In honor of Father's Day I would like to recognize a very special man. His name is Ed Armstrong. From the second I started dating Dave in 2002 he treated me like I was part of the family, and like his 3rd daughter.
He helped Dave and I a lot when we first got married. We could go to him with any question or problem and he always had a solution. We depended on him for a lot of things including financial advice, becoming home owners, and just being there whenever we wanted to talk. I loved going over to their house just to hang out and talk. We would all just sit around the living room (Dave's parents and sisters) and talk and joke about nothing at all. It was just fun to be together as a family.
He always made it a point to say something really sweet to me when we got to their house. He would say something along the lines of "there is my sweet Cheryl" "There's that beautiful smile" and I am sure there were others, but I can't remember them. He always made me feel welcome, and loved.
Sadly, around the first part of June 2005 Ed collapsed at work, very unexpectedly. He was rushed to the hospital where he remained for a couple of weeks. The doctors tried pretty much everything to figure out what was going on with him, but the only thing they could really tell us was that he had infections. He was about to come home when he got yet another infection in his body. He was taken to the ICU, and gradually got worse and worse. He passed away on June 17, 2005. He is missed by all who knew and loved him. He was well respected, and one of the greatest men I have ever known in my life. He was a great father, bishop, friend, father-in-law, confidant, brother, and uncle.
One month after Ed died I found out that I was 6 months pregnant with Conner. I know that it sounds crazy, but I believe that we weren't supposed to know about Conner until Ed met him first. He had 3 months with him, and I am so grateful that Conner did have some time with his Grandpa. I also believe that he prepared Vika for our family. Yes he did have more time with Vika, but that doesn't mean it was less special.
I loved this great man, and I am very proud to be an Armstrong. There are many things that Dave has gotten from his Dad, and I have to say that the best thing he learned from him is how treat the women in his life. Dave is very respectful, loving and caring for all women. This is something that I know he will pass down to Conner. Thank you Ed for all that you have taught your son, and grandson. We miss you, and love you very much. Happy Father's Day!