Eddy, Corv-Edy, Mr. Huizingh, Ed-Meister, Big Guy, Buddy, Stud Muffin, Dad, Granddad, Sweetheart, Honey, Hubby and probably a few other choice names you've been called; but one thing is for sure, since you never let your meat loaf, you could never be called late for dinner.
To begin to breathe in a world where you no longer exist can only happen once I acknowledge what you meant to me while you were here. Your laugh is at the top of the list. The loud, potbellied, tongue out, chuckle would bring a smile to anyone's face. Your hugs were like a full blown therapy session; worry and stress would melt away when you patted my back and said it would be ok. Your middle name should have been 'Generous'; I would be hard pressed to find another human being who would so freely give of his time, support, encouragement and advice. Words like 'Prima", "BRUTAL", and "Beauuuitiful" will forever be owned by you, I will hear them said in your voice and your enthusiasm. Maybe even a few 90s dance hits like Rhythm of the Night, blaring on car speakers and every single red corvette EVER will be a reminder of you. I'm going to start calling them Ed-minders in place of Reminders.
The need for these Ed-minders is because you left us. You can't be blamed but it's not fair. We had plans! We weren't done making memories, travelling and enjoying each others company. And Andrea! Your loving wife, best friend, loyal companion and biggest fan; thinking about 'Ed and Andrea' without the Ed is unjust, it's unbelievable and unrecognizable. Death didn't seem like an obstacle for you, that's part of the reason why this is so hard. You were larger than life, a guy who knew how to make friends wherever he went, a man who only wanted people to be happy and clearly, setting an example on how to live life to the fullest. None of this seems real, the hole you have left in our lives is deep and dark, your presence was so prominent that it feels like the sun can't escape an eclipse. I'm sure if you had a choice you would never choose to leave and since you have one of the best hearts of any man I have ever known, your soul is in a place where everyday is an 18-hole kind of day and you are watching over your dear wife, your children, your grandchildren and your many friends. Knowing you, Ed, was more than an honor, it was a privilege; one that we will never take for granted. We promise to carry on your memory in our stories, in our thoughts and in our dreams. My only regret will be not telling you often enough just how special you were.
Comments