This morning we lost a dear friend and mentor
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
last summer he fought so hard to keep going.
Even in his final weeks when I was with him he said
"We've got another great 10 years ahead of us."
He was positive, optimistic and even treated patients up until his last month of life.
Bill was acclaimed, awarded and applauded throughout the
world for developing life saving procedures.
He was often traveling to far off destinations
to teach other doctors, residents and medical students how to do what he did so well.
Patients traveled to him from across the globe to be treated.
Bill was a leader.
He created an amazing radiology group from the ground up.
In addition to being a loving and involved father to his two beautiful daughters,
he has spent the past nearly 20 years pouring his heart and soul into
his group, his patients and his hospital.
He is the reason we are here.
We knew that if Cody had Bill as his
boss, mentor and friend that all would be well.
On top of this and so much more Bill
managed to consistently reach out those around him in unique and powerful ways.
He attended Brinley's baptism.
He took our kids swimming and
taught Avery how to jump off the diving board.
He took us out to dinner several times and in those mealtime conversations was
uplifting and encouraging and inquisitive.
He sent gifts when we've had babies....and the list goes on.
Bill was an example to our family and especially to Cody.
He was humble, always recognizing God's hand in the medical
advancements and treatments he developed.
The procedures he mentions that "Were developed at
Nationwide Children's," well actually he developed them.
He was kind. He treated everyone as his equal.
He took time to learn about people and express interest in their lives.
Perhaps this is why, when we have been with him at conferences both inside and outside the U.S., so many people knew him, admired him and made efforts to reconnect with him.
Cody wrote Bill a letter a few days ago
and an excerpt from the letter depicts him so well:
"One of my favorite memories of you is the day I caught up to you walking down to the cafeteria.
You were walking and chatting with Kumahu, one of the PBX telephone operators. As if you were introducing me to one of the executives of the hospital you were anxious to introduce me to him.
In that moment, without even realizing it, you were teaching me—teaching me that everyone, no matter their title, is important and that no one is more important than another. Thank you for teaching—always teaching by example. This is a big part of your legacy. In a very real way your ministry of kindness and Christ-like love has touched thousands of people. And as we, your pupils and friends, go forward as better men and women because of your mentorship the ripple effect of your nurturing will touch countless other lives.
The reality is that you have done so much more good than you could ever realize."
A few weeks ago we enjoyed dinner together.
Bill was able to tour our new home and the girls put on a
rambunctious dance party/show for him.
He smiled, he talked about the good food, he talked about God's grace, he congratulated us on our home, he praised Cody for doing so well during a recent procedure, he praised our family, he spoke of the sweet children and how lovely it was to see them full of life...he never once talked about his pain, his sorrow,
the most incredibly difficult journey he was enduring.
He suffered silently and wanted the rest of us to know that all would be well.
Bill was a giver and even when he had every right to be a receiver, he was still a giver.
A week or so ago I had a dream about Bill, as has been the case for many nights recently.
****
In the dream we were in the midst of a group of many people who loved Bill and
we all knew his mortal journey was ending very soon.
He appeared dressed in a suit and tie with a grin from ear to ear, as was so often the case.
He individually greeted and hugged and encouraged all of us,
never mentioning the pain, the cancer, the future...he just uplifted and reassured.
****
Dear Bill,
There will forever be a hole in our hearts without you here with us.
You were a vehicle by which God was able to
produce many miracles and touch so many lives.
We love you and know that we will be with you again...until then we trust that you will continue
to be a giver to those in your midst and that you will still encourage
us as we strive to develop many
of the character qualities you have already mastered.
We will love you always,
Leah, Cody, Brinley, Avery, Aspen & Reese
