An Honorary Delta

Two years ago, the arrival of a woman named Erin Wilson blessed the Alpha Lambda chapter.  We were in need of a house director, and coming off of a year of adversity, we needed a good one.  Erin was unlike any of the house directors the chapter ever had.  As she was never Greek herself, her choice to become our house director was initially because she needed a place to live and wanted to try something new.  That being said, we could have never guessed the impact Erin would have on our chapter.  She challenged even our most routine events, constantly trying to make things easier and better for all of us. Truly, she completely revolutionized what it meant to be a house director by actively striving to help the chapter in whatever way she could.  Even though she is young and was not particularly fond of the term "house mom," we can't help but think of her that way.  In that sense, she was definitely a "cool mom," the kind that only reprimands because they know what's best for you, sometimes even better than you do.  The kind that genuinely cares when she asks you about your day, but the kind you don't feel like you have to censor yourself around.  The kind that you can never repay, no matter how appreciative you are.

Today's blog post features a letter Erin wrote to the chapter last year before a huge skydiving trip, soon after she found out her time as our house director was coming to an end.  When the letter was read to the chapter, there was hardly a dry eye in the room.  Erin, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all that you've done.  Your impact on our chapter will resonate long after you're gone.  

Erin, you are an incredible pirate-loving, marathon-running, irreplaceable individual who has truly been nothing short of a blessing for us.  We will always consider you an "honorary Delta," and are so thankful to have gotten to know you.  We miss you already!

"To my delightful Tri Deltas,

Y'all... I don't even know where to start.  The pile of you are incredibly amazing, and I am so very, very thankful for it.

Last Friday's function didn't go as planned, and while we were all frustrated, everyone took it in stride and rolled with the punches.  I am so proud of the growth I have seen in y'all since last year.  No one yelled at me or berated me.  You vented to me, and it made my night a million times better, despite all of the stress.  You ladies are a class act, and I still can't believe how lucky I was to end up with you!  The hugs and smiles and kind words give my heart a boost every time.

Please know that while I can't be at the house as much as I would like, you can always come see me, text, call or email me whenever you need anything.  I will miss hearing your life updates, silly shenanigans and on occasion, your poor life choices (that you always learn from!)

When I graduated from high school, I got my first tattoo: a blue crescent moon on my right foot.  It's the first step I take every day, the foot I start my runs with, and the first step on my journey to y'all.  You ladies are the sisterhood I never knew I was looking for, and I'm so very glad I found y'all.

You make my life three times better, with just one letter. :)

Love, 
Erin"