Today marks one year since Bill died.  Ironically, I am back at Shattuck where his ashes are interred so, this morning I visited the columbarium to leave some flowers and tell him again how much I love him.
As I reflect on this past year I feel overwhelming gratitude for all the love and support of friends, family, classmates and my dear neighbors. Every one of you has sustained me as I adjust to life without him.
I love how some of you have shared Bill stories and have made it safe for me to talk about him.  I have learned that, as his widow, I keep him alive through our shared memories.
I would be remiss to not mention the tremendous loss Bill’s children and grandchildren have experienced.  Eight months after Bill died, they lost their mother.  So very sad for the grief they carry, but they have given me glimpses of the strength that they inherited from their dad.  Bill showed this strength through his overcoming alcoholism, an abusive childhood and the inevitability of death. He was a marvelous mix of strength and gentle love.
As we age we lose more and more people we hold dear.  Please take a moment and make that call to a loved one or write a note or do an act of kindness.  Hug your spouse and tell that person how dear they are.   Beats the heck out of regrets for love and kindness not shown.
Today will be my last post to this site, but please know many of you have been my rock and your kindness to me has been a reflection of your love for Bill.