Smell The FlowersSep 09 '05 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line My appreciation to Ed Grover for being himself!!!
When I was a member of this community before, I met Ed Grover through his reviews. And, despite the fact that I have been away from this site for a long while, he is one of those interesting characters who I could never forget. He befriended me before and, when I wrote a review about the passing of my poodle, he commented on the review and told me that the piece had touched his heart. I was delighted because his opinion is one that truly matters to me. Besides writing and reading, one of the hobbies Ed and I have in common is gardening. He told me (when I was a member previously) that he loves flowers and enjoys playing in the garden, much as I do. Somehow, we ended up exchanging flowers. He lives too far away for the exchange to take place in person, but we sent flower bulbs and seeds via snail mail and awaited the outcome. I don't know if the bulbs I sent Ed are still blooming, but the seeds he sent to me grew into beautiful, tall stems that have come back, year after year, since the exchange took place. Every year, when I see the green stalks begin to poke through the soil and watch as the tall stems begin to grow toward the sky with a heartiness that has thrived, year after year, I think of Ed Grover and remember... The writer who I met on Epinions... the one who was kind enough to read my reviews and tell me the truth about his ideas and lifestyle, the one who taught me lessons through his own experiences and discernment. The guy who overcame the overwhelming fight that comes with addiction, for him... alcoholism. The man who led me to read books I wouldn't have without his insights into them. The help I needed on many occasions, through kind words, inspirations and wisdom only one who has "been there and done that" could provide. The man who shared a sincerity and serenity only found in a kind, gentle soul. Ed is a mentor and motivator for many. He especially caught my attention and appreciation with his reviews related to alcoholism and his personal struggle with the devastating disease. As one who has encountered alcoholism and other forms of addiction on a very personal level, I was inspired (as many likely were) by his revelations and openness. Addiction is deadly, not only physically - but emotionally, mentally AND Spiritually! Two of my favorite family members died at the ages of 39 and 44 from alcoholism and I've watched many, many, many others fight battles with this incurable disease. Ed is, in my opinion, one of the few who triumphed over the deadly disease and that, in itself, is encouraging and inspiring. This time around (upon re-joining Epinions), I've learned that Ed is struggling with another disease, and another disease that has hit home with me. The worst case of Cancer in my immediate family occurred in 1998. My grandfather, who had always been one of my favorite people and one who had spoiled me rotten as a child, died from the dreaded disease that has come to be a dismaying enemy in so many lives. The months before he died, I was tormented by the changes I saw in my grandfather. Cancer is a living torture chamber for those diagnosed with the disease. And, it is also torture (possibly more so) for those who love the one with Cancer. Once again... as I'm sure most of us can, I empathize with Ed's battle from the side of one who has loved and lost. IF Ed reads this... I want him to know that there are people, like myself, who have been touched by his words and his life. I have been touched by his words and his life. I have a flower that blooms every year to remind me of his kindness. And I have no doubt that there are many forms of this "flower" to remind those who have been blessed by Ed's living... to smell the "flowers" before it's too late to... and I hope you can comprehend what my idea of smelling the "flowers" means. Give your husband a hug and a kiss, listen to your friend's ambitions or anxieties, call your mother, your father, someone you miss; take time away from yourself to give to someone else! Listen to the insights of someone who reveals more than their opinion, but their most valuable possession... their heart and soul. Write a letter, smile or pray. Ed has been one of the people on this site who revealed invaluable insights and I hope that everyone who has read his reviews will smell the "flowers" and let him know that they are praying for him... for his health and his heart, his ultimate victory in this fight, despite the "shadow of death" he is walking through. The poem below was obviously written for parents who have lost a child, but I believe it is appropriate for any of us who have loved and lost.... and I hope that someone finds comfort from this... For Parents "I'll lend you for a little while, a child of mine," He said... "for you to love while he lives and mourn when he is dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,.. But will you, til' I call him back,... take care of him for me?" "He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his story be but brief... You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief... I cannot promise he will stay... as all from earth return...But there are lessons taught down there that I want this child to learn." "I've looked the wide world over, in my search for teachers true... and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you." "Now will you give him all your love - not think the labor vain... nor hate me when I come to call to take him home again." "I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, Thy Will Be Done'... for all the joy this child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shower him with tenderness and love him while we may... and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay... And should the angels call for him, much sooner than we planned... We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand." - Author Unknown Visit THIS PAGE for a list of more reviews in the write-off for Ed Grover. And, my thanks to eplovejoy for allowing me to participate in this write-off for Ed Grover  |
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