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I love these pictures of the demolition derby for so many reasons. First off, Eddie was the strongest guy I know and he overcame so many obstacles throughout his life. He was truly a fighter and through his beliefs and hard work, succeeded in everything he set out to do.

There was no coincidence that his favorite artist was Tom Petty and he loved the song “Won’t Back Down”. It suited him perfectly. He fought for everything he believed in and he never backed down… no matter what.

Eddie instilled that belief onto the boys…especially Max. They know to respect everyone, but to defend themselves and to stand up for what’s right. He always told Max that it didn’t matter what other people thought, if it was the right thing…you do it. Through the years, Eddie often stood up for people that he saw being treated unfairly. No matter what the consequences could be, Eddie stood his ground for what he believed…always.

The demolition derby and that car and what it stood for, were some of Eddie’s favorite things he did. They had a huge significance in his life. In a way, they even defined him. No matter how many times that car stalled or caught on fire, he didn’t give up. He kept fighting. When it was all over, he had a huge smile…he did it. He succeeded with what he went out to do. It was the perfect culmination of a battle for freedom, that Eddie had won.

Eddie taught the boys two of the most valuable life lessons there are…stand up for what you believe and never give up. Those lessons will live on forever in the boys, through his memories.