Honoring Charles Erdmann

October 12, 2023

I shared a lot about Dr. Erdmann, but I also have to share this beautiful story about her husband, Charles. A story that makes my eyes fill with tears whenever I recall it.

Around 2006, I left my school after teaching first graders all day and started the drive to Nazareth University to teach my evening graduate class.

On the drive there, I was rear ended. It was scary. And I was alone.

I called Dr. Erdmann to tell her what happened, say I would be late to teach, and ask if someone could start the class.

When the call ended, I fell apart.

I sat in my car and cried.

In what seemed like just a few moments, someone opened the passenger door and got in.

I was frightened at first. And then, through my tears, I saw it was Charles.

He asked if I was okay. Physically, yes - just some whiplash for the next few weeks.

I don’t remember our exact words after that. I know they were brief. And they don’t matter.

Because what I do remember is that he sat in the seat next to me and stayed. Most of the time spent in silence.

He didn’t try to fix. Didn’t try to solve. Didn’t try to minimize or rehash what happened.

He stayed with me for a long time. Until the police and my family arrived.

Charles taught me how to show up in the midst of crisis. How to hold space. How to show care.

And that care remains alive in others long after they are no longer physically with us.

I am so grateful to have had both of them in my life.