Ed Shaffer

I am in lower Alabama today with Eric's family. Last Wednesday afternoon, Eric's father passed away. It was not totally unexpected, as he had pulmonary fibrosis. We knew his disease was getting worse, but had no idea how close to the end he was. Life is filled with regrets, and I regret not sending Eric down to see his father, even if the rest of us could not go.

Ed was a wonderful man. I never knew a time that when he was not engaged with a project. He built a garage, a boat (?), model airplanes, a real airplane, a teardrop camper, refurbished an older camper, etc. These are only a few of the projects I remember his working on in all the years Eric and I have been married. If he was not involved in a project, his mind was actively planning the next one.

He and Alma were married 56 years. Their marriage could serve as an example to many young couples today. They were truly a team and did most things together. They have four children - their three sons are here now, and their daughter will be in tomorrow. It's fun to see the common bond these men have, and it's more than a little unnerving to catch a glimse of Ed in one of his son's expressions, or to hear his voice when one of them speaks.

For years, we were left to wonder about Ed's spiritual condition. He didn't go to church, and wasn't interested in talking about spiritual matters. But within days of his death, he accepted Christ as his savior. Many have "deathbed" conversions, and I, being the skeptic that I am, am inclined to wonder about the sincerity of such conversions. But not with Ed. If he said he did it, he did. He would never beat around the bush in what he said, and he was a man of integity. I look forward to seeing him again. I almost have to smile when I think of his amusement over seeing us run around like chickens trying to get ready for a sudden trip. It eases the pain to smile at such thoughts.

Any time of significant change is a time for reflection. There is so much to say - and so much to be left unsaid. Just know that I consider myself fortunate to have know such a man and to have married into his family.