What mom doesn't like to brag? 
I haven't met one yet!  This page warms my heart, being able to share special photos, videoes, and memories reflective of Eric brings me joy. I am truly blessed to have captured so many moments that are the memories to have and share, well...forever. The time for new adventures and experiences including Eric has passed yet I can't begin to express the deeply heartfelt gratitude for the memories I have.  Priceless.  Capture a life that tells your story.  Eric's adventurous spirit and soul along with his smile, laughter and quick wit will always bring me a smile.

I hope you enjoy. Reminice if you knew Eric and if you didn't, take a moment experience his life with me, thinking about your own family, friends and life. Life is fleeting, precious and final.  I reflect daily on how I share my life and time, remembering each minute matters and there isn't a do-over or reset button on anything in life.  
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​Heartfelt love, Eric's Mom, Kathy

Lake Lanier Islands... one of my favorite shots July 2018

One of our favorite hikes. Sweetwater Creek State Park Trails. I love this picture of Eric. July 2018.

At an A1A show, Covington, GA July 4th, 2018

Story... my niece had lost this sweatshirt for 6 months. When they arrived home after telling Eric goodbye, it was in the middle of their bedroom floor with nothing else around it.... Yes, I believe in angels ...

A gift from our dear friends, Brekke's and Reid's. They had a blanket made from my favorite photos. December 2018

Eric's post 8.15.2017 After talking with the doctors today, it was decided to turn off my dad's life support. The damage has acquired won't allow him to enjoy a life that he would want to live...It was a painful decision and even more so to follow through with. Thank you for all of the love and support.

Stunning sunset on the way to U of I Hospital upon arriving to Iowa... August 2017 prior to Larry's passing....

Eric, Al Voz and I hanging at the hospital, knowing the time to say final good-byes is near. University of Iowa Hospitals.

Woodland Court neighbors at Eric's High School graduation party. May 2010

Eric worked as an Intern at General Mills... I think it must have been in the frosting department :-) Frosting that didn't meet quality control standards, he could have instead to throwing away. It got a bit out of control!!

A project car Larry and Eric worked on for many years, like with many things, was left unfinished. One of the final things Eric sold.

Family at the luncheon after Larry's funeral. August 2017.

Eric LOVED to dress up! One of his 'suit' moments of great pride!

Dana, Eric and me! If I remember correctly Eric was tickling us :-)

My one and only tattoo. In memory of Eric. Oct. 31,2018

Eric and a friend camping in Iowa the last weekend he was alive. September 2018

Eric LOVED laundry basket rides as a kiddo....

.... what does 'Uncle" Eric pass on to Macie? The thrill of laundry basket rides !

Precious picture of Eric and I.

One of our favorites, Eric wasn't even two months old sleeping with his foot through the crib...

The beginning of Bribes!! Excellent trick to get Eric ready for Day Care! The hole in the middle of the cookie to put on his finger worked for a while! 1993 or 1994.

Aw yes... when we have been quiet too long, there is definitely something up :-)

Daddy loved golfing and Eric loved hanging out in the cart!

Our one and only trip to Colorado. I had the chance to show him many of our favorites spots when Larry and I were first married and lived in Denver. This was at Winter Park after we rode the train up from Denver. Thanksgiving, 2014

ISU Campus visit.

It appears Eric is going to be a Rock Star but it didn't really pan out! Just a fun picture !

Eric, Bryce Brekke and Jared hanging out at a family wedding.

Larry, Eric, Matt and Zach Witte on a dive while on vacation.

Eric, Zach and Matt Witte styling in their hats!

Eric enjoyed biking on trails.

I believe this shot is from our hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park Trails. July 2018.

Eric hanging with Seth Carroll, our next door neighbor. Eric was probably between 2 - 3 years old.

Macie and her Uncle Ryan Crawford and 'Uncle' Eric. Ryan and his brother Mitch shared many years of friendship with Eric.

I love this picture! Eric was doing what he loved with a dear friend.... hanging in nature, exploring, camping and enjoying life. Last weekend of his life as we knew him. September 2018.

Ashley Heffernen hanging out with Eric. September 2018

I think this shot was from Eric and Ashley's adventure. September 2018

Enjoying life. September 2018

I have this to Eric his last Christmas. I wear it everyday. Inscribed on the back: wherever life takes you, you will always be my son. Christmas 2017.

Eric enjoying bonding with one of his second cousins - either Max or Jack (twins) who were just a few weeks old! I believe that is the youngest baby Eric held or fed! Family Christmas, December 2017.

