Michael Edwards Obituary

The following are the eulogies said at Michael's funeral:



by Uncle Doug -



Michael is the only one here today that is not suffering. His body may have lost the war against the illness that took him, but his spirit won and lives on in each of us.

Michael touched the lives of hundreds of people from Alaska to New York and beyond. In his strength, bravery and spirit we found hope. All of us hoped for his well being and comfort; yet Mike hoped for other things. First and foremost he hoped for other kids fighting Niemann-Pick. He also hoped for the successful recovery of wolves in the Great American West. Of course there was always at least a little hope left for his favorite sports teams and players. In fact, Mike probably forgot more about sports than I will ever know. Now I believe that he hopes that we remember him for who he was, not for the terrible disease that stole him from us. He also hopes that we never forget the courage, love and care that was provided to him by his incredible parents.

Mikey, your suffering is over, yet ours grows worse. We will miss, yet remember your spirit, your smile, the twinkle in your eye as well as your frquent hambone antics. The privilege of being your Uncle and Godfather is one that I will always cherish. Rather than say goodbye, I'll say "See you later" and give you a "thumbs up" until we meet again. Rest in peace little buddy. I love you.





by Bonnie -



C. C. Scott once said, "The human spirit is stronger than anything that happens to it." I think that is the best quote when it comes to Mike. He never complained. He had Niemann-Pick and took what was given to him with a smile on his face and love in his heart. He was the strongest person I have ever known. He even left this earth the way he chose. At first he didn't want to leave us because he was worried about our parents. He didn't want to let them down. All of us tried to convince him to just let go and stop trying, but like any 19 year old, he didn't listen. He continued to fight until he found the moment that he wanted to leave. I think he realized that we were prepared for it and he felt okay to make his journey. Finally he left on his terms. That was the way he was - strong minded, he wanted things the way he wanted them. I believe in the end he won, not the disease. It tried and tried to get him, but he still left in his way.

Even though I have talked about Niemann-Pick I don't want him to be remembered as a victim of it. I want all of our memories to be filled with Mickey's great attitude, his unconditional love, and caring nature. Try to remember him fishing, running around, just acting like a kid. The great strength he had. He was smart, funny, reliable, kind and generous. I could go on and on...Try to think of the fact that he is once again playing baseball and basketball. He is no longer in pain and that is what is important.

Michael, you were truly a special person. I can still feel your presence all around me and hear your giggle every time I act goofy. I am proud of the fact that you were part of our family. I want you to know that I thank God everyday for the time you were with us and I am counting the days till I can see you again. Until that day comes I will find comfort in the fact that you are watching over me. You mean the world to me, Buddrick, and I love you.

Dear Edwards family - we just learned of Michael's death tonight and we are so sorry - Margaret, our eight year old daughter, asked how Michael was doing about two weeks ago - he sure made an impression on so many people. We can remember: Michael's smile and positive attitude, Michael running around and throwing a ball when we first moved in, and then in later years, Michael passing out Halloween candy to all the kids in the neighborhood - most of all Cindy and John we remember your selfless, untiring, unconditional love and care and your incredible connection to one another. We pray that God gives you strength and comforts you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless and Keep you - with love, the Cullen-Conway Family

Kathleen, Pete, Margaret, Clare and Maeve<

Many members of Jefferson Park Lutheran Church were saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Edwards. Many fond memories are being exchanged and shared.



The congregation expresses its deepest condolances to the entire Edwards family.



May God bless and comfort you all in this untimely loss.

Dear John,Cindi and Family

Sorry to hear about Michael

My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.

May God Bless you all.

Dear John, Cindy & Family,



Your precious Michael left a deep impression in the hearts of all those who saw his smile and received his energy and determination not to allow Niemann Pick Disease to prevent him from spreading his joy. He was such an inspiration to us all. He will be dearly missed. I praise God for his life and contagious smile. I am proud to say I knew Michael R. Edwards.



Hunt Ozmer

We'll miss Michael,that special guy that didn't want to say good bye but chose to say "SEE YA" instead .May God continue to bless this family with the strenght that can only come from HIM alone.

With love and prayers,

April and Phil Moore

Dear Edwards Family,



I am so sorry to hear about Michael. It is so sad what this terrible disease does to our children. I offer my condolences, and pray for you all. These special angels teach us so many things about courage, love, and faith. And like you said in your list-serv email for Michael, he is a Hero. May you be comforted by the memories you cherish and for being touched by such a special person. My little Kevin recently went through that painful eye movement test too so he could participate in ogt-918 drug trials. May your wounds from the struggles you've experienced be healed by knowing Michael has helped others, and he is in Heaven with God.



