This memorial site was created in the memory of our loved ones, John Earl Ermatinger who was born December 21, 1973 in Martinsville, Virginia and passed away September 11, 2007 in Caswell County, North Carolina and Amber Dawn Ermatinger who was born January 10, 1985 in Danville, Virginia and passed away August 2, 2009 in Caswell County, North Carolina. They left their father, Mervin Ermatinger and mother Patricia Ermatinger. One brother Christopher Ermatinger and two sisters, Misty Ermatinger, and Stormy Ermatinger. They also left a nephew Andrew Payne and Amber's daughter Skylar Ermatinger. We will miss them forever.

Go ahead and mention my child
The one that died, you know.
Don't worry about hurting me further.
The depth of my pain doesn't show. 

Don't worry about making me cry.
I'm already crying inside.
Help me to heal by releasing the tears
That I try to hide.

I'm hurting when you just keep silent.
Pretending he didn't exist.
I'd rather you mention my child
Knowing that he's been missed.

You asked me how I was doing
I say "pretty good" or "fine."
But healing is something ongoing
I feel it will take a lifetime.

Still With Us

Do not stand by my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am a diamond glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you wake in the morning hush 
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight
I am the soft starshine at night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there I did not die

What My Child Has Taught Me

I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned that learning to forgive takes a lot of practice.
I've learned that friends may become strangers,
And strangers become friends.
I've learned that ignorance isn't an excuse for lack of compassion.
I've learned that some people will never,ever-"get it".
I've learned that the community of sorrow is the strongest of all.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of minutes.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you ever see them.
I've learned that love isn't measured by the amount of time
you have with someone.
I've learned that sorrow is so deep it has no words.
But so is love.

Where do they come from, these tears? They just keep rolling down my face. No matter what I'm doing or where I am. I can be at work or in a grocery store. I can be by myself or with others and suddenly I discover my face is wet with tears. I miss you John. I'm always expecting you to walk through the door. I'm always expecting to hear your voice. I'm always expecting to hear you slam the door the way you always did. I'm always asking why, why, why, why, why...........?