Garden Of The Gods, Colorado Springs, Co. Thanksgiving 2014.

I grabbed this one off of Eric's phone. He was at work but I don't have any details. Spring of 2018

Eric was a foodie by nature. One of his healthy boy meals!

'Uncle' Eric, Macie and Mitch Crawford. All of them outdoor peeps!

Eric purchased a Kayak which he didn't get a chance to use nearly enough. I am grateful he enjoyed the outdoors and adventures. Spring 2018

Eric and one of his roomies, Josh Nebraska as they are moving Eric to GA! June 2018

Eric and Ashley Heffernen outdoor adventuring in Iowa! September 2018

The Hula Hoop Tree! Somewhere on a road off the GPS radar in Iowa. Ashely Heffernen and Eric playing outdoors! September 2018

Eric and Morgan (Vanderlind) Ryherd...first love.. sweet sweet girl. Reconnected remaining friends. Christmas 2006 (?)

Eric and Morgan (Vanderlind) Ryherd. JF Kennedy High School Homecoming!

This picture designates making it through the first year of 'firsts'. With Eric's love for hiking (bottom left photo), and his desire to hike the Appalachian Trail in the future, Jeff Pike and I chose a day hike to the top of Blood Mountain wearnig Mullen 's Miracles shirts honoring Eric and his love for the outdoors and hiking. The picture (upper left) represents Eric's last weekend camping with a grin from ear to ear over the campfire - a touching and heartfelt gift at the hospital. And Eric's hat... he needed an appropriate hat for July 4th and this was it! He wore that hat a lot the rest of the summer. It was a GA thing for him! Spanning Summer of 2018 to October 2, 2019

Eric and long time friend of ours, Brian Cooper. ICE CREAM!! (I'll get to the ice cream thing later). A1A show in Covington, GA. July 4th, 2018

Eric loved to visit before moving to GA and we would always find little adventures to take. This day we went to the GA Aquarium and Coke Tour. I believe we also rode the big Ferris wheel too!

Organ Donor + 3 Recipients and their family.

Eric with Jeff Pike & me at Myrtle Beach. Summer 2018.

Eric and his cousin Connor

There he goes! Who knows what Eric put in it to be the most unappetizing Raman Noodles... maybe it was just Raman Noodles... ha!

Honey there isn't too much enthusiasm. Maybe that is why the Rock Star thing didn't work out!

Grabbed this one from Eric's phone. My guess is it was taken summer of 2017 when Eric was working by Ames and camping out. Some of the crew had an RV. It also appears whomever owned the jeans was a bit bigger than these two!!

Pike Family Christmas dinner 2017.

We were off to somewhere! Both with our hats... another new one for Eric! Summer 2018

Eric loved dressing classy. It worked out perfectly as Jeff Pike was performing at a classy steak place in ATL a few nights weekly. Trying on a new jacket. Summer 2018

One of our hiking adventures! Loved our time together! Summer 2018

Eric was just getting settled in ATL and excited for a new beginning. June 2018

There we go with the purchase of the hat - appropriate colors for July 4th! July 2018

Eric sent me this picture and told me he was going to have Chaz's snake for a while. I assured him I would not be staying at his house! In the long run it was a joke - knowing how much his mother dislikes snakes!!!

Cousins! Matt & Josh Sherry and Eric.... about 10 years difference in age between the kiddos ! Maybe 1996 - I know this was taken on our doorstep at our Hiawatha, IA home.

Such a cutie! I don't know what happened to Eric's clown hat! He and Larry both loved Halloween... almost better than Christmas!

We had a new career as reporters for a minute or two! Highly recommend the CNN Tour. December 2017

When vacations within a couple of hours collide, an A1A show is a great place to hang out for dinner & the evening! My sister, Kim & David Behr, Eric, me and Jeff Pike! This was the last time we all were together. Summer 2018

Macie and her 'Uncle' Eric! Love this! Just weeks before he was gone. Early September 2018.

Eric's kitchen, with a beer pong game. Taylor Crumes & Eric. Check out the smiles! Sometime between July 2017 and May 2018.

Friends = FUN!!! Eric's roomies and friends.

Boating with Todd Mollenhauer and Kristina Meyer! Last time... September 2018.

Eric and Alecia (McEachran) Kindred hanging out!

Eric and Ashley Hammerlind! These two were great friends and spent a lot of time hanging together at ISU. They remained dear friends for life.

Eric, Zach & Matt Witte sporting their matching hats!! Brothers....

