I just read a column by Nancy Gibbs in Time Magazine. She wrote about Bruce Feiler, a writer and father of twin daughters who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Upon realizing that he might not be around for major (and minor) milestones in his daughters’ lives he convened a “Council of Dads”. This is a group of men who could, if needed, stand in for him and help raise his daughters the way he would want them raised. (He also wrote a book about it, called The Council of Dads)
Until he moved out of the country, Eric was the person we named in our wills to take care of our children should something happen to us. We trusted Eric and knew he would have the emotional, financial and moral reserve needed to care for our children. We knew he would want to raise them and that we could be proud of the adults they would become.
Eric died too suddenly to provide us with a Council of Uncles for our children. But if he could have, I know he would have. Here is who I imagine he might have picked.
Uncle Steve The kids still have one great uncle; he definitely needs to head the list.
Elmo Purely to annoy me and my husband as our kids have grown out of this particular fetish.
Barack Obama Eric voted for him and every child should have a Harvard educated, politically savvy mentor.
Stephen Colbert Every child should also learn to look at the other side of issues, and to be funny.
Yoda Wisdom and Star Wars in one package, he is.
Lance Armstrong An example of athleticism, perseverance and success.
Johnny Depp Oh, wait, he goes on my other list…..
Steve Jobs Eric loved computers from the moment he saw them, and lately, Apple.
Donald Trump Real estate mogul, risk taker, gazillionaire, tacky taste, and Eric’s childhood idol. Need I say more?
No one could replace Eric, but hanging out with some of these stand-ins might be fun.
Especially Johnny Depp.
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