I'd like you to meet him. Well, he's hanging with Jesus, so you really can't meet him. But you can learn a little about him. And perhaps reading some of these words will give you small picture into the man he was and the legacy he leaves. And perhaps it will inspire you to think about your legacy.
Eddie's Obituary...
Eddie lived life in a way left an imprint on the hearts of all who knew him. To those who called him friend he was faithful, real, loyal, a talented musician. To the two who called him Daddy, he was gentle, caring, bigger than life, heroic and always there for them. To the one who called him by the dearest of names, he was sensitive, strong, selfless, patient and forgiving--a man of faith who loved her as much as life itself.
As for priorities, Eddie's were clear, and the result is a life's mission passed on to those of us left behind: believe in God, love unconditionally, give yourself away and always put people first. Eddie's presence will be painfully missed, but the legacy of his life so well-lived on the earth thrives in the spirits of his two young boys and his strong and Godly wife. Eddie went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 26, 2009. He was 33 years old. He is survived by his wife, Alison, sons Gavin (4 yrs. old) and Logan (2 yrs. old), and his grandparents, Donald and Evangeline.
Here's the thing. What I've been thinking on a bit lately.
Eddie had a far from picture perfect life. He was not a golden boy by any means. His childhood held things no child should see or experience. His teen years lacked strong parental support (although his grandparents stepped in). As a result, his early adulthood was somewhat tumultuous too. It took Eddie a while to find his way.
I knew Eddie from the time we were kids, so I always called him friend. Everything else was inconsequential. Eddie had amazing people come alongside him in his life. Many weeks, half of his time was spent at one best friend's house and the other half at my husband's. His wife thanked these two moms for "raising" Eddie.
You know what though, if I was a mom of a junior high or high school aged son, and he brought a friend home like Eddie, I wonder what my reaction would be. Our instincts are to protect of course. And to shelter. Would I have wanted to shelter my son from Eddie? Would I have been concerned with the influence his rough life might have on my child? Would I have discouraged the friendship?
Because if these two surrogate moms had done that, Eddie wouldn't have been the man he was. These moms were Christlike. They saw a potential, a need in Eddie, and welcomed him into their homes and their families.
How I hope that I will have the eyes of Christ when my children bring their friends home. That I find that potential in each one, regardless of the good and bad of their lives, and help them realize it. My heart has plenty of room to love more children as my own.
Thank you my friends, for encouraging me, and listening to my grief. Your words mean so much to me.
Wow. I pray for the same thing. It's so easy to go by your instincts and protect your own children. But could you be saving another? That takes trust in God too. Trusting that He'll protect your children while you reach out to their friend. I hope I remember this post when that opportunity arises.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'd love to see a picture of Eddie and his family.
I have a friend that I have reconnected with on facebook that basically lived at our house during Jr High and High School. She said she serves the Lord today because of my family. She still made some poor choices, but ultimately made the right choice to follow Christ. I pray we can do the same thing in the lives of the girls that my daughters bring home. Thanks for sharing this...
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