Some of you may remember Bill from Season 1 of Beauty and the Geek. At the mansion, it seemed like we shared a brain sometimes, which meant we were morally required to keep in touch when it was all over. Sure, I live in the Midwest and he’s on the East Coast, but that’s what telephones are for, right?<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, this is a time when I wish I had more than just a phone. I wish I could be there for him in person because he could use the emotional support. A lot of people don’t know this—he hasn’t kept it hidden, but it hasn’t been widely advertised—Bill’s father had leukemia and lymphoma. Yeah, a double whammy. And he hit a triple whammy a couple days ago when he ended up in the hospital with pneumonia.<\/p>\n
A friend of his sent me a message this morning to let me know that Bill’s father passed away last night. I don’t know how peaceful it might have been, whether he was in pain or not, how well Bill took it… all I could do was call him on the phone and leave a message to voice my sympathies, tell him that I was here if he wanted to talk about anything. I feel a sense of helplessness in that regard: I want to be there for my friend… but I’m here. And I can’t give him a big hug and let him know how much I care.<\/p>\n
Bill, I don’t know if you’re going to read this, but I know other people will. So to everyone else, your prayers and sympathies are always welcome, but I want to ask you for a different favor. I’d like you all to take a moment to appreciate everyone you have in your life: your family, your friends, any loved ones you might have out there.<\/p>\n
Sadly, none of us are immortal (or if you are, you’ve done a very good job of hiding it…). Everyone will eventually be gone; you<\/i> will eventually be gone. Don’t take that time for granted. And try to do more than leave voice mail messages before it’s over.<\/p>\n
Take care, Bill. I’m here for you if you need me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some of you may remember Bill from Season 1 of Beauty and the Geek. At the mansion, it seemed like we shared a brain sometimes, which meant we were morally required to keep in touch when it was all over. Sure, I live in the Midwest and he’s on the East Coast, but that’s what … <\/p>\n