Crazy for the Lord
On Sunday, August 10, our whole church family came together to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of our beloved members – Ed, a patriarch of Stony Lane’s largest family, a forester, a military man who has been through wars, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a loving husband and a devoted Christian. As we found out from Ed, this was not just a single occasion – it was a triple birthday: his, Nancy’s, his sister born on the same day, and Pat’s, his step-sister born several days after Ed. Press on the Play button on the video below to hear this announcement.
The celebration took place on Sunday evening at Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille, a popular spot for Warwick residents. The atmosphere was adoring and cozy. The food was outstanding. There were speeches, singing, praying and praising of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many relatives traveled to Rhode Island from across the United States to honor Ed. There were about 150 people in attendance. For the new churchgoers this was a special opportunity to get to know the congregation. Over the dinner, many stories were shared of joys and sorrows, of grace and revelations. For the older-in-Christ brothers and sisters, the party was truly a heartwarming event – three birthdays, with a special recognition of the 90 years of living on this planet of one special man named Ed.
When meeting Pastor Rick, Ed introduced himself as Crazy Ed. “I am crazy for Jesus, my wife, and my family,” he explained. There was nothing crazy about this man though. What was felt deeply when meeting him for the first time was his devotion, honesty, and love for Jesus and humanity. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm for life. His quick mind revealed itself through his humor. In response to praise at the dinner party, he joked wittingly, “Yes. I have a holy heart,” referring to a hole in his heart left after a heart attack a few years ago.
On this happy day, Ed was missing his late wife of 63 years, Katy. It has been a year since she joined our Heavenly Father. Below is a recording of us all singing one of her favorite songs “Mansion Over the Hilltop.” There is also a poem Ed read to us remembering his beautiful wife.
Mary and Tina, Ed’s two daughters shared their precious memories of their dad as well as difficulties they had overcome as a family. “Our house changed so much when dad became a believer,” said Mary. “None of us is perfect. We are not walking in perfection. We are walking in sanctification. We are learning, and we are struggling against our sinful selves and sinful nature. My dad seeks sanctification. He still tries to be what he should be in Christ. And God in his mercy has given him so many years to do that.” Amen to that. Wishing Ed, Nancy and Pat good health and more years spent on Earth guiding and sharing their wisdom with the rest of us.
Everyone went home with a heart filled with deep gratitude. The song written and sung by Violet in dedication to her grandfather Ed sums up the blissful time we all had. This party was truly a church celebration. We are thankful.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. -Psalm 28:7