A Memorial Weekend

First of all I want to Thank all of our fallen soldiers. Without you, our country wouldn't be as strong like it is today.

 My Memorial weekend was a little different than any other traditional holiday. I lost someone I had grown to love and appreciate last Thursday night.

 I had recently came back from Vegas last Tuesday night and hit the studio on Wednesday to shoot a bands performance.  Eric Catlapp who was my producer wanted me to interview the band and be on camera.

 "Hey kiddo, its so nice to see you." Eric said as he hug me when I first walked in the studio. He always had a smile and dressed humble. After shooting the interview with the band, Eric had mentioned he had a photo shoot lined up for mew next month and how he wanted me to be part of his broadcasting company. I used to be the college student who came to the studio to check out how it worked since writing was my passion but he challenged me in front of the camera. I fell in love with being a Reporter!

My passion grew for broadcasting and so did my work. Eric supported my work, my videos, and even picked a microphone for my upcoming show. We where thrilled to start my talk show in our town because we wanted Central California to be known as a  positive region.

Thursday night had a tragic twist to our hopes and dreams. I happened to talk to Eric earlier that day about a story idea.  Unfortunately  I was at the crime scene before and after he was murdered; I didn't know it was him.

Friday came and I was on my way to a camping trip in Northern California when I got the tragic news. My good friend who had also worked as a model for a fashion show I had hosted with Eric called me and told me what happened to Eric. I remember feeling like if my heart stop beating. I immediately pulled over. "Eric was jumped!" I cried when another producer told me. I had hope he was still ALIVE since I thought he was probably in ICU. I remember asking  which hospital he was and Andrew said in tears, "He is not at the hospital, he is at the morgue!" 

I collapsed in tears. I felt like part of me was gone. I couldn't believe another great man in my life was taken away from my path!

The rest of the drive to the camp site was depressing. I was thankful my friend was there to help me drive. We talked about the good memories we had of Eric. I cried quite a few times in sadness but I wont give up in my career and dreams of having my own talk show one day.

I believe things happen for a reason. God puts struggles and trials across our path to mold us into better, stronger individuals. I know that Erics spirit will live with me. He was the only producer who discovered me and believed in my work. "Your lucky you found your passion at a young age kiddo; the sky is the limit!" Eric always said that when I shared story ideas.

As much as his loss hurts me and the media community that knew him, I know we will always remember him as the Humble producer with a bright smile!

I am still hurting from his loss but this will make me a stronger woman. I learned a lot through Eric and I will dedicate my show to Eric Catlapps memory one day. This was a memorial weekend I will always remember!

                                                  R.I.P. ERIC CATLAPP 1981-2013