Eric Morgan Jr.

Hey everyone, In 1993, when Lasharon and I found out we were ex pecting, I was a nervous wreck! Eighteen years old and suddenly a dad-to-be. But Jerry and wowo told me we can handle this. I told my dad I wanted to fol low in his footsteps selling cars – gotta be prepared for my baby’s arrival, right. Then, we found out it was a boy! Man, the joy! I was so excited. I had a name picked out instantly: Eric Jr.! I envisioned him as my mini-me – same name, same look, the works! February 2nd, 1994, he arrived, and it was the best day ever. Seriously, the perfect baby boy. He was so good; we only had to spank him once lol! He had such a great personality, such a kind heart. Everyone loved him. He adored his family. Through thick and thin, he was always so positive. Whenever I worried about him, he'd be worrying about *me*! If I was stressed, a call to Eric Jr. was all it took. He always knew just what to say – things like, "Don't worry, Dad, you're Eric Morgan! You always figure things out!" He was there for me instantly – like he could hear the phone ring and would be on his way before I even hung up!

He was my son, my best friend. We were so much alike, thinking the same way about things. When he turned 18, I told him he was joining the family business, E&E Auto Sales – the third "E"! He was thrilled. We even got matching E&E tattoos! (Shout out to Lo for that!) Those were amazing times. I was bursting with pride. We had an incredible bond. One of my favorite memories is when he got a portrait of me tattooed on his arm. That showed just how much he loved me. He absolutely adored his two sons, always calling to tell me how well they were doing. He wanted the best for them and was always there. He loved his sib lings too (shout out to Khalil!), always asking have you spoken to Dale, Kynnedee, Myles, Dylan, and little Ocean. He really worked hard to keep the family close, always wanting to do things together. It's sad Ocean won't have the same time with his big brother, but he'll hear stories every day. Eric Jr. was such a special person. When my dad started struggling with dementia, Eric Jr. moved in to help care for him. He loved my dad and mom so much he still have his screensaver of them on his phone and Facebook profile pic. Last December, he called, wanting to start working out with me. I was so happy! He set a goal to build more muscle by his 31st birthday in February. I said, "Okay, I'll aim for abs like yours by my 50th in August!" We hit the gym every day. It was so much fun, an incredible time. He reached his goal; he looked amazing! He had the perfect body. Then, he was even more excited about *my* 50th birthday goal than I was! And him Seeing me hit my goal of getting abs before 50 was amaz ing to him. We were gym rats, loving our shirtless gym pics after workouts. He was truly my best friend and son. We were so close; people thought we were brothers. We had some really great times together, especially on weekends. Remember all those nights hanging out ( Shout out Baldhead ) mannn Good times! He loved his step parents he always talked about Fred and had a great bond with him. He loved his Aunt Trell and Uncle Kevin. And Katt absolutely adored Eric Jr. He was one of the first to meet his little baby brother Ocean, and he was so thrilled! He loved our dou ble dates. He was so pumped for my 50th birthday party – it’s crazy to think he was gone just 15 days lat er. That night was amazing, though. He loved my sister and niece, Morgan. When they planned a birth day dinner for me the next day, he was the first one there. That hug and "I love you" he gave me turned out to be our last, and that’s hard. September 8th will always be tough, but I'll make sure his memory lives on. I love you so much, Eric Jr., and I miss you terribly. I can’t wait to see you again when I get to heaven while you up there with your Aunt Cathy and baby Liz