Mr. Edwards: Compassion

Mr. Edwards is one of my best friend’s dads. When his daughter, Libby, and I began playing volleyball together four years ago, I didn’t know much about Mr. Edwards other than that he was a devout Michigan fan and told jokes that almost always crossed the line. That entire first year of knowing him, I felt completely intimidated by this 6’3, self-assured man. Those first two years went by quickly, without either of us putting in much effort to get to know one another. Don’t get me wrong, we liked each other very much and got along well, but I had no idea Mr. Edward’s and I would have the relationship we have now. It all stated my sophomore year, right after Libby’s and my volleyball season had ended in June. The summer was just beginning, which meant that I would be spending one week with my dad and one week with my mom, alternating until school began again. My dad and I don’t get along very well, so on weeks that I was supposed to be at his house, I would spend sometimes up to half of the week at the Edward’s home. They were very gracious and inviting, like no one I’ve ever experienced. As the summer progressed, the fights with my dad got more and more serious, until the culmination on August 6, when I left my dad’s house for the final time. I used to think that was the worst summer of my life, and looking at it on the surface it should win by a landslide. But, if I think about everything I went through I wouldn’t change it for the world. That was the summer my dad kicked me out. It was also the summer Mr. Edwards took me in, staying up until 2 in the morning talking to me about anything and everything.  That was the summer my dad told me I was a nuisance to the family. It was also the summer that Mr. Edwards made me realize my worth, that just because I had gone through bad experiences did not mean that I was a bad person. That was the summer that I lost my father. It was also the summer I gained a dad.

Mr. Edwards is one of the most influential, caring, compassionate, driven men I have ever met. I am so blessed to have someone like him in my life because he truly cares about me. What makes it so special is that he has no reason to – I have no blood relation to him – he just does. Mr. Edwards taught me that people are, in fact, good. Because of the experiences with my dad, I had a very bitter outlook on life, believing that if my own father didn’t care about me, then no one else ever would. Mr. Edwards completely wiped away that belief. Without him and the rest of the Edwards - Mrs. Edwards, Libby, Sarah, Michael, and James - I don’t know how I would have made it through the past two years. They are my second family.