PREP CLASSMATE REMEMBERS BILL

In the midst of all that has happened this past week, it was a great pleasure to receive an email from Thom, a classmate of Bill's from their days at St. Francis Prep. I can't tell you how much these memories mean to me and my family, so I continue to encourage those of you have been holding any to share with us. If you do, please include your email address. I have some loose ends that I would like to tie-down and based on your memory, there may be a question you could answer to help me do so.

A big thank you to Thom for the following:

I was deeply saddened to find out about your brother's passing.

I best remember him from our Freshman year ('65) at St. Francis Prep. For some reason I keep remembering him at the back of the classroom, row nearest the windows, windows on the right side, entrance door left side front of room. This is most odd as we were seated alphabetically and with B certainly coming before G, logic is not what my memory is - go figure.

He had the broadest smile, intense lightening wit and devil-may-care that made him such fun to be around. He was often outspoken with his witticisms and often sent to the Principal's Office - which he never went to, going to the lavatory and then returning with a "red face" from the supposed disciplining he had received. I asked him how he wasn't suspended with all his infractions. He told he of the lavatory and red face scam. Funny story, one day I get sent to the Principal's Office and I go to the lavatory. Here I am met by one of the school's Disciplinarian, Brother Leon. Leon sees me hanging out in the urinal and asks me what I am doing. I tell him I peeing. He asks, were you sent to the Principal's Office, but you decided to hide here for a while? Oh no Brother. Well says Leon, I don't hear you peeing! You have NO idea how difficult it is to "demand pee"!!! Man almost got caught, but I digress. I DO remember his love of the Stones above the Beatles.

I am so sorry for your loss - my condolences to you and your family.

He has and will continue to be alive in my memory till he and I meet again.

MORE ON DAD

Dad is home from the hospital and in very good spirits. Also, he doesn't seem to have lost his appetite as he had a roast beef sandwich when he got home.

The tumor that they removed (about the diameter of a soda can) is malignant. He will be going back in to the hospital next Thursday to have the other side of the thyroid removed. After that he will undergo needle radiation.


Please continue to pray for a successful treatment and a speedy recovery.

UPDATE ON DAD

Dad is resting comfortable after his surgery. The operation itself went well, although it ran over 5 hours. It seems that he has arthritis in his neck which prevented the surgeon from leaning his neck back. This made the surgery a little more difficult than normal. No word yet on whether the tumor was malignant. We should know tomorrow.


Mom observed that there was a good omen to yesterday's events. The name of the nurse that checked dad in was Suzie (my sister's name) and the surgeon's name was Philip (spelt with one 'l', just like me). I filled in the missing piece by remarking that when he checks-out of the hospital they're are going to hand him a Bill.

DAD'S HAVING SURGERY

For those of you who know my dad you know that he's been pretty fortunate in the health department. He'll be 84 in October and the only reason I can remember him being in the hospital is for varicose vein surgery over 35 years ago.


He is still seemingly healthy, however today at 1:00 PM he is having surgery to remove a tumor on his thyroid. They won't know if it is cancerous until it is removed.

If you pray, please say a prayer for him today.

Thanks!