March, 2003:
He entered their lives 12 years ago, and they were never the same. Now he has gone, but he did not leave them untouched. Eric Winter, son of author Judy Winter, has passed away at age 12.
"From the moment you first dramatically graced our lives," Judy writes in her article Letter to Eric, "we've focused on your ability. In turn, you have exhibited a spirit of survival that astounds me. We've endured too many moments of grief and ignorance. Yet, what I remember most is your first smile and giggle, your first word, and your success at a regular preschool."
Judy's articles in the EduGuide publication Wonder Years and many other publications have touched families of special needs children, as well as many other families whose children might be considered "normal." Her stories of life with Eric and his challenges have taught readers that all challenges, big and small, must be met with humor and determination.
"You are a wise and handsome child, with inquisitive brown eyes that miss nothing. Much of your ability to positively impact others has come from their first impressions of you as a cute child."
In her article, Look into my eyes, Judy shows that Eric was sometimes the teacher.
"Still, nothing stings more than the unwanted attention of strangers loudly misjudging my child. The fact is, I neither want nor need your pity, because when it comes to my son, I don't feel shortchanged. In all his glorious imperfection, Eric has been my greatest life teacher. He's taught me to elevate parenting above career and self-interest, to judge less and forgive more. He's taught me to listen when communication goes beyond words. His physical challenges demand I stop long enough to savor shooting stars and fireball sunsets. He's made me a more honest journalist, and when he struggles to say, 'I love you,' he commands center stage."
Eric has also taught Judy's readers to see special children in new ways and realize that they, too, need us to look into their eyes and value their worth every bit as much as any other child.