|
Mercnbeth -> A Friend in the Community Needs Good Thoughts (10/7/2009 1:08:46 PM)
|
A difficult post to write...
Somehow, 53 years on this earth, I've managed to avoid considering my own mortality. Pragmatically knowing I will die someday I always projected that 'someday' was too far away to ever consider. Circumstances change, and today I received news that brought home how fragile life is.
I came to know a man named Bill through joining the 'South Bay' Munch group. It was, at the time, a rather large group and I don't think we really got to chat much at first. Bill was an active man, imposing in stature. The first thing I knew we had in common was our affinity of trying to get 'lifestyle' people to be together in social settings. He organized bowling outings that were fun; and unlike the Munch setting people got to move around and interact. It was after one of those that we finally got to know each other.
At the after bowling dinner he 'stole' my order! Damn him, he ate my French fries! From that day on, I think we shared fries and a pitcher or two of beer every time we got together. He and his lady became friends with me and beth. We were of the same generation, had the same attitude regarding the 'lifestyle' and, more importantly, having FUN! We planned on becoming 'golf buddies'; and it was the day when we planned to hit the links for the first time that we got the first bit of bad news.
Bill had been feeling weak, something VERY uncommon for him. The military medical benefits being what they are, it took almost six months from that first symptom to pass all the gate-keepers to get the appropriate test. The test results he got, on the morning of that scheduled golf outing, determined he had Pancreatic Cancer.
That was a couple of years ago. He recovered from the operation and fought like hell not to let the disease beat him. beth and I along with many others in the community, helped him move to a better residence and supported him and his lady as best we could. We became closer and we were given the ultimate honor of hosting his wedding at our home; attended by family and friends. We even got to play a few rounds of golf together. Earlier this year he finally had to surrender a bit and moved back to Texas where he has family.
He spent his last days in California at our place where we got to share some stories and laughs. Just before heading out, he went into his car and unpacked a 'spanking bench' he made and gave it to me. Grown men, standing by a silly little customized saw horse - crying.
Bill is still in Texas. As these things usually go, we didn't talk as much as we'd both hoped we would. He did share some 'good days' with me by phone. I hoped I got to talk to him on some of his 'bad days' and made them a little better. Earlier today, I received word that Bill is in the hospital, for what may be the last time. He's in Hospice Care now.
His body may have lost the battle with cancer but it is no match for his spirit and soul.
I know most don't know Bill. He was never one to spend any time on the Internet. I don't think he had a profile. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
A military veteran, a person of great honor, a leader, a man, and so much more than words can express.
A friend who I got to know too briefly.
Anyone who remembers Bill and would like to know how to contact him or Carol should feel free to contact me through our CM profile.
|
|
|
|
