Marc's (one of Lorin's brothers) eulogy

It is an honor for me to speak in front of you all today.  Looking

around this sanctuary, everyone can feel the tremendous love

and admiration we all had for Eddie.  He fought like a champion but

ultimately faced an unwinnable battle which is so difficult to take

and understand.  But his fight, courage and gracious attitude will

never be forgotten.  Thank every one of you for being here to say

goodbye and cherish the memory of a fantastic, humble and, most of

all, sweet son, brother, friend, husband and father.

I assume some of you here had a similar experience in that I owe my

relatively newfound obsession with Bruce Springsteen 100% to Eddie.

It will be impossible to listen to another song by The Boss without

thinking of Eddie

and our conversations about the music.   A few years ago, not long

after his diagnosis, Eddie was the guest DJ on the Sirius radio

channel of Springsteen called E Street Radio.  Along with an amazing

tribute to the love of his life by playing Two Hearts, Eddie displayed

a unique message by playing Countin on a Miracle.

" Im Countin on a Miracle,

Baby I'm Countin on a Miracle,

Darlin I'm Countin on a

Miracle,

To Come Through" says the song.

As Eddie was, I am an eternal

optimist and expected that miracle up until the bitter end.  I won't

try to understand why our prayers were not answered, but I will always cherish his memory

through the things in life that Eddie taught me.  The value of Springsteen's lyrics being one.

More important than that, he taught me how to try to understand people

and their feelings a little better.  In particular, I will never

forget a 20-30 minute discussion we had in my car in Fort Worth, TX

where he helped me understand the need to better think through certain

people's personalities.  Work with who they are to understand them,

and through that we can all have a little less drama and more peace in

our lives and relationships.

Eddie displayed who he was by simply smiling.  That smile.  That

simple sweet, beautiful smile.  It showed his grace in life and his

steadfast belief in putting others first.  He smiled to make others

happy since it was one of those special smiles which had the ability

to do just that.    He was a beautiful man with the heart of gold, his

goal only to do all he could to make others

happy.  We have a new poster boy for the saying, only the good die

young.

Lorin, your courage, stoicism and strength over the past seven years

is beyond words.  I am so proud.  And so thankful Eddie had you by his

side throughout the entire battle.  You are truly something else.

Dylan and Matthew, the past nine and seven years you had with your

father were so meaningful.  He loved you so much and will always

look after you, guiding you in the path of life. Cherish his

memories you shared and always remember how fortunate you are to have

had the Father in Eddie Michaels.  I love you.

In closing, I was lucky to have had the ten years i had Eddie Michaels in my life.  I will always hold tight to that fact.  The memories we all have with him should be told and retold in the hopes that more of us can be like Eddie Michaels.  He was one of the few who led by example without the need for a loud voice.  I will always remember

that and carry it with me throughout my life.  Lead by example, not through words.

Eddie, you left us too soon.  Way too soon.  As you will from the

heavens above, we will look after your family and all carry you with

us the rest of our days and nights.  We will forever cherish your

memory.  And we will miss you.   As my Grandfather always told me,

"Tsi Gesunt Eddie, until we meet again".