The Memorial...

Hello Friends,

We have had a few full days and finally decided on a place to pay tribute to our "loved" Bill.  The memorial details are below:

When:  Saturday, December, 11, 2010
Time:  9 a.m. 
Where:  UW Convention Center at the Hilton Garden Inn (2229 Grand Ave.; Laramie, WY  82072)

For those that are coming from out of town, here are a couple of hotel options:

The Hilton Garden Inn is offering rooms at a discounted rate of $89+tax
The Hampton Inn is offering a block of rooms under Hixenbaugh for $77 + tax (includes a continental breakfast in the a.m.)
The Comfort Inn is offering a block of rooms for $70 + tax

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to:

Laramie Athletics Memorial Fund
c/o Wyoming State Bank
3430 East Grand Ave.
Laramie, WY  82070

We appreciate all of your prayers and look forward to sharing memories and paying tribute to the one we love.   

With Sincere Gratitude,

Bill's Family

A surprising departure...

It pains us to say that our dear husband/father/barber/coach has left this earth to be with the Lord.  While we know he is not suffering and in a much better place, our hearts are broken and heavy.  Time moves fast and life is too short...hug the ones you love a little tighter today.  Although, it seems that he was taken too soon, we continue to trust that God had a plan and as he entered heaven, the Lord said, "well done, good and faithful servant." 

Bill is a man who is "one of a kind." He was a true light to our family, his workplace, ball players, friends, and anyone he met.  He has touched so many lives and continued this pattern until his last breath as the even the hospital staff was surprised and mourned this recent turn of events.  Because he is such a transparent soul, there was no question that the people in his life, especially family, knew how much he loved them.  He is a rock in our family and he will never understand how much we all miss him or how deep our love is rooted.  We could continue to write into next week on all of the good qualities of Bill, but as we pray to God, we know that he is hearing how much he means to us.  Again, we take this journey one day at a time as the family continues to process the illness, now death, next healing.  Arrangements are being discussed and we will be sure to keep you posted, but until then, we leave you with beautiful verse:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  ~Psalm 23

Immunity Buildup Day 5...

The nurses and doctors said that treatment will not be an instant fix...it takes time.  As a family, we are feeling the weight of time.  Bill is the same today.  No real change other than he went into a deep sleep, which the nursing staff agreed was needed.  These medications have a tendency to cause interrupted sleep.  After a long nap, Bill was able to sit up in a chair and spend time with his mate, Debi.  She enjoyed the few hours of alertness.  It allowed her to pray for Bill and enforce how much she loves him...how much she is fighting for him too. 

With respect to the infection, the infectious disease doctors believe that they have pinpointed an infection that is affecting the colon lining on one side.  They are going to continue to run tests, but it may come down to performing a routine colonoscopy, which would be routine if he did not have leukemia.  Our hearts are heavy as we hoped for better news and pray for his safety as procedures are performed.  We keep reminding ourselves that God is bigger than all of this... :)

All other family members are doing well, working and keeping updated with their dad's progress.  Jodi is spending time cleaning out Bill & Debi's basement.  She is hoping to have a December garage sale!  It sounds crazy (especially in Wyoming), but unfortunately, it is needed to prepare for Bill's "clean house" homecoming.  So, more info will follow soon!  Get ready for some deals! 

One final note before turning in for the night.  A friend of Bill's has asked us to post information on his location and rules regarding gifts. 

Here goes:  The address of the hospital is:  Poudre Valley Hospital;  1024 S. Lemay Ave.; Fort Collins, CO  80524  (Room 3009).  Due to his current state, plants are not allowed and the hospital restricts latex balloons.  The nursing staff has advised that cards and pictures are always welcome and the best gift of all is blood or platelet donations. 

As always, thank you for tracking, goodnight everyone...
 
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  ~Psalm 33:20

Immunity Buildup Day 4...

According to Debi, it is a solemn day around the hospital.  Bill is still fighting infection, no real change other than extreme fatigue.  He did not walk today or sit in a chair, just requested sleep.  The nursing staff has made a decision to add nutritional support to his bags of antibiotics.  Bill has been trying to eat more, but it is not making the cut, so the pros are providing some electrolytes, potassium, magnesium, etc. to aid in his applesauce and ice chip diet.  Additional platelets were ordered due to a lower white blood cell count, but the order had to be shipped in from Denver as Poudre Valley had a bit of a shortage today.  Unfortunately, another blood transfusion is on the menu for tomorrow.  Leukemia is a heavy disease, but the treatment is something fierce.  It is ultimately up to God to flip on the immune system switch. We continue to pray for Bill's immune system to regain strength everyday. 

