My precious husband transitioned from earth to heaven on Tuesday, September 22. We were married just 5 days short of 52 years, and I knew him for 55 years.
Below is what I wrote and asked the Chaplain of our American Legion to share at the celebration of Life we had for him on October 2nd. I wanted to share it here as well.
Ed Aten is someone who loved people of all ages and easily made friends. He especially connected with small children. Even our three children seemed to prefer daddy’s arms when they were small. He also led a Youth Group years ago, and how he loved those teens!
Ed loved his family deeply and worked very hard to make sure our needs were met – even when it meant long work hours, long commutes, or working night shifts. He loved me (Cindy) and always encouraged me to do whatever was in my heart to do, including traveling to Israel twice.
For the last seven years Ed’s body was under attack by Central Nervous System Vasculitis. It attacked his brain and other parts of his body as well. He was truly amazing, undergoing many infusions, difficult surgeries and taking all meds prescribed by his doctors. He kept a positive attitude and never complained, not once.
Ed was a man of faith. Many times we would catch hands and pray together — that the medicines he took would only do him good and no harm, that God would lead his doctors and others providing medical care, that it would be done in excellence. Our prayers for Ed often focused on Psalm 103, praying for healing. I am grateful that he experienced many victories during these years.
Psalm 103: 1-4
BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits. Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy.
