Remembering Uncle Bill

This weekend we went to Pennsylvania to honor and lay to rest John's Uncle Bill, seen here in the center of the photo. Today would have been his 68th birthday. I'd like to share some stories about the group in this photo, (L-R: Judi, Bill, Chuck).

Bill and Judi met at an airport, where she was a passenger in distress, and he was a manager for US Airways. He helped her out, and later followed up with her to make sure things worked out. It was the beginning of a long and loving relationship of about 15 years.

Bill was very close to a cousin, Mary Ellen, who I met at the funeral. She gave a beautiful eulogy, telling the story of how she and Bill kept in touch over the years, and one time when he called to chat, her husband said she was in the hospital, recovering from cancer. Bill immediately took vacation time, and flew from CA to NJ to spend several days visiting her in the hospital. Before he left, he took off his (St. Christopher's)? medal and put it on her, and told her to wear it as until she was feeling better, and he would be with her while she recovered. She did recover, and wore it for a full year.

The man to the right of Bill in the photo, is his older brother, Chuck. Chuck, upon hearing that Bill was very ill, earlier this year, left his home in Texas, and flew up to PA to help Judi care for Bill in the final month of his life. As much as might have liked to be able to help him get better, that was not to be. But, I believe, he provided a great service of love to both Judi and Bill, and helped make his remaining time and his passing more peaceful and comfortable.

They are great people, and even greater role models. Much love to all.

Kim