Thursday, May 9, 2019
Cathy and Susan,I was so sad to hear of Bill's passing, but when I think of your brother I can only think of joy and love. Bill was such a kind gentle soul, and he is one of the main reasons I stayed in this career. I was fortunate enough to have worked at the Asbury Group Home when Bill first moved there in June 1982. I got to watch him adjust to living there, which I know was hard for him in the beginning cause he missed living at home in Port Murray. But your family continued to encourage and support him, your mom came to see him regularly, and Bill really adjusted beautifully to his new life. It was a joy to work with Bill and watch him grow over the years. He got along well with his housemates and staff, and he made us laugh every single day with his sense of humor. He was so genuine and full of life, and had a beautiful innocence about him. I love how he embraced every day, and found something to make us laugh. I love how much he cared about others. He always seemed to know if someone was upset, and he would try to make them feel better. I loved his complete excitement about Christmas. I think he made all of us feel like kids again with his absolute joy and excitement around the holidays. I remember your Uncle Stosh taking him for a visit one time, and he took Bill on a hike. In the middle of the hike, Stosh told us that he turned around and Bill was wearing a Santa hat and beard, and joyfully wished him a Merry Christmas. And that is who Bill was, he made every day feel like Christmas. He loved to cook and do yard work and chores around the house, and was so proud as he continued to develop those skills. I clearly remember him inviting your mom to dinner, and he prepared Steak Diane. Although he needed a little help, he really did most of it on his own and was so proud to have your mom eat a meal that he prepared. Bill was a joy to have in the house, and I loved working with him. Even though I ended up working in the office after 5 years, I still got to see Bill fairly regularly over the years and he almost always had a smile on his face. I hope you know how much joy to brought to all of us over the years. He will be missed, but I know that he will be at peace now. Thank you for sharing him with us. He'll always be loved by all of us here at The Arc.
Sincerely,
Julie (Whitehead)Pruznick
