TBT: YOU'VE GOT A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

I will never forget meeting Ed for the first time in synagogue as Natureman's seat was directly behind his. Ed turned around to introduce himself and shook my hand, charmingly adding " You have such a beautiful smile." 

Ed made me smile a lot over the last two decades as he had a lot of jokes and stories to share.  

Natureman and Ed had met as newlyweds 5 decades ago and although their lives took different trajectories many familial, religious and social occasions brought us together. 

The photo below was taken at a mutual friend's daughter's wedding in Eagle River 2010...

                

 Ed, You've got a beautiful smile.

A little over a year ago Ed was diagnosed with the Big C.  He went on hospice at the beginning of the month.  Ed asked for a big party and he got it last Wednesday at the Freight House, one of his favorite La Crosse eateries. He must have been beaming ear to ear the entire night as family and friends paid tribute and enjoyed the food, friends and memories. 

Ed, You've got a beautiful smile.

Ed's eldest sister reminded us her brother was raised in a household of women since his father died young leaving their mother, two daughters and 8-year-old Eddie.  At 17 years old he met the love of his life, Corine, his wife-to-be, on a blind date, and there was a lot of smiling to follow.

Ed, You've got a beautiful smile.

Corine and Ed were married on July 4th with a promise to renew their vows yearly... His motto was "Happy Wife, Happy Life." Oh yes, he was a wise man...

Ed, You've got a beautiful smile.

Family meant a lot to Ed and he was determined to be a family man  with his children.  Ed ensured his 3 children were schooled nearby, married local, and stayed in town.  Close, attending all their grandchildren's school and sporting events. Having a home on the water and all types of watercraft ensured a lot of family river fun, boating, jet skiing, fishing and swimming. Ed invited my family to join in when they visited. Good family time.

Ed, You've got a beautiful smile.

Ed had a big heart. He was generous in helping causes and individuals. When Natureman's wife of 40plus years had pancreatic cancer Ed offered to send them anywhere she wanted on her bucket list. She preferred to stay home but what a lovely gesture.

Ed, You've got a beautiful smile.

Like all of us, Ed wasn't always with a smile. He led a tough annual meeting with no smiles when he wielded a gavel nor when you didn't agree with him.  Politically, he would send oodles of emails to our left of left household. LOL. When Natureman became sick, Ed offered to do Reiki, Natureman refused... Ed was disappointed.  No smiles then.

Our last get-together Ed brought grandchildren over to see the farm animals and boy was he smiling seeing their reactions to getting eggs from the coop and petting the baby kid goats. 

Ed, You've got a beautiful smile.

I will always remember Ed's smile and it will be sorely missed...