In my family, we laugh a lot, and cry when we need to. We’ve been doing a lot of both over the last several days, because my stepfather Eddie passed away last Friday. Eddie came into our lives over 40 years ago when my mom was a way-too-young widow with three shell shocked children; at 11 years old I was the youngest. Eddie willingly, knowingly, walked into a family that had been turned upside down, and helped to right it again. While the loss of our father left a permanent hole in our hearts, Eddie made us a family again when he married my mom in 1976. He took on all three of us as if we were his own, adding to the two children he already loved. He called us his instant kids.
Eddie provided for all of us, saw us through difficult teen years (well, some of us, because CJ was already away at college and a Mr. Goody Two Shoes in any event), college, grad school, weddings; all milestones big and small. He walked me down the aisle and into the best decision I’ve ever made, marrying Dan. When my niece was born he eagerly took on the mantle of grandfather-hood, and was dubbed Poppy. He adored and doted on my niece and nephews, and more recently my niece’s fiancée and his son, with whom he had a mutual admiration society (and frequently a case of the giggles!).
Perhaps most importantly, he made my mom happy. He absolutely worshipped her, and even after 39 years of marriage, would tell anyone who would listen that he was helplessly and hopelessly in love with his wife.
Eddie endured a chronic illness for many years, without complaint. I could say all the cliché things about how he is no longer suffering, and indeed I’ve said all those things, but we all know that there is once again a hole in our family and in our hearts. Poppy will be greatly missed, and always remembered.
If there is one thing you need to be a full-fledged member of our family, it is a large funny bone. Eddie particularly appreciated, and participated in, our brand of irreverent humor. So I have to share that Eddie is now buried 40 feet from my dad, and one day, hopefully many many (many!) years from now, my mom will rest snugly between the two. Cause that’s just how we roll.
And now, our family will continue to do what we do best. Laugh a lot, and cry when we need to.
Mom and Eddie, 2009
Beautiful story.
Thank you
Jill we have met and as you know I am friends with your Mom and Eddie. Harriet is a very strong lady but she has been Eddie’s care taker for so long it will be difficult for her to fill her time, but she will do it. She does what ever she needs to do! Eddie was a sweet loving man and will sadly be missed by all who knew him. I think you are a wonderful, strong, loving, and funny family and hope that you continue to support each other with your own brand of humor! My condolences.
Many thanks for your kind words.
I have always admired and loved everyone I know in your family. In addition to being kind and funny you teach us how to live. Harold
Not to mention teaching you the finer points of finding gelato in Florence! Thanks for the kind words. Much love to you and Arnold. ❤️❤️
Very sorry for your and your family’s loss. My condolences to everyone.
Thanks so much Stacey. I hope you are well.
Beautiful tribute. I am sorry for your loss.
Thanks so much Theresa. Hope you are well
” …helped to right it again. ” This is one of the finest things you could ever say about a man walking into a family. He must have been a wonderful person. May peace and comfort find you and yours.
Thanks so much for the good wishes. It is a difficult spot to join a grieving family without diminishing or negating their loss. He managed it.
I am so sorry for your loss. I also lost my Dad very young. My mother never remarried but she had a gentleman caller for many years. He died a few years after she did and I remember when he died I told his children that I truly felt like an orphan. I was in my 40s. People who come in and become family seamlessly are truly special.
A gentleman caller…so quaint! Eddie took us on lock, stock and barrel. I still miss my dad every day but we were very lucky to have Eddie join our family.
What wonderful words Jill!! I don’t think Hoda could of written them any better – Hope to see you soon!!
That is quite a compliment! Thanks so much for being here.
Eddie was such a wonderful man and you described him perfectly. He was loved and he will be missed.
Thank you. ❤️❤️
So sorry for your loss.
Sharp Rapkin
Thanks Sharon.
We are so sad about cousin Eddie
You said it all with your blog
He was a kind loving and fun man who loved you all
And fit in perfectly!!!
Seems only right to be buried together
My thoughts are with you
Thanks Georgette. You know he adored you!
What a lovely tribute, Jill.
Thank you Betsey
Your love for Eddie shines brightly through this beautiful tribute. It’s obvious he was a special man. I’m terribly sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Thanks Pam-I really appreciate it.
Thank you Jill, my precious daughter. This is beautiful, touched my heart and yes, made me cry. It was a good kind of cry though. Eddie would have loved this and so did I.
Hi, Jill’s mom. I’m so sorry for your loss. Eddie sounds like he was a great guy and I know you’ll miss him terribly. I’m glad you have such a wonderful family to help you through this tough time. My deepest, heartfelt sympathy.
Thank you so much. He was a great guy & I was lucky to have had him for 40 years.
I’m so glad you liked it and that it was a good kind of cry. Love you
What a great tribute to Eddie. He sounds like a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss, Jill.
Thank you Carol.
What a nice tribute to him. Sorry for your loss, and glad that you shared this!
Thanks Heather!
He sounds like such a great man. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your mom is doing okay Hugs!!!
Thanks Val. My mom is a tough cookie. It will be difficult but she will rally.