My Lil' Bro Ed Baich
Valentine's Day, a day to recognize those you love and the birthday of our mother, took on a whole new significance in 2013.
Around 10 on the 13th Ken, my husband, kissed Ed on the forehead, said "I love you" and came to meet me in bed; that was the last time Ken spoke with Ed in this world.
At 12:35 a.m. we were awakened by a knock on our bedroom door and the simple statement, "Ed has passed"; neither of us truly new how to react. As we entered his room and saw my mother standing by Ed's side, with tears streaming, the immediacy struck me- I can no longer convince myself that maybe tomorrow will be better, I can't hope for the chance for one more smile, laugh, chat; my wonderful, sensitive baby brother has truly passed.
I still speak to him, and I know he hears- I smile with him while thinking about our childhood, our challenges and most recently my wedding and I know he sees my smile; but I still weep constantly. I can't imagine how his son stays so strong and can't begin to imagine how the family will face the challenges that my little brother has, unintentionally, left behind.
After the service, as Jack left to return to college, Ken and I spoke about how important it was to Ed that his truck and his possessions be sold and the money saved for Jack, but the reality struck us that all of Ed's holdings, all of his possessions, the few things he had accumulated after a lifetime of work, would barely make a dent in the medical and funeral expenses and couldn't possible provide Jack any estate that would help secure his future.
I don't believe Ed's death has truly sunk in yet with many of us. As I think about it, everything seemed to happen so fast. Ed was in the hospital getting diagnosed in December and just two months later we were in attendance at a funeral for one of the most wonderful people I have ever known.
As you know, Ed had no health insurance, no real savings, but he had an enormous group of loving, caring people, friendships and family that would do anything for him. Some of those friends, who love Ed and our family, are continuing to work on ideas and activities to help pay off Ed's expenses; including funeral services, medical and Jack's college expenses.
These friends have been kind enough to initiate a Monster Garage sale on Jack's behalf, which will be held at our home in Glendale on the anniversary of Ed's birth, March 9th from 8am "“ 4pm. Two very dear friends, Gerri Copeland and JoAnne Smallwood, are spearheading this event and are looking for all kinds of help from:
Donating goods to sell
Donating items to raffle "“ gift cards, trips, items
Baking cupcakes/cookies or other food products to sell
Set up or Clean up
For those of you who'd like to offer a hand, know anyone who died from cancer and would like to help provide for the future of a wonderful son whose father was a victim of this terrible disease, or just want to reach out even if you don't know us please do; we truly need your help! Please take a moment and contact Gerri at [phone redacted] or JoAnne at [phone redacted] to ask how you can help or how you can contribute (time, items or donations) or with any questions at all.
Thank you for your kind notes, your cards, your sentiments and your prayers.
Ed's Family
