Mr.
Bill
Mr. Bill believed “you pass through this life but once…” On the other side of the coin, we at Malachi House have come to know and experience some people who have passed through our life but once, and have left an indelible image on our hearts.
You could set your clock by the front door buzzer each day at 12:20. Gathered at the family lunch table were residents, staff, volunteers and students. Buzzer rings. Door opens. Gentleman enters, signs in, and, like sunshine breaking through clouds, greets everyone. A response could only be, “My, what a fine person he is.”
That was how we came to know Bill. It was his daily visit to his wife, Ruthie. She looked forward to his visits more than we did.
Ruthie passed. Bill’s visits ended. But his journey did not.
About eight months later, walking toward spring, Bill entered our lives again, but this time as a resident. Bill was already “at home” where he had created a home for Ruthie’s last days. His Malachi family was now here to welcome him “home.”
His lifestyle didn’t change much. He received and welcomed friends. Friends took him on short trips or out for lunch. He fed the birds. He looked out for others’ needs at the dinner table. He shared gems of wisdom gleaned from his 90 year life. He visited with other residents on the smoking porch, though he did not smoke. He frequented the ‘Creation Station’ where daily news and fond memories were shared.
On a week-end in spring, Bill’s body shut down. His passage through life was coming to an end.
The preceding Friday, Bill’s afternoon visit to the Creation Station was filled with gems and one request. “Today’s the day you are going to show me how to make a little box.” He accomplished it beautifully as he followed directions and used his keen eye to inspect each step of the way. Completed, he held it up, looked at it and said, “Thank you, this is a fine box.”
“Yes, Bill, you did a fine job.”
Bill passed this way no more, but his beautiful image is inscribed on our hearts.
