Ed Arnold, an extraordinary activist and human being.
On Saturday I lost a great brother -- Ed Arnold, executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Georgia Chapter. Like myself, and like the purpose of this blog, Ed focused on the environment and world peace.
An amazing activist, Ed was into so many causes, including health issues and nuclear proliferation. I regularly ran into him at events around Atlanta.
He always thought it was interesting that I was a Southern Baptist turned environmental activist. Ed's story was similar -- he was once a Presbyterian. Both of us, one day, had an awakening.
Ed died of leukemia at age 69. The last time I saw him was last December, when I was giving a population presentation at his church. Whenever we ran into each other, he was always glad to see me, and always had something positive to say to me. He knew exactly where I was coming from — he could see straight into my heart.
I thank Ed for inspiring me, and I mean REALLY inspiring me. I only wish that I could better deal with the depression that constantly haunts me -- it is this constant grief, jadedness, and cynicism that will prevent me from ever being half the activist that Ed was. I'm not sure how Ed managed the negative side of the work we do, but he did, and he kept on going until the very end.
Ed, you were the greatest of activists and the greatest of humans. I will ALWAYS remember you. You taught me and led all of us by your faithful example. You NEVER gave up.
Sincerely,
Todd
