As the years of our lives rush by in such urgency, I feel as if I am on a fast train to places that I sometimes want to go, and, at other times, to places I would really never like to travel.
I’ve lost so many of my family and so many close friends over the years that it seems as if I have hurried through some of my years.
Of course, I’ve lost my mother and daddy, three of my “in-loves-law,” and a host of friends. It just seems as if things are upside down when we lose family so young.
I’ve seen one of my daughters-in-law go home, one son-in-law several years ago, and now I am sensing the loss of another son-in-law.
My daughter’s first husband was killed in a car accident when their little boy was only 12 days old. Now, she must bear the loss of another husband with yet another small little girl as well as her boys.
Eddie was one of the most jovial people you could know. He was always making jokes and was “the life of the party.” But the side only few saw was something I want people to know and pray I will never forget.
If you had been at his celebration of life, you would have seen evidence of his caring and loving nature as the 15 or so young boys wore the white rose of a pallbearer. All these young men had at some time in their lives felt pain of some sort and Eddie always stepped in to be a mentor or stand-in dad for these youth.
His and Pam’s house was always open to anyone who needed to be counseled, turned back to the right path, or even admonished with love and kindness. There seemed to be one or two boys staying overnight, sleeping on the floor with a pillow and blanket, many mornings when I have been to their house early in the mornings. When they left, they knew they could come again any time their hearts needed some love and understanding.
Eddie has gone home after six months of hospitalization in Memphis, fighting to live, but his memory and the love, affection and true passion for these youngsters will always be remembered by his “second mama,” and all who knew him.
Mexican Casserole
Add 1 pound of ground beef browned with 1 diced onion, 1 can of Mexican whole kernel corn, 1 package of mild taco seasoning, 1 can of ranch beans, 1 can of mild Rotel, 1 can of diced chili peppers and 2 cups of Mexican shredded cheese
Place flour tortillas in the bottom of a 9x13 pan and pour half of the meat mixture over the top. Add 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Repeat for the next layer.
Cook in a 350-degree oven for about 30-35 minutes.
