Loving and Loved

This certainly was not what I had in mind for my next post. Life (and Death, I’ll bet) is full of surprises.

My high school classmate Marge sent an email announcing the passing of her husband, Ed, in Florida. I would like to share with you an email I received from Ed on May 7, 2007 about the passing of his friend, Ron, and the email from Ed’s wife about his passing. Ed’s tribute to his friend had a photo attached, which I am not including here. I was so taken with Ed’s tribute I created a Do Not Delete folder in my email just so I could save it. This man was so loving, sincere, honest and loyal. To be so loving, and to be so loved—we should all be so fortunate.

First, Ed’s tribute to his friend Ron (exactly as he wrote it) that I received May 7, 2007.
Subject: My Buddy
This is my buddy RONIE he left his friends and love one and fishing buddy last nit .... I hope his trip to heaven was great he really was such a good friend and a good person I will always miss him.... He had a heart attack and it took him some time life don't seam to be fare but I guess I was lucky he the one that got me in to fishing and I don't think I will ever catch a fish with out thinking of him....this hurts much more then the surgeons scalpel.....ED Q p. s....... He was only 61 years old I know a lot of you that I sent this don't know him...wanted you to know I am proud to have been his friend

Then, this tribute to Ed received from his wife (my high school classmate), Marge, on April 19, 2008.
Subject: Ed’s Fight With Cancer!
As you all know Ed has been over four years now giving the illness his all to win. Three surgeries, radiation, chemo, and with the last doctor trips and CT-PET scans, blood test continuous. He was doing well early March or so it seemed. On March 19 he was admitted to Munroe Hospital "touch of pneumonia" upon further test cancer had gone to lungs and throat, and other complications. They discharged him on March 23 (his Birthday) 73. His choice was to have comfort and dignity with Estelle Hospice House, Ocala. I was with my love, soul mate, best friend, to the moment he was lifted to rest and peace in the Lord's home March 31. I am sorry I didn't inform you sooner. I just returned home today. I've been with my sister Judy and my Mom what a blessing to have wonderful close family as mine. I will truly miss Ed. We were fortunate to have come into each other’s lives. We shared many great moments, traveled, were spontaneous often dropping things and go for what awaited us. Fishing, motorcycle ride, sail-all these fond memories will be my comfort. Ed lived a full life experiencing many things. Sailed ocean CT to Fl, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Inter Coastal, Lakes, Scuba Dived love the Keys so beautiful and peaceful, motorcycle toured most of the states, tried flying but that was to confining, always the camera man, last love beside me was fishing could stay out all day without eating...to stay in touch with his friends was important. Again he certainly will be missed. Best regards and care to all...His loving wife, Marge.