Despite Monumental Challenges, Eric Shows Grit
Eric Schwarz, 43, has demonstrated grit since the day he was born.
“When my wife Theresa was young, she was diagnosed with a heart condition that required surgery, which led to lifelong health issues for her,” said Dan Schwarz, Eric’s father. “When she became pregnant with Eric, it was challenging for her, and it took a real toll on her body.”
While Theresa carried Eric to full-term—Dan said “he was a beautiful baby boy”—he weighed only three pounds and 14 ounces, and he was plagued with medical issues. “He was in the hospital the first few years of his life more than he was out,” added Dan.
When Eric was a one-year-old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and doctors told Dan and Theresa he would only be able to sit and track things with his eyes for the rest of his life. Eric proved them wrong.
“God had other plans for him,” said Dan.
When Eric was almost 4, Theresa passed away due to her heart issues.
“I was a widow at 29, and Eric lost his mother,” Dan shared wistfully.
Eric didn’t speak until he was five years old, and when he started, his loving and fun personality began to emerge. However, he continued to need almost round-the-clock physical care. “He’s had 17 major surgeries and 13 minor ones,” Dan stated.
“He and I did the best we could together, but I eventually realized I didn’t have the time to take proper care of my son while working to support us at the same time,” Dan said. “When he was almost 11 years old, our pastor suggested we look into Martin Luther Home.”
At that time, Martin Luther Home, which became Mosaic in 2003, was a long-term residence for people with disabilities.
Dan said when he and Eric visited the campus for the first time, Eric expressed he wanted to be with others his age, have more people to speak with and participate in social activities. However, Eric asked his father what would happen if he didn’t like it there. Dan assured him if he didn’t, he could still stay at their home.
“After a month, Eric told me he loved it, and if he moved back home, I would have to change the way I did things. I was happy my son was thinking about what his future should look like, and it was apparent he became very social, and everyone around the campus enjoyed his company,” remarked Dan. “I was very excited he was thriving.”
Candy Kujath, Habilitative Coordinator at Mosaic in Beatrice, says Eric is friendly and outgoing.
“He loves to talk with people—pretty much with anyone he meets,” Candy said.
Dan said Eric’s also become a “jokester,” surprising people (in a jovial way) and telling jokes. “His timing is like a comedian’s. During one of his early days in his campus classroom with other students, he raised his hand and asked the teacher, ‘What do I have to do to make a buck around this joint?’”
Upon meeting Eric, one is greeted with a wide grin—and yes, somewhat of a prankster grin at that—and laughter. Luther Matthies, who’s now his Mosaic Habilitative Coordinator, is by his side.
Eric is asked what kind of person he is.
“You’re a bit of a sports nut,” Luther said while turning to him, making them both chuckle.
Not only is Eric dedicated to local high school teams and tournaments, to the chagrin of his friends and Mosaic staff who love him, he’s also a voracious Kansas State Wildcats football fan evidenced by his room that’s swathed in purple. “He wears purple a lot, too, which is pretty gutsy to do in our Nebraska Cornhusker sea of red,” laughs Candy. “It invites a lot of friendly smack talk, which Eric loves to give back.”
Eric has now been with Mosaic for 32 years. Luther said Eric’s days are “pretty busy” with activities he enjoys, such as the campus daily coffee social, singing in the church choir, engaging in interesting conversations (especially with his campus friends Matt and Gary), attending dances and being with his family—Dan and Eric’s stepmother Karen live only three minutes away—and his stepsisters also live in town.
Eric proudly adds his picture was taken for a Martin Luther Home “Let Your Light Shine” poster when he was 16 years old, and Dan still has an original copy at home.
According to Dan, his wish for Eric’s future is to remain healthy and be as pain-free as possible—also something Mosaic is helping him with. “Without Mosaic, who knows what kind of life Eric would have had,” said Dan. “He’s happy there, which makes me happy as a father.”
This year, Mosaic celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of Martin Luther Home, one of our cherished legacy organizations.
Established in 1925, the spirit and impact of Martin Luther Home continue to flourish within Mosaic today. As we honor this milestone, we reflect on the countless individuals who have contributed to this remarkable legacy over the years. All year long, we will celebrate the dedicated women and men who have served, volunteered, and generously supported Martin Luther Home and Mosaic in Beatrice. The culmination of our celebrations will take place on Sunday, October 5, at Mosaic in Beatrice, where we will gather to reminisce and share meaningful stories about the profound impact that Martin Luther Home—and now Mosaic—has had on the lives of those we serve.