Did you know that nurses are angels?  They are...truly.  Over the past few days, we have watched them work 12 hour shifts, holidays, etc. just to ensure their patients are cared for thoroughly, comfortable, and headed in the right direction toward recovery.  It takes a special person to provide such support and "smiles" in oncology.  We have been amazed by their attitude toward our family and would like to say how grateful we all are for these precious people in our lives.  When we ask questions, they pause and take time to thoroughly explain the process...even several times.  Many of us ask the same questions too often, but they are always willing to assist.   They chart, study, tweak meds, clean, jump at every request, listen to doctors, teach families/patients, lend a caring hand, get tough when necessary, and provide a sense calm in the midst of a wild journey.  Angels. 

With respect to the rest of the family, we are all in different places now, but we are grateful for safe travel today.  Due to Bill's intense sleep regimen, Debi was able to take a day to catch up on some overdue errands and obligations.  A much needed day of focus.  As always, thank you for following Bill's progress and hope you all are having a good week.  See you again tomorrow... :)

Immunity Buildup Day 3...

There has not been much change today as Bill is continuing his medication and sleep.  His energy level is low, but thankfully he is giving eating a shot along with following the nurses orders for a daily shower, etc.  Two more units of blood were received at a little slower pace due to the infection, but we are hopeful that his energy level will get better soon.  Although, our expectation is minimal because he is in the bottom phase of an extremely low immune system.  His body is building...body building!  :) 

Unfortunately, many of us have to say goodbye to Debi today...due to jobs, children, and "darn" responsibility.  It's tough being a grown up right?  However, we are working on ways to help from afar and get back as soon as possible for visits.  God is still watching over us and we trust that this break is part of the master plan.  We love each other so much and take comfort in every day we have had together through this unexpected surprise.  The blog will remain updated each day as information progresses.  Hope everyone has a good week getting back into routines and if you are traveling home, please travel safely.  Love to all...

P.S.  We didn't finish the jigsaw puzzle...boo!!!   Too much blue!!!  Sean just got here, maybe there is still hope!  :) 

Immunity Buildup Day 2...

First, we can't believe it is already Sunday!  The days begin to run together when you spend a lot of time in one place.  And, if our time is mixed up, Bill's days are certainly confusing!  :)  Anyway, this day has been fairly uneventful with respect to Bill's activity level.  He is still taking pain meds, antibiotics, and participating in routine blood work.  But, through it all, he is getting some much needed rest, eating a little, and downing ice chips.  Tonight, the nurses will provide him with additional platelets, which should help with some of the bruising that is showing up on his body.  As far as test results go, there has not been any updates with respect to his infection.  Treatment is still geared toward clearing up jaundice, sepsis, and an inflamed colon.  The up side of today is that he was able to shower and sit up in a chair after a few days of being bed ridden. 

Bill had another day with a handful of visitors and we are so appreciative of their efforts to offer support.  It has also given us a chance to catch up on lost time with friends...another blessing and pleasantry.   In between visits, we spent time sharing Bill stories which usually means lots of laughter!  He is such a funny guy and still keeps us smiling.  And, as we wait for Bill to wake up for a visit, we finally broke out a giant jigsaw puzzle!  Yes, we are at a point of searching for activity, although, this will change as many family members return to work next week.  Boo!  :)  Well, another day has come and gone.  We count our blessing and thank you for your continued prayers.   There is so much hope in our God. 

P.S.   Tyler and Jodi would like to say a special thank you again to Rob & Gary Standish for not only watching Talon, but taking care of a boy who has come down with a cold.  We owe you so much for putting your lives on hold for us.  Love you. 

Immunity Buildup Day 1...

We all left the hospital with a little more peace yesterday.  Therefore, we ALL got some much needed rest, so it made the start of today very fresh.  Bill is in better spirits and heavily medicated.  Because of the infection, the nursing staff is treating his condition with a shotgun instead of a sniper rifle (courtesy of Tyler Standish and Dave Shupe).  He has received many tests, but the results are still pending as to what type of infection he is fighting.  After days of lack of appetite, he broke through with a 3 mini-snicker bar snack, raspberry sherbet, chased with gourmet ice chips.  His voice is back and so are his smiles. 

In addition to this change, several visitors were able to say a quick hello by his bedside.  It was great to see so many faces and touching to hear the encouragement.  We have relayed many calls and texts to him from an outpouring of friends.  Everyday, we want to say thank you.  Another positive note, this situation has been a enjoyable bonding time with family and friends.  It has been a long stretch since family has has this much quality time together...an exceptional blessing.   On days like today, the laughter and stories really warm the soul...something that will not be forgotten.  Tomorrow we will ask again for test updates and pray for another positive step.  Bill continues to work hard and we can't tell you how good it feels to see his smile.  Goodnight everyone...sweet dreams.  :)