Eric and Larry with the rebuilt engine for their project car!

Boyz being Boyz! Matt Witte, Eric and I am not sure who :-(

Friends = FUN! Eric and Matt Witte were brothers from another mother :-)

Eric and college buddies hanging out! Eric, Mitch Crawford, Chaz & Maggie Mollenhauer

This was taken in DesMoines prior to me moving to Atlanta. My long time friend, Mike Vance and Eric.

These three kiddos grew up together in the same neighborhood, Matti and Bryce having older siblings. Stories and memories to last forever.. Matti (Reid) Llama, Eric and Bryce Brekke.

Eric and Larry's cousins - Rallie Boyz at Hide Inn, Camanche after Larry's funeral. August 2018

Kathy, Matti (Reid) Llama, Eric, Chelsa (Stamy) Slater and Janice Reid. Christmas 2010 (?)

Eric and I were knowing for joking around and teasing each other. He kept telling me he was still my baby so for a minute I picked him up!! Spontaneous fun is the best! July 2012.

Eric and I have always had a thing for helping others. This one was at Christmas time, making packages of the most needed items for the homeless. We got everything together and dropped off at the specified location in Des Moines. We made 30 or so bags and all were gone in a matter of minutes. Grateful for the many things we did to help others. Christmas 2012 or 2013.

WOW!! This group saved out lives after Larry passed away, helping with so many things. Eric and I couldn't have gotten everything done to sell Larry's house without all of our 'Small Town" peeps from Camanche, Iowa. September 2018

Family Photo Shoot! So grateful we took this, not having any idea it would be our last one together. Christmas 2017.

Just taking a break after I finished the Chicago Half Marathon. September 2010

Mom & Dad, Eric and I exploring Navy Pier with Dad giving us a history lesson from when he was stationed there in WWII. Hanging out before the Chicago Half Marathon for me the next day! September 2010

Dad and I getting Eric moved out of his dorm after the first year at ISU! June 2012

Family wedding. July 2012

Eric and Ashley Hammerlind. July 2012

Looks like a Panera lunch!

Eric, Mom & Dad and me... Mall of America, MN Thanksgiving 2012

Eric and me took a detour home to see The Frozen Gringos (Hugo Duarte & Jeff Pike) perform in MN. February 2013

Clean Plate Club!!! Eric LOVED biscuits and gravy! Breakfast after Saturday morning workout at Ferrell's Kickboxing! Winter 2012

Love this sheep skin coat on him... this was the ONLY time Eric ever wanted something that was REALLY expensive! Black Friday shopping helped. He was really proud of it even though it was seldom worn! From our Colorado trip! Thanksgiving 2014.

Nope, this breakfast Eric didn't even come close to finishing!! Winter 2012.

Not many guys get to crash a bridal shower but this one did!! Eric with Matti and Sammie!

Christmas!! We always were up to something!!!

The guy LOVED sushi!! Never any left overs with that meal!!

Christmas time.. Katie and Josh, Grams and Eric.

For awhile while Eric finished up his Associates Degree at Clinton Community College, Eric worked at Farm & Fleet in the tire department! I surprised him with a secret visit for Mother's Day and ironically, his boss had an award for him!! Worked out great!!

Eric with Mrs. Elam, at Hiawatha Elementary School. Michelle was the principal and also tutored Eric.

Eric and Mrs. (Michelle) Elam at Eric's dads visitation. Michelle has truly been in our lives, all of our lives and continues too be there for us. A true blessing. August 2017

These two... my cousin & his family lived in AZ, and we went to visit quite frequently. After dinner every evening there was a 'scorpion hunt' planned with these two in charge. Eric and David had a very special bond, which I sure has transcended into the after life. Summer 2010 or 2011.

With a name like Mullen and a nickname of "MULDOON', Eric's dad Larry LOVED St. Patty's Day. Eric with Larry's girlfriend Dana Gilbert.

My hiker..... a truly memorable day Summer 2018

If Brusters could only talk.... when Eric moved to ATL in June, 2018 - I never could have dreamed how many visits he would make to Brusters! Sometimes twice a day!! Every evening ended with ice cream! Thankfully he would always share with me if I didn't get my own. Always the same - Peanut Butter Sundae!

This is the note I wrote to the recipient families that was read to them before each transplant surgery. I chose not to do the Honor Walk when they took Eric into OR for the transplants. I am grateful for the formality and honor that is around the process... October 3rd, 2018

Uncle Ryan Crawford, Macie and 'Uncle' Eric. Macie captured Eric's heart and never let go!

