Eric Flescher

[Joey Ketcham]

Latest update from Eric's wife:

The past few days have been peaceful. As sad as this is, it truly is comforting to know that he is relaxed. It has been so long since he has been comfortable. There is no way to know how much time is left, but I try to make each moment count.

I am thankful to those of you who have been by to visit, share a photo, share lunch or dinner. Your support has meant a great deal as well as those who have shared conversations. I am also thankful to those of you who pass along the messages and updates as it is so hard to remember everyone. I definitely am in uncharted territory here and all I can do is take it one moment at a time.

I was reading Without You, by Anthony Rapp and there was a small part in the chapter where a friend passes away. Not having dealt much with death, he speaks with a friend who says not only do you grieve for the person who passes away, but also for the person you were in his eyes. I don't thnk there is anyone else who saw me in the unique way Eric did, and I will miss that very much. Since he has not been able to communicate the past two and a half months, I suppose I have been grieving that for a while now.

Time to return to the room and see him.

 

[BKDPhillips]

Thanks, Joey...

Sue-Ellen commented on private email how much she is appreciating all the stormtrack community and their outpouring towards Eric and her. She is reading and savoring each and every moment.

She also confirmed what Jim posted as to where Eric is. She has taken a leave from school to be w/ Eric as much as possible.

Though I don't know any of you, I only knew Eric, I have once again been touched by your sense of community and hope someday to actually meet some of you, whom Eric thought highly of and who teach me through all your lively discussions on this forum.

with a heavy, yet love-filled heart,

Belinda

 

[Patrick Martin]

I've been remiss in not checking this thread for several days, and am so saddened by the most recent developments. My thoughts go out to his wife and entire family. I pray they can find strength and comfort during such a difficult time.

I had not met Eric personally, but we had traded messages several times and it was so wonderful how genuine and friendly he always was to me, and everyone else. I have a lot of respect for him, and had hoped to meet him at some point in person. He always seemed like the kind of person that you'd be eager to not just talk weather with, but share a glass of wine with, perhaps a meal, and some good conversation.

Eric is without question one of the good guys.

 

[Bill Schintler]

I check here all the time for updates. My thoughts are with his family. I've not met Eric personally, but we have spoken several times. I've nowcasted for him, and otherwise talked with him while in the field. I had hoped to meet him and chase this year. Outside of weather, and science in general, we share a passion for the culinary arts; often sharing recipes and other information.

- bill

 

[BKDPhillips]

Update from Sue-Ellen, Eric's wife:

Eric was resting comfortably all yesterday. The time of the most agitation is when they turn him, but this is a necessity to avoid skin issues. ....except for awakening the few times staff came in to check vitals and turn him, the night was pretty peaceful for him. ....

(summary of the rest of her entry) Sue-Ellen is trying to maintain some sense of normalcy by observing her and Eric's faith and traditions as well as finding time to privately reflect.



For those of you who are reading her caringbridge journal directly, I am not placing it all on here because it sometimes mentions her routine and this is a public forum for anyone to read. I hope you understand. If you'd like to be able to read the journal directly, please pm me for information, because the journal is set for privacy. I did something new this time and wrote a summary of what she said in the remaining portion of her journal so those praying would be able to pray specifically.

Simply a concerned friend,
Belinda

 

[Amos Magliocco]

I was sorry to learn of the poor prognosis for Eric, and I feel for his wife and family during their difficult vigil and the days to follow. I never met Eric in person, but from his enthusiasm for chasing and his open, accepting presence on this forum it seemed he was a kind soul.

 

[Mikey Gribble]

That is terrible. I don't get on here much in the off season so until today I had no idea what happened. Eric used to send me a lot of messages so we talked on a pretty regular basis during storm season. He was always a real nice guy. My condolences to his wife and family.

 

[BKDPhillips]

Sunday evening update from his wife, Sue-Ellen, via Caringbridge:

Today was a quiet day for Eric. He seemed more peaceful but weaker. His eyes were closed most of the day and except for a cough now and then, his breathing is more shallow.

Between yesterday and today, I spoke with his children and with mine. I am sure everyone's lives feel as though it is on hold. It is difficult and I wish there were some magic something I can say.

I have had a number of friends come by to visit throughout the day. Thank you for your concern for both Eric and me.




Belinda

 

[Dave Gallaher]

Really appreciate your dedication in keeping these messages here, Belinda. Sad news, indeed, but necessary for those of us who can ask for Mercy.

 

[Jason Young]

This sad to read everyday . Belinda thank you for keeping us updated . My families prayer's go out to Sue and there children .

 

[Steve Polley]

I had the pleasure of meeting Eric this last summer at a chaser gathering. Real great guy. Im sorry to hear of the turn of event. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

 

[Jim Saueressig]

I got up to the Hospice House to spend about three hours with Eric last night. I prayed with him, talked with him and read a bit to him. I really wish I would have met him for the first time under better circumstances and we could have talked but in this case I can only hope he could still hear even if he couldn't respond.

I am no doctor but his condition last night led me to believe Eric will be going home very soon so I would ask that you would continue to pray for him but also for Sue Ellen and the rest of his family as they will need some prayer as well.

 

[BKDPhillips]

With a sad heart I must pass along some news to his stormtrack buddies. I have not received this from his wife yet but from a close friend who is ahead of the board at their synagogue....

[FONT=Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif]Eric Flescher
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif]It is with sorrow that we share the news Eric Flescher passed away today. Eric was the husband of Sue-Ellen Flescher, the son of Hella Flescher, the father of Shira Flescher and Brian Flescher, and the brother of Joel Flescher and Ruth Tepper.
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Funeral: Thursday, March 4, 2010, 12:00 pm, Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost, Kansas City, MO. Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, 6900 Troost, Kansas City, MO.

Shiva: Thursday, March 4, 7:00pm


I will ask that you pm me for the residence of the Shiva... since this is a public forum.


As mentioned earlier, it is good to show respect by sharing a memory of the person here on earth. He will be buried quickly in accordance with his faith. I will keep you informed as I am able. Please be patient because I teach and sometimes do not get on as quickly as some of you. I will answer pm's after 6pm (CST).

Belinda

 

[Jim Saueressig]

Goodbye Eric, you will be missed.

 

[Sean Mullen]

My prayers for his family and friends. I didn't know Eric except from what I've read here. I'm glad you got a chance to see him last night, Jim. And thanks to all who have posted and kept us updated.

I was reminded of something that Amos wrote about another Eric, Eric Nguyen. To paraphrase:

As much as I knew about Eric and how much he accomplished in chasing, as a forecaster, tactician, programmer, photographer, and in other areas, what I didn't realize was the depth of affection for him from so many, surely his finest achievement. For me, it's like Eric's closest friends were standing around a campfire, in the full glow of the firelight. But we didn't know how far behind us the illumination stretched, nor did we see the play of light and shadow on those who were there. When the fire went out, we turned and saw hundreds of people standing with us. I knew a lot about my friend.......but I didn't know the reach of his personality and the resonance of his art. This I'm certain is the hallmark of greatness; and what I know for a fact is how lucky I was to have been his friend.


Fare you well, Eric. Peace to your family and friends.

Sean