Bryan G. Edwards

Let me introduce myself to you. I was born October 17, 1988, to Major Bruce and Betty Edwards. I was born two months premature and spent almost two months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. I arrived early because my dad had orders for the family to move to Izmir, Turkey. In order for the family to travel, I had to be at least 6 months. I fought, became stronger, and we were able to travel together on time.

Living in Turkey was an experience. I stayed in day care while mom and dad worked. Two years later, the family moved to Frankfurt, Germany. Another experience for my family. Two years later, my dad decided to retire, and we relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. The most exciting time was when I piloted a 747 airplane, (smile) From the cockpit at the airport in New York.

My parents enrolled my big brother Bruce and I at Gilmore Academy. I was in pre-school, and for some reason, they wanted me to attend only half a day. This was a Montessori School, and they were not ready for me. I would complete one task and move to another. I was told that I had to wait until the other students completed their tasks. Mom and dad decided to enroll me at Pooh County Pre-School. The highlight for me was graduation day. I then attended St. Thomas Aquinas. It was rough, but I was able to make the Honor Roll. At the same time, mom and dad enrolled Bruce and I at a martial arts school. This was challenging, especially when I was able to break a 2x4 piece of wood with my hand and foot. Learned a brown belt, and I entered numerous local and state events. We travel led to California for the National Jr. Taekwondo Tournament. I cheered my big brother on as he came in 2nd place in the Nationals. This was awesome, and did I mention that my big brother Bruce was my closest friend, and my confidant as well. After graduation, I attended FDR Middle School, Boring! Mom and dad then enrolled me in a military academy. I had aspirations of joining the military when I completed high school but decided “naw”. For high school, I was enrolled at Shaker High, but the traditional high school environment did not work for me. Life Skills, here I come. I finally graduated. Thank GOD.

I met Teresse Davis, we fell in love, and had two gorgeous children, Brittany and BJ. I enjoyed being a husband and a father. My kids were my life. Unfortunately, we encountered numerous issues, and we divorced. My kids were the most important part of my life. They encouraged me to work hard, enjoy life, and enjoy every other weekend, holidays, and any other time I could be with them. As time moved on, I met Charmain Jackson, and later, another beautiful daughter, Ivory, was born. My family had increased. The kids loved each other, and I loved them. We would go to Dave & Buster’s, Chuckie Cheese, Buffalo Wild Wings, amusement parks, playing video games, swimming, cooking, and enjoying each other. We occasionally attended New Life Missionary Baptist Church with mom. The kids and I enjoyed the services. I forgot to mention that I was employed at Cosmax, Inc. Mom said I had a good work ethic, but really, I truly enjoyed my job, especially when I received my certification as aTow Motor Driver.

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus decided to mess up my life. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t see my kids, I couldn’t reach anyone at unemployment to help me, and many other issues in my personal life seemed unfixable.

Mom, Dad, Bruce (Shaka), Brit, BJ and Ivory, I will be watching you from afar, I did not want to leave you, I tried to stay but I had no choice."