Mitch Crawford, Macie and Eric playing Disc Golf in Cedar Rapids.

Mitch Crawford and Eric.

Friendsgiving the first year Eric was in his house. He was so proud that day with his preparations for the meal. I know Grams and Papa were involved on the Turkey side and Aunt Kim with the gravy - something I have never mastered! They had a fantastic time. Thanksgiving, 2017.

Eric and his buddy Ziggy - Chaz and Maggie's dog.

Getting ready for a night at New York Prime ! And of course, hat on! We found out Southern etiquette only allows hats on in the bar area - not when you are dining.

A walk we took several times that was very close to home.

Yep, my adventurous dude had us driving over a road that was flooded. In all fairness we watched other cars do it before us once we figurefout how far we would be re-routed. On our last road trip - coming back to ATL after getting Eric's house ready to rent. Early September 2018.

Came up on the Harry Chapin radio station we listened to all the way to Iowa and back to Georgia. Grief is an incredibly tough thing, and very individualized. Eric was highly sensitive and protective about his dad's death, rightly so. Early September 2018.

We were getting ready to head back to ATL. We were fortunate to have mom & dad join us in Cedar Rapids as we moved Eric out. Unknowingly, this was the last picture of them and the last time they saw each other. Grams and Papa were always a significant part of our lives. Early September 2018.

Devilish look of what are you doing now Mom? Last road trip and we had many throughout our lives. We both love them! Early September 2018.

I think this guy has it figured out! Our A1A merchandise guy - last show he made and we loved having him around to help and laugh! Norcross, GA. We left the next morning for Iowa to move Eric to GA. Labor Day Weekend, 2018.

"I got this mom. Yep, I am hiking the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, overnight, alone with my hammock. I have everything I need". Mom: "Ok, let's start it together and I will come back and see you at home tomorrow". Well, I think I lasted maybe 2-3 miles on this one. I have so much pride in Eric and his adventurous spirit and love of nature. August 2018.

Toes in the sands is always relaxing. Walking Myrtle Beach together, August 2018. Eric, Jeff and Kathy

Eric always loved lobster! When he was young, it was to play with the shell. This was a celebratory meal for completing his outpatient treatment program in ATL. Eric ate every bite! September 2018

Outdoors and Eric worked really well together! Me too! One of our summer hikes in ATL area. Summer 2018.

Eric would find a quaint place to eat and order the most interesting meal. This was lunch before one of our ATL area hikes. Summer 2018.

Chef Eric always could pull people together! This was a birthday party for Fred (who doesn't even like to celebrate his birthday), Jeff, me, Carol and Ashton with Eric. August 2018.

Down time prior to the July 4th A1A show in Covington, GA. Hanging in the green room. July 4th, 2018

Oh look! It must be a mistake... mom has my hat!!! Summer 2018

A dear friend, Brenda Lawson invited us to go the Atlanta Braves game. It was a beautiful night, fun game, excellent seats and even better company. Thanks Brenda, that was the only time we made it and Eric really enjoyed meeting you. Summer 2018

Before heading in side the stadium for the Atlanta Braves game. Summer 2018

Whew! The A1A show is over for tonight, relaxing for a minute... we have an amazing place to hang out for the night in Blue Ridge, GA. June 2018

I love you Eric. My last Mother's Day with you. Hanging at Grams & Papa's in Clinton, IA. Mother's Day, 2018

Eric and Abe. Eric's first attempt was end of April 2018. Abe was able to get help so we had Eric all summer. I am grateful we had more time. Mental health issues, deep pain and being lost are feelings you absolutely cannot understand unless you have experienced them yourselves. I certainly had no idea until after losing Eric. I have extreme empathy for the challenges people experience in life. After this incident we made changes to help Eric. He told me more than once, "Mom, I don't want to die. I just don't know how to live anymore".

Roomie hospital visit. April 2018.

Roomies.. hospital visit. April 2018

This picture is priceless to me. Eric went and bought a book for Cami. This first night he was supposed to got to Aunt Kim's to eat dinner, he couldn't. His anxiety was way off the charts. I am grateful he was able to spend this special time the next evening. Spring 2018.

Mom aka Grams, me, and Eric. Rehearsal dinner for Josh and Katie's wedding. February 2013.

Eric and I at Mom and Dad's in Clinton, celebrating my birthday. January 2018.

The Pike Family Christmas. Jeff, me, and Eric. December 2017.

Cousins! At Christmas! Twins Lily and Rose and Cami. Christmas 2017.

