A Toast to the Beautiful Life of Sgt Edward Bolen

Dates and anniversaries have a way of bringing us back to a moment in time. The memories seem clearer and sharper. Smells, sounds, thoughts and feelings come back as if it occured yesterday. Some memories bring you joy while others you just want to forget. The details are so imprinted in your mind that you couldn’t forget them if you tried. November 10th and the weeks following are cemented in my mind. I remember the feeling of the cool breeze in the air and the warm sun on my face. I remember the knot in my stomach when I pulled into my driveway to see an unfamiliar car and the look on the soldier’s faces when they had to tell me my worst nightmare came true. Instead of focusing on this memory that haunts me every year, I’m choosing to reflect on the happier memories. November 10th over the past 8 years have been filled with many emotions and memories. They have been filled with tears, laughter, friendship and love. I have been surrounded by the most amazing people. People who I love and appreciate everyday. We celebrate the good memories instead of focusing on the difficult ones.

So I raise my glass to Eddie, the man with the biggest smile who had a heart of gold. A man who left an impression everywhere he went and constantly went out of his way to help others. To a true selfless hero who will always be missed deeply every single day. I ask that people spend a little time thinking “WWED What Would Eddie do?” This concept has helped me remember to live life to the fullest, help others whenever I can, and spread kindness to all. Slainte!

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