[nagdu] Last Oct. update

Sun Nov 1 22:15:31 UTC 2009

My dear Toni,
I'm so sorry you are hurting.  But, time will heal you and Ed will live in 
your heart.  My prayers are with you.

I'm glad for you that you have so many great friends to help you during this 
time for you.  I'm glad you got to go to the CCB convention.  Thank you for 
sharing your husband with us - the world is going to be a much better place 
because of Ed.

You take care of yourself and the furry kids.

Warm regards,

Linda and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ed and Toni Eames" <eeames at csufresno.edu>
To: "ed and toni eames" <eeames at csufresno.edu>
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 10:50 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Last Oct. update

> Last Oct. update
>
> Hi all,
>
> I've gotten through a week without my love.  The days are still filled 
> with friends, and I am holding up well.  Mornings are the hardest with 
> tears of facing the day without Ed.  People keep assuring me I have my 
> memories, but I can't go to bed or wake up or travel with memories.  I 
> need to reinvent my life.
>
> One shining spot is that my oncologist pronounced me cured of the breast 
> cancer I experienced 11 years ago.  However, he did want me to have a 
> repeat bone density test.  Another medical chapter?
>
> I didn't want to leave Latrell home alone so soon after losing his 
> partner, so Anita and Eric took him on several play dates while I took 
> care of chores.  I have signed the official papers adopting him from Guide 
> Dogs for the Blind.  While Ed was with me, the cats slept in bed and the 
> Goldens on the floor.  Everyone was allowed in bed in the morning for a 
> cuddle session.  I haven't been sleeping well in the empty bed, so now I 
> get to share the warmth of the dogs throughout the night.
>
> For many years Ed chaired two Fresno Committees on ADA issues.  A year 
> ago, the committees were dispanded by the city and a disability advisory 
> commission established in its place. Ed was not selected to be a 
> commissioner, probably because of the outspoken nature of his advocacy. 
> However, he was chosen to receive the first annual DAC Achievement award. 
> Since Ed was in the hospital on Oct. 1 when the Fresno City Council 
> presented the beautiful plaque and commemorative mug, Paul Kwiatkowski, 
> our Handy Ride paratransit company manager, accepted the award for Ed, 
> reading a speech prepared by Ed.  Ed was such a tireless worker to make 
> Fresno a disability friendly city, it was unfortunate he was unable to 
> receive this award in person.
>
> Last year we were selected to attend an international veterinary behavior 
> conference to be held in Kansas City from Oct. 21-25.  Not only would we 
> see friends, but also have the opportunity to present a new lecture format 
> for us.  We had scheduled a presentation at Bayer Animal Health and an 
> evening at Kansas State.  During Ed's first hospitalization, it was clear 
> we would have to give up this long-awaited trip.  Even through Toni's 
> breast cancer and spinal fusion hospitalizations and Ed's heart surgery, 
> we've never had to cancel a speaking engagement.  It was disappointing, 
> but necessary, and thankfully Cara Miller, a hearing dog partner, covered 
> our material.
>
> My grief is carried in my heart, so despite feeling reluctant, I chose to 
> attend the California Council of the Blind convention held in Fresno. 
> Ever since we knew the dates, we intended to participate.
>
> On Thursday, the 29th seven blind folks and I met with Emily Simone, field 
> trainer and orientation instructor with GDB, and Brian Jones, Fresno 
> traffic engineer, to experience what it is like for a blind person with 
> cane or dog to cross a roundabout or traffic circle.  Ed had planned this 
> tour many months ago and hoped to have media attention.  The experience 
> was valuable with Emily's excellent explanations, but no media coverage 
> was had.  In the original plans, I was not going to be part of the group, 
> but wanted to do so in Ed's honor.  Unfortunately, I was not able to stand 
> for the more than an hour presentation, so planted myself on the ground 
> and listened to the talk from afar.
>
> On Friday, puppy raiser Mary Flynn drove Keebler, Latrell wearing his 
> retired guide dog vest and me to the convention.  I spent some time at the 
> GDB table in the exhibit hall, then attended sessions and a banquet 
> dinner.  On Saturday, Halloween, Debbie Prieto accompanied us back to the 
> Radisson for more convention sessions.  I returned home for a well needed 
> break, then Stephanie Stanley returned with us for the final banquet. 
> Sadly, as I knew, my appetite returned and I've been eating too much.
>
> Life can change in a flash, so remember to tell your friends and loved 
> ones how much they mean to you.  I need to concentrate on that last 
> hospital visit when Ed was on such a high and I kissed him goodbye with 
> hope and encouragement in my heart.  I need to blot out the week of coma 
> and unresponsiveness.
>
> I am planning a memory book to be displayed at the Dec. 12 memorial 
> service at the Unitarian Universalist Church.  Our noon celebration will 
> feature lots of food, because Ed wouldn't have it any other way!  If you 
> haven't already done so, please send an e-mail with your special memories 
> of Ed.  Is there a funny incident you can recall?  Did he have a specific 
> impact on your life?  Did you have an intense conversation about 
> something?  What are your special personal memories of this incredible 
> friend and advocate for so many?
>
> Again, I very much appreciate your support.  Please keep it up until I can 
> make it on my own.
>
> Toni and Furries
>
>
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