Chenoa Miner - Family friend

I remember coming home when we were neighbors living at the top of their street---I was seven years old. The summer fires were in the mountains. Apparently the fire was getting close to the houses and so when we came home, there was Ed on our roof with a hose. I remember being sick in that same home, and there, he took my foot, and whatever he did, it hurt bad. That was the first of many times that he healed me both physically and mentally.

I felt he could look at me and know things about me that I didn't even know myself. Sometimes I thought he could read my mind. And sometimes, he did. I remember he and Bonnie taking me in when I truly felt I had no where to go. Everyone belongs with Ed, from the most straight and conservative Mormon to the most rebelious of rebels. Everyone.

I remember talking to him about his heart surgery. He explained that when they'd discovered he needed surgery, the doctor told him to take a couple of weeks to get his life in order and then they'd operate. Ed told the doctor to operate as soon as possible for there was nothing more he could do for those he loved, no more of a way to let all know how he cared for them, than he'd already done. Ed lived his life in order. They operated the next day.

I want to be like Ed in this and many other ways. I, like everyone who knows Ed, could go on and on. I'll end with the intangibles and mention the most tangible gift he's given to my little family; my husband Chad and our daughter Allie and me. We wanted another child and had not been able to get pregnant. We tried everything that anyone suggested. We had finally decided that our family of three was going to have to do, even if it wasn't our first choice. I started running after a year break, and we were in California for a friends wedding. We stayed with Bonnie and Ed. Ed had just gotten home that day from the hospital. He inquired about my running and I explained it wasn't as good as it could be yet since I'd just started in again after not being able to get pregnant. He asked me, "Do you really want to get pregnant?" It was a very serious question because another baby is a very serious issue and Ed knew he could give me that other baby. I told him I wanted another baby very badly. He'd healed and helped me time and again but it didn't occur to me to go to him about this. It was just a casual conversation that changed our life. There he lay in his bed, weak, and tired. Not able to stand up, but he treated me right then. Nine and a half months later, I gave birth to Levi Edward Miner. Many times I've said when telling this story to others that "Ed got me pregnant!!" Although my husband wishes I'd find another way to word it, we are all grateful and blessed in a priceless way.

I miss Ed. I know I'll see him again, and he'll be a lot more comfortable physically. Mentally, I think he's always been in heaven. I am grateful that I'll always get to see a little of Ed now and then in Carole.

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