Ed had told me after we had been dating for a few months that we could just live together,  no need to get married.  But something changed in his mind,  one day he asked me to get ready.  We started driving and came to a jewelry store, we went in and he asked the lady to show him wedding ring sets. You could have knocked me over with a feather, I was shocked.  We found the perfect rings,  had them sized in store.  He had other errands to run,  first stop was the post office. Before he went into the post office,  he got the rings out and asked me to marry him right there in the parking lot.  He smiled so big,  said he wasn't losing me,  and we were just going to get married.  I was still in shock because numerous times he would say nothing but living together.  Not sure what changed his mind but when he changed it, there was no stopping him.  We went to dinner but before we did that,  we had to let our parents know what we had done.  I still smile today thinking of that day. Both of us were so happy,  so in love that marriage was just the next step for our love. 

Ed and I were known to take trips on the spur of the moment. One Sunday I had to work,  but we were enjoying coffee on the porch.  I would have the next 3 days off, Ed turned to me said where do you want to go?  Or what do you want to do? I had no idea,  he then comes in, "I've never seen the arch in st Louis " Me either I replied. He said well let's go! I hurried to find a hotel and as luck would have it, there was a casino right across the river in Indiana. Booked a room,  packed a few things,  I went to work. Once I was finished he came to pick me up and off we went.  The hotel was nice,  out our window we could see the arch. The next day it was a little drizzly out but we still parked and walked to the arch.  Neither of us were going up in it, too high lol. So we walked across the street,  got snow cones and watch helicopters taking off on tours, people sight seeing,  and watched the people who dared, go up in the arch. We wanted lunch but didn't want the same Ole places.  We went on yelp, look for Italian and found this little place that everyone local raved about.  We made our way to it and had the best lunch ever.  We had a great adventure those 3 days that I wouldn't trade for anything.  

Ed and I were always working on a project to make our home ours in style and taste. Our parents and kids never knew what we were getting into next.  The last project,  well next to last, was our entertainment center. We had talked about it for so long and finally decided it was time.  For those that don't know,  I designed and Ed built,  with my help.  If needed he would modify the plan or make it better. We already had a huge entertainment center But it was bulky and not big enough to hold a large TV that we wanted to get.  He got right to work on it while I was at work.  I had a couple days off and we picked out the wood we needed and paint for the living room.  He worked so hard on it and it is a beautiful reflection of his hard work and attention to details.  I love everything we did together,  as long as we were together there wasn't anything we couldn't do. Now,  I feel his presence all around me, and as it should be, his cremains are on a shelf of the entertainment center he so lovingly built.  I miss our projects, I just miss him pain and simple.

Ed and I didn’t get to take a honeymoon right away, but we solved that. I had a voucher for buy one get one free airline ticket. I first had to talk Ed into flying, then we had to decide where to go. We chose Las Vegas! We went for a week and had the time of our lives. I had never been to California, so we took one day to drive out to  Long Beach and Los Angeles. 2 days later we drove to the Grand Canyon. And our last day there we drove out to Hoover dam. In between all that we visited several hotels/casinos. He said we had to play the slots in each place we went. Good thing we did not make to the other side of the street or all the way up the street lol. True to fashion, Ed and I took turns on the slot machine, he would spin then I would. We truly did everything together. We had such a fun filled week of just us two, enjoying the trip and each other. I love you baby, thank you for so many wonderful memories to fill my mind day in and out. Oh as for flying, he was bummed it was dark and that I had gotten assigned the window seat. Once home and rested up, he wanted to know where our next vacation would be, we were thinking San Francisco or Seattle. Would have had a blast as well, just two people who truly enjoyed their life together.

Ed was a very loving soul. When we first met, the first day online, we were inseparable. We both knew we found who we had been searching for. Ed came to Kentucky the day after Christmas 2005 and when he stepped out of his car, one look in his eyes sealed the deal. This would be who I would spend my life with. He accepted my children as his own, even bringing them a gift for Christmas. Those few days were filled with getting to know each other, one night my heart started beating to fast and he had to take me to the er. This man stayed by my side the whole time I was in the hospital, sleeping in the chair next to my bed, holding my hand. So many memories that first visit, this was also the time he told me he loved me, and I him. 
We were married 2 years later, and never looked back. Some may not believe this, but we never spoke harsh words to each other, never argued, just enjoyed our love and life.  Ed was liked by all who met him. His whole world revolves around his family and friends.  From our relationship to the relationship he and the kids built. He loved his parents beyond words and his brother. Both of our families encouraged and loved us together.

Ed lived his life to the fullest, he put everything he had into any project he would be working, he said this was our forever home and he wanted to make it to our taste and we worked endlessly. He loved gaming and all types of video games, I would watch him play and get into the story he was playing, he liked that.

There is so much more I could say about this amazing husband of mine. He was taken from me, from us too soon, but God only chooses the prettiest Roses for His garden. Ed went suddenly and without warning but the peace comes from knowing he did not have to suffer and went peacefully. I love you Ed so very much, always til forever my love.