My old fishing pal Billy Baker died a few weeks back. His comment when I told him as I was leaving that I would see him again proved prophetic. "No you won't," he said as we shook hands.
If there is good to come from these things I find it in a couple of ways. The first is his long standing suffering is over. He's at peace and free from pain.
Second, while he's missed, he leaves great memories those near to him can hang onto, talk about and even get a laugh from time to time.
I stopped by his home a couple days ago to see his friend, Lois Morgan, who cared for him, putting up with a lot from an old guy that was used to complaining much of his life.
Lois said she, family members and neighbors were moved by one thing that happened shortly after Bill died.
Her yard was decorated with small American flags. She's a patriot and so was Bill along with being a WWII veteran. When the funeral director from Donelson-Johns and Evans arrived he casually asked if Bill was a veteran.
Told Bill was, the funeral folks covered Bill in an American flag before removing him from the home.
Next to the military funeral at Great Lakes Veterans Cemetery in Holly, this simple act was greatly appreciated and entirely a surprise to those gathered at the tine home in Pontiac.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to write and comment. Those of us that knew Bill will remember him in our own way.
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