Two years ago today my husband’s oldest friend Eric died. I’ve written about Eric’s death and its effect on our family before. Last month Eric’s parents hosted a “Musical Ofrenda” at their church in Eric’s honor. Eric was an artist, an art teacher, and a music lover and the evening consisted of examples of all three sides of Eric.

At the end of the evening, Eric’s parents presented the world premiere of an original work of music, they had commissioned: Eric’s Sign. The words came from a note Eric once left on the door of his classroom. It is wonderful advice, and one of my favorite poems.

Eric’s Sign
There will be no lunchtime art until 12:25 pm. If you have recess before 12:25, there is no lunchtime art for you. Instead:

Go outside.
Enjoy life.
Celebrate the unfathomable joy of your youth.
Meditate on the oneness of the universe.
Go forth and create peace.
Compliment someone on their exemplary attitude in the face of division, derision, and ignorance.
Show the world how it should be done.
Be charitable.
Do unto others.
Expose foolishness.
Question authority.
Avoid cliques.
And chichés.
Save our resources.
Make a new friend.
Apologize.
Save an insect’s life.
Greet the new day with a song.
Write a five paragraph persuasive essay about how daily art should be the law.
Set the example.
May the force be with you.

-Eric Utech