In love and sympathy,

Brenda Eadie

(honored to be Kevin Eadie's Mom, NP-C, age 10)

Bonnie & John-

Even tho I didn't know Michael very well, I remember him from Tim's Sunday School class. I have on video one Xmas pagent from Jefferson Park Lutheran Church where Tim, Jason Knill & Michael were shepherds and singing a song, & boy did Michael bellow out those words. It was so cute. He was so much louder than Tim & Jason. That's the one thing I will always remember about him, how he loved to sing. My heart is with your family at this trying time. Michael sure put up a good fight all these years and was an inspiration to all of us. God Bless all of you.

Diane Lemon

We can't be with you today Michael because I had my left knee replaced & can't get around very well but you are in our hearts & minds & prayers.

Michael, We remember when you came to us, less than a week old. I remember you as you grew up, always singing, with that deep voice, for such a little guy!! My favorite was "Yellow Submarine"

We have lots & lots of memories but the one I like best is when Mom brought you over on our deck to watch the Cubs & Sox game. You & I argued all afternoon about those darn Cubs! You shook your fist at me everytime I said " The Cubs Stink!!" I can't remember if they won or lost that day, but they play again today and I say " GO CUBS" Win this one for Mikey! You better believe I'll be rootin' for the Cubs today!

We love you.

Love,

Sue & Dennis

Dear Cindy John and Family,

You will know, I am sure, that the thoughts and love of your extended, "Niemann-Pick Family" are with you all. Michael was a wonderful young man and he and Roy found friendship in each other when they met at the NNPDF Family Conferences. Michael's bravery, fun and laughter were an inspiration to many. You will carry him always with you in your heart.

With all our love

Dear John, Cindi & family we are very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Michael. We will keep your family in our prayers.

Mike & GeorgeAnn Werner

Dear Cindy, John, John,Jr & Bonnie & my life long friend, Grandma Shirley, Please accept my love & sympathy on Michael's passing. He's now in the arms of our Lord, free of pain & suffering. I'll always remember his contagious smile & dry sense of humor. How fortunate I am for having known him, he'll be in my heart forever.



Love, Aunt Dolores

I feel blessed that Michael and the Edwards family came into my life. Michael too was blessed to have such a devoted and loving family. What started out as a professional relationship, quickly developed into a friendship. Michael and his family will always have a special place in my heart forever. Even though our professional relationship has ended, I hope our friendship will continue. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

All of us at Edison Park Chiropractic Clinic would like to send our condolences to the Edwards family. We all loved and cared for Mike as if we knew him all his life. Michael was a special person and will remain a heart filled memory forever.

John- your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!!!



Dr. Carol McGough and staff

My son has NP-C and I am grateful for the example of love and endurance that MIchael set.

The Edwards Family:



We are at a loss of words. The first time we met Michael was in Tucson, Arizona. His smile was out of this world. Our son Ryan was given your firefighter shirt in honor of Michael and we have it hung with pride in his room. We will miss Michael and his beautiful smile. We hope his wonderful memories will bring you strength at this time. We are deeply sadden and are praying God gives you all strength.



With Love



The Richardson's



Sherry, Christopher, Rachel, Jordan, and Ryan

John, Cindy, John & Bonnie,



I'm sorry for the loss of Michael. My prayers will be with you all.



Jim, Nancy & Joey

All of us at Suburban Pediatrics would like to send our love and condolences to the entire Edwards family. Over the part 7 years, we have gotten to know Michael and the Edwards family quite well. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were such devoted, loving, and compassionate parents who never gave up hope. Michael you were so blessed to have such wonderful parents. Michael was a special patient and friend of ours and will be remembered forever.



Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.



The Doctors and Staff of Suburban Pediatrics

To my Sweet Boy,

You started out as an adorable baby and turned into a happy toddler. From there you grew to be an energetic little boy. You wanted to do everything! You worshipped Johnny and tried to imitate him. Bonnie spoiled you and you adored her. As you started having physical problems, it was hard, but you just wanted to know what was wrong with you. Once we knew, you accepted it and showed concern for the other kids with Niemann-Pick. You expressed sympathy for them. But you never felt sorry for yourself. You taught us so much. How to be generous to others. How to face bad times. How to keep a sense of humor when there doesn't seem to be much to laugh about. How to love your friends. How to reach out for an adventure. How to have a different "inside joke" with almost everyone you know. How to forgive others for their shortcomings. How to smile. Once people met you, they wanted to do something for you, to add to your life. You helped others to be better people. Especially your Dad and me. What a gift you were to us!

What will we do without you? I can barely let myself think about it. I'd give anything to hear one more "hey". There is a piece of me that is missing and it won't be filled until we're together again. You were the center of our world.

I promise to remember what you taught me. I hope you'll be as proud to have had me as your mom as I am to be your mom.

I love you, my Mikey

Mommy

Dear Bonnie, Cindy, John, John, and family. My heart truly goes out to you all, as I sit here reading the other messages written, trying to hold back the tears. I can't help but feel blessed that you have shared your good times and your sad times with me. Thank you all for opening your hearts to me, and being so real even when being real hurt. Michael was so lucky to have been born in your family. He was blessed with your unconditional and undieing love, something that some people live to be a hundred and never experience. Michael will always have a very special place in my heart. Love Amanda

Sending our love and condolence to uncle John, aunt Cindy, John Jr. and Bonnie for the loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend. You will be greatly missed Mikey! Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless!