Eric's graduation from Clinton Community College, Engineering Tech Degree with the parents.

I could always count on these two. When I was moving to GA in January 2015, they both not only came and helped with family items, Larry came back again with Eric to store the rest of my stuff that didn't fit in the truck until I could get it from hm later. Miss them both... they would always be there for whatever was needed.

Eric's birthday!

Terry and Christi Goldbeck were part of our lifesaving team from small town Camanche, IA helping Eric get the car moved out to his house in Cedar Rapids.

Lifelong friends of ours from Camanche made trip after trip to Cedar Rapids as we sold Larry's house and moved things to Eric's new house! We couldn't have pulled it off in a week without all the help from EVERYONE pitching in!

Pure exhaustion picture - between Larry, making Eric's house into a home and selling Larry's. I love each and every photo we have. Summer 2017

After Larry's funeral..... Chod Gilbert and Eric at Hide's Inn, Camanche, IA August 2017

Our family Summer of 1992. Eric was the cute dude without any hair on my lap!

Eric, me and Larry's neighbor, Al Vozenilek. U of I Hospitals with Larry. August 2017

Eric and Al at U of I with Larry. August 2017

The Ice Cream thing started pretty early in life! Grandpa Mullen and Eric. Spring 2000 (?)

Eric practicing his pilot skills with his dad and Uncle Rich.

Grams and Eric. We interrupted Mom and Dad's 'date night' at Culver's when we ended up with an unplanned visit! Love the smiles! August 2017.

Grandma and Grandpa Mullen got Eric his first vehicle! He LOVED his Big Foot !

Aww a fun day! My nephew's wedding..... we were captured goofing around! February 2013

A lunch break from the hospital with Dana Gilbert (Larry's girlfriend) and her family. July 2017

Eric and me - Mother's Day May 2017

mother and son..... thinking this was taken in 2018

Pike family Christmas 2017

Always goofing off! Family Christmas 2017

Family Christmas 2017

Chef Eric cooking up something! Summer 2016

So Eric found Mayfield Ice Cream the first time he visited. The next time he practically ran to the Ice Cream case with a huge grin!!

Aunt Kim, Eric and me Graduation from Clinton Community College.

Proud Grams and Papa !!

You can see Eric is enjoying himself - oh wait, Larry is the one smiling!! Larry wanted Eric to be into music far more than he ever was! They had fun! Now, Jeff plays Larry's guitar quite often at shows.

Simone, Al and Abe Vozenilek at Eric's housewarming gathering. August 2017

Macie and her daddy Mitch Crawford with 'Uncle' Eric at Eric's housewarming gathering. August 2017

David, Eric and Aunt Kim at Eric's Housewarming. August 2017

Macie, Katie and Uncle Ryan Crawford with 'Uncle' Eric. Housewarming. August 2017

Larry's girlfriend, Dana Gilbert's family and Eric taking a break from the hospital for lunch. July 2017

Family Christmas 2017

Eric and me while celebrating his birthday and Mother's Day. May 2016

Family dinner celebrating Mother's Day and Eric's birthday. May 2016

Eric with Tundra, his Alaskan Malamute. Maybe 2001 or 2002

Goofing off! Eric, me, David and Kim

Must have been a silly picture!

Throughout the years we spent a lot of time and vacations together! Family wedding. Eric, me, Grams and Papa.

Eagle Point Park, family wedding.

Eric holding his second cousin, Cami.

Love this picture !

Cool Dude. Winter Park, Colorado Thanksgiving 2014

Eric and Larry at ISU college orientation.

No, not every dad buys a fancy sports car so their son can take it to Senior Prom but guess whose dad did ?? Spring 2010

JF Kennedy High School Senior Night for Wrestling Team. Winter 2010

Eric with ICE CREAM!! Navy Pier, Chicago, IL September 2009

Vacation in Key West visiting the Reid family.

Bryce Brekke, the Juve girls and Eric having fun at a wedding reception.

Eric and Uncle Rich Mullen.

First Day of School. 2009 or 2010

The family boys! Cousins Matt, Eric and Josh with Papa.

Fishing in Alaska Wilderness on The Kenai Trails with Venture Crew 2000.

Freshman year wrestling at JF Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids, IA

Janice Reid (Matt overseeing) loving on Eric!

School Project

Aunt Kim got me!!

Two cuties couldn't have looked much happier ! Eric and life-long buddy, Bryce Brekke.

Grandma Mullen and Eric

Eric @ Larry's 2000