Happy birthday, Eddie!
This guy came into the world 10 years after I was born. For the first time recalled, I was thrilled and taken with the wonder and miracle of life. What joy and complete awe he brought to us all.
Funny thing, I don't remember him ever crying or needing much as he seemed to always be content. As he grew into a young toddler, I can never forget the fascination he had with Hot Wheels! For hours he would sit on the floor, line up those little cars and make motor sounds - keeping himself fully entertained!
In those days, our family did a lot of camping, fishing and outdoor activities. Eddie always slid right in to the fascination of it all and grew to be quite the fisherman and outdoorsman himself. If dad was hooking up the fishing boat or putting on his hunting clothes, Eddie was there!
As he entered junior high and high school, he became especially interested in music, landing leading roles in musicals. If I remember right, he and the sweet lady who is now his wife and momma of his 3 boys, starred in the play, "Bye, Bye Birdie" together in high school. (Hope I got that right!)
The dramas of life and raising a family continued as Eddie sought a career in country music, performing and writing songs, which eventually took him and his young family to Nashville.
His guitar and silky voice has entertained many more since that time, but I believe none could enjoy it more than I! Almost as thrilling as holding that new baby my mom and dad brought home many years ago, are the moments when the strings of his guitar are warmed up and the bluegrass and country "roots with boots" begin to fill the air. The melodies of life and experiences warm my heart and take me to familiar places as I smile, not having a doubt who is my favorite musician in the world!
How I wish we lived nearer to each other to share more of life these days. However, the heartbeat of love that began on April 11, 1968 continues no matter how far away, and will ever remain a favorite song...happy birthday April 12, dear brother!