As difficult as this time must be, you must realize that both of you are Micheal's hero's. Micheal is at peace and has found his place in heaven.We're sorry we coudn't be there with you. Your always in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you and hold you close. There are no better parents!!

My Michael,I know your happy now in Jesus arms. No more suffering with that terrible disease. My arms ache to hold you though, and I never did get enough kisses. Grandma Pratt loves you and will forever.

I'm a friend of the Moore family, and feel like I knew Mike. April and I have been freinds for 22 years. And she spoke of him often. He is in God's hands now and will be missed by all.



God bless your family.

Dear Michael

I remember your days as an eager learner in Sunday School. You were always the first to Volunteer to help --- something I know you learned at home- as I saw that same helpful spirit in your Mom with her work with the school and with you dear sister Bonnie always ready to go the extra mile. I remember you singing with all your heart "Jesus Loves Me" and "This Little Light of Mine" and "I've got the JOY JOY JOY JOY down in my heart". I remember your help with the Christmas programs- I can still picture you with your Sheperds costume on. As you grew I know that those songs and the lessons you learned stayed in your heart and I hope they comforted you. I knew you as a child full of questions but equally full of faith. The world was blessed by your short visit here. Heaven has just been blessed with an eager volunteer, always wanting to make a difference for the better, always having the hope and faith that it CAN BE DONE, even if it isn't easy. I feel so honored to have known you Michael. Love, your Sunday school teacher Marianne Kurth

I wanted to extend our condolences to Michael's parents. Yacktman Pavilion is where we were blessed to meet Michael and his family in his last few months, and his parents were courageous, strong and the nicest people you could ever meet and Michael was really sweet although he was sick. We at Yacktman Outpatient Dept hope that you will be comforted by the arms of God and will find peace knowing that he is with the Lord.







Prayerfully Yours,



Surrina Hamb,

Lutheran General Hospital

Yacktman Outpatient

OUR DEAR, SWEET MICHAEL,

HOW PRECIOUS YOU WERE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE IN OUR LIVES. YOUR SPIRIT WILL LIVE IN ME, AND GUIDE ME, UNTIL THE END OF TIME. YOUR SMILE BRIGHTENS MY EVERY MORNING, AS I LOOK AT YOUR PHOTO, HANGING ON MY KITCHEN WALL. I THANK GOD FOR LEADING US TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY HEART ACHES FOR THEM, NOW, BUT WE ALL KNOW WHERE YOU ARE. YOU WILL FOREVER BE A GUIDING LIGHT.

WITH SO MUCH LOVE,

PHYL & FRED

XXOO

In the five years I have been a part of this wonderful family, Michael has touched my life in countless ways that cannot be expressed by words alone. I will miss my "handsome guy" every day of my life.

Mike touched the lives of hundreds of people from Alaska to New York with his spirit. He will be sorely missed but his memory will live on with us forever. Rest in peace little buddy. I love you.

Auntie Shirley, Cindy, John and family,

We offer our deepest sympathy on the loss of Michael. May he rest in peace and may God guide you through this difficult time.

My son Michael, as I write this my eyes are filled with tears that I'll always have until I am with you again. Your loss puts a void in my body that I'll always have.You were my hero in every sense of the word. You fought so hard and in everything you were able to achieve you just proved over and over what a privilege it was to be your dad. I know your not hurting anymore and I am so glad of that. But my heart is broken and I miss you so much that words will never be able to express. As you fought that terrible disease and we watched and tried to help you, were sure that God was helping us. You were the strength that kept us going. I know that you know that your mom is already on God's list of souls for heaven. She was the backbone of our caregiving for you. She truely is an angel in waiting.

We watched you grow from a baby to a little boy that was as cute as anything. Whether it was being Mick the pic for grandpa p or watching wrassling with granpa e, it didn't matter you were the best.

As you got bigger and the disease started affecting you body. We tried so hard to find out what was wrong, and when we found out, it was devastating to know something was wrong that we couldn't stop.

Every step of the way you showed over and over again why your daddy's hero. We've always been so proud of you that each thing you did made it even better. When you graduated and you got your diploma , it was tremendous. There were so many things that you did that showed what a GREAT person you were that I would be here writing forever.

But one thing that really showed what kind of person you were was, for your 18 birthday party, as sick as you were, rather then having people give you presents ( which you got anyway), you wanted people to donate money to help find a cure to help the other kids.

You might not be world famous and you might not have won any big awards, but you showed that you are the BEST.

I could go on and on but theres no need to because these are only words and I know that you know how much you were loved by EVERYONE.

Michael, Daddy misses you.

We love you, Michael !!!



Hugs from all the Appels

Butch, Chris, Julie & Russ, John & Vicky, Kathy and Lily