Saying Good-bye to Eddie

Bob & his brother, Ed, celebrating Ed's 60th birthday in New Jersey in September 2010 

Bob & I drove to the hospital early yesterday morning  in a desperate attempt to get there in time to say a last "good-bye".   In the end it happened so fast.  Ed had been valiantly fighting this obnoxious disease for the past year.  He wasn't ready to leave his wife of 33 years, nor was he ready to give up his goal of walking his younger daughter down the aisle on her wedding day, August 20th.
His jubilation could be felt in a recent e-mail where he announced that he had to apply for his "grandfather's license" because his oldest daughter was expecting his first grandchild in early January.
He had so much to live for; so many reasons to slay this cruel and vicious dragon.   And there was no braver warrior, no stronger or more valiant man for such a monumental task. 
No, Ed never gave up. He lived fearlessly and heroically until he was overtaken.  
Ed was already in a deep sleep when we arrived at his bedside.  Since the day before had been a tough one, we were thankful he appeared to be resting quietly and without distress.   
We don't know whether he heard our words or felt our touch.  But isn't love so much more than words or touch?
We believe he knew we were there by his side; there with his beloved wife and beautiful daughters. We believe the love that surrounded Ed in these final moments on this earth permeated us all in a beautiful sacrament of love.   
The very first time I met my brother-in-law, he was a 19 year old kid, living at 21-49 43rd Street in Astoria, Queens.  He was standing in the dining room with his foot up on a chair, strumming a guitar over his knee.  He was singing a song, practicing for his newly formed duo, The Brothers in Song.  You might have heard this song before.  It was made famous by a couple of guys named Simon and Garfunkel.

"When you're weary

Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind"

Reading these lyrics again after so many years, I realize now how much they pertain to you, Ed.  I really think you lived these lyrics throughout your life.  Thanks for being such a great brother-in-law.  I will miss you.

Mary Beth