Bill Williams:  

ee weeks in Miami and Biloxi. All in all, life is good and WARMER than NY! Update 3/5/2009 Lots of things have happened since this was first written. Sadly, our #1 son (Jason) was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2007. No speeding, drugs nor alcohol. Lost control and hit a light pole. Our #3 son (Tony) was married in 2008 to a wonderful girl, Dorothy Dioso, from Manila. He finished his six years with the Navy and they are presently in Oklahoma where he continues working with airplanes. #2 son (Merritt) is struggling in the world of work. Hopefully he will find his place soon. #4 son (Patrick)is still relaxing (at home). Betty and my sister (Shelley) went through bouts with Breast cancer. Both are now doing well with all indications their cancer is in remission. I have sent several doctor's children to college recently. I had two heart surgeries in 2008. First was in June, in Iowa, when I was working with flood victims for the Red Cross. The second, was in Oak Ridge, when I collapsed ON my trainer in November. They decided to quit fooling around and crack open my chest for 5 bypasses. It has been a rough couple of years, but Betty and I are both doing well. All of our debts are paid and we appear to have enough to live for a few more years - if AIG stays in business! It is still warmer here than in New York!! Update 1/21/10 We spent Christmas with our daughter-in-law's family in Manila, Philippines. We thoroughly enjoyed this visit, and meeting our new family. Driving in The Philippines is an experience. Today I read the