Beyond the Storm, Part 2: The Hurricane and Home-Rev. Ed "Doc" Goldens Fight to Keep His Family Together

Beyond the Storm, Part 2: The Hurricane at Home – Rev. Ed “Doc” Golden’s Fight to Keep His Family Together

Just as he had survived a hurricane at sea, Doc was about to face an even fiercer storm back on land.

At 19, newly married with two children, he was blindsided when his wife left, taking everything but the kids. Doc received a call from the Red Cross: if he didn’t return home immediately, his children would be placed in foster care.

In an instant, his Navy career was over. He flew home on a 26-hour journey, from the Philippines to Delaware to New York, only to find himself a single father, homeless, and unsure how to move forward.

Living in an abandoned Florida building, Doc began building a life from scratch. There were no Christmas trees, no presents, and barely enough to eat, but there was love. One Christmas, that love took the shape of a handmade sailboat, carved from scrap wood for his sons.

That boat still sits in his youngest son’s office today. It’s a symbol of grit, heart, and the kind of father who never gave up.

“That was the best Christmas ever,” his sons later said. “Because we knew Dad did the best he could.”

👉 Coming Next: Part 3 – Rebuilding a Life, Fighting for Recognition
With his Navy career behind him, Doc worked hard to build a new life for his family. But one thing still haunted him — the lack of recognition for his service. What came next was a decade-long battle, an unexpected moment of honor, and a turning point that changed everything.