Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The passing of a friend

Many of you remember a few weeks ago when I posted a prayer request here and here for my cyber-friend Bill, who was dying of cancer. A lot of you wanted an update on him, something I was unable to provide because he was beyond the point of sending emails and I had no other way to contact him.

Thankfully one of the kids he fostered and who is now grown -- her name is Willow -- dropped me an email today as follows:

Hi, I don't know if Bill has told you about me, but my name is Willow and I am the closest he has to a daughter of his own.

I have some sad news. Bill died a few hours ago. Yesterday they said he was slipping away, and today he's gone.

I'm sorry if that was horribly blunt. I can't find a nice way to explain it.

Kind regards,
Willow


I'm so grateful Willow took the time to let me know.  The funny thing about receiving her email is that Bill has been strongly on my mind for the last couple of weeks. I think a part of me knew his time was close. I find myself relieved he's gone because he was suffering so much in the end. Now I have no doubt he's rejoicing in the arms of his Savior.

Thank you all for your kind comments and inquiries about Billl. It was a great comfort for him.

13 comments:

  1. Just to confirm what Patrice said, really. He was overwhelmed by the fact that people who don't know him would care about him. It was wonderful to hear him knowing how loved he was and always will be.
    willow

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  2. He lives on in every kid's life he touched, as he will continue to watch over them - just from farther away.....no more pain, or suffering, just peace now.....He didn't waste his life for one moment, either, he made it count so well that a bunch of strangers were honored to have heard about him.....Rest In Peace and Contentment, Bill.....

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  3. Bill is at peace now. I remember praying for him to pass painlessly since there was little hope he'd return to good health.

    A good man, gone too soon, but he accomplished more in his life than most of us will.

    So long Bill, see you on the other side.

    Willow, thank you for letting us know of his passing.

    Anonymous Patriot
    USA

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  4. Thank you, Willow. I know you'll miss him, and he was clearly a very good influence in your life.

    He's certainly missed around here.

    A.McSp

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  5. May he rest in peace. I have been thinking about him, too.

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  6. AWWW, so sorry! However you were correct, He is no longer suffering and is in a better place. When God calls you, that means he needs you for something special!

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  7. Save the Canning JarsJune 28, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Thanks Willow for unselfishly taking the time to let us all know! May God's peace and grace rest upon you in the days ahead.

    Bill ran the race and finished strong in the Lord. Well done!

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  8. I was wondering about Bill yesterday and I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. I do hope our words of encouragement and prayers gave him peace. Thanks, Patrice, for letting us know of him. It sounded like this blog really showered him with so much love and support. He was truly touched by a hundred new friends and their kind words and prayers. He will be missed.
    --K in OK <><

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  9. I'm so sorry to hear this sad news, and that he will no longer be able to work with and help those kids. I, too had thought about him over the last few days, wondering how he was doing and if you'd heard from him. What a blessing that Willow made the time to let you know. It's hard when folks just disappear without word. In this case, you probably would have known what happened. But it helps to know and have closure.
    Prayers,
    Jenny in Alaska

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  10. Willow, I am so sorry for your loss. Patrice, I'm sorry for your loss as well. It doesn't matter if we ever get to meet all those we consider friends - they still live in our hearts, and loss is still painful. Praying God will comfort both of you in the way only He is able to do.
    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  11. Thank you, Willow. I've been wondering about Bill lately. I'm so very happy that Bill knew the Lord and is now living in a mansion with Him. I will miss the wit in his comments.

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  12. Phyllis (N/W Jersey)June 29, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Thank you, Willow for letting us know about Bill.
    He has been in my prayers every night since Patrice told us about him. He was an amazing man.
    You are so very fortunate to have known and loved him. May God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and peace.

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  13. So sorry for all the people whose lives were touched by Bill. It is nice to know that with just a little effort some of his kindness was returned to him when he really needed it. Thank you for letting us know about Bill and his life.

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