, her ability to set and work towards her goals, and her love of adventure. She was so very full of life. From Beth, we know she was a good sister-in-law, and we know from the women that attended her memorial service that she was a good friend. David's moving eulogy painted a lovely picture of someone we wished we had been able to know better.

I do have one particular memory that I would like to share with you. John and Erin came to Maryland for Christmas, and they brought their new dog, Oscar. I have a vivid picture of the two of them standing there beaming - two golden gorgeous people looking like a couple out of Norse Mythology, and this tiny black powder puff in Erin's arms. She put him down on the ground and off he toddled. All I could think was, could that dog be any smaller? Someone is going to step on him. Oscar was so cute and Erin and John looked so happy. When I think of Erin, this memory comes to mind.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

In sadness,

Lisa Biordi and Bob Miller

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Father's Day
June 17, 2018
Once again, another major holiday without your sweet girl to celebrate with. I'm sure she's watching over her "daddy" and smiling her infectious smile. "All is well, Dad. Not to worry".
Annette (cousin)

Fathers Day
June 17, 2018
Erin, memories of you comfort and keep me strong. I laugh as Ive always laughed at the little things that bound us together and I hold dear the love you gave me. You had an eclectic taste for music, especially musical theatre; the story, the melody. This Fathers Day Ive chosen music that brings you close knowing you are but a breath away:

Fly me up to where you are, beyond the distant star. I wish upon tonight to see you smile if only for a while to know that you are there. A breath aways not far to where you are, I know you are there. (A breath aways Josh Groban)
Love, Dad

Dear Jane and family,
We are saddened beyond words to hear of your daughter Erins tragic passing. We know that your faith will keep you strong but We also know how horrible a loss you have all suffered. You were such a help to our family at the time of Kristens passing. Our profound sympathy and prayers.

Mary and Ron Charlebois

David and Janie:
Thinking of you. So sorry to hear of your loss. Hope your recent surgery mends quickly. The heart will take forever.
Love Lucille