Ed

Our family has struggled with considerable loss since 2007 beginning with Steve's death in October 2007, his mom, Barbara followed 7 months later in 2008.  I have never witnessed a mother up close losing a child.  It was unbelievably sad, my loss was horrible but losing your child has to be worse, I don't want to know.  Barbara was not the same after Steve died and it was heartbreaking to watch.  Two very difficult losses for this McGivern/Whitmarsh family. We did have a reprieve from 2008 until 2011 when we lost my mom during Hurricane Irene, followed closely by my dad in 2012.   

Now today's story, Ed....son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend.  Ed was a great guy.  He was smart, full of life and kind.  He always had a great story for anyone who would listen.  I loved his stories, he made them come to life.  He had a zest for life, just like Steve.  He enjoyed what he was doing, when he was doing it.  He was a good man and we loved him.

Ed had 3 sons, Steve, Chris & Jeff, the 3 Stooges if you ask me!   When I was pregnant for Todd, Ed didn't want to know if he'd have a grandson or granddaughter.  We all knew it was a boy, but Ed so wanted a baby granddaughter....after all he had raised 3 wild and crazy boys.  He wanted a sweet, little girl....sugar and spice and everything nice.  Along came Todd...Ed was thrilled and so happy to be a Grandpa.  Of course, he did get his sugar and spice a few years later, enter Madolyn.  

Here they are, Ed's grandchildren.  They miss him, as do I.

 

Ed was a commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, later a teacher, eventually a school administrator.  He had great stories and good rapport with kids.  He was understanding and kind, not afraid to discipline, not afraid to side with the kids.

He was a healthy 80 year old when tragedy struck and we lost him very unexpectedly this past July.  A whole generation now gone.....My parents, Steve's parents, all gone.

So much loss at a young age for Todd and Maddie.  They are doing well, mostly, but do struggle from time to time.  How can you lose your dad and all 4 grandparents and not struggle with anger at your circumstances and understanding life.

I hope that I will be a bright and happy memory someday for my children and grandchildren.  I keep that in mind always.  My kids, Jason, Rebecca, Todd and Madolyn, and I have learned that nothing is forever, that we have to live each day as best we can, make time count.

Ed was important, Ed was kind, Ed was gentle, Ed was loving, he is a Good Memory, always in our hearts.

Day 44 of 365.

Make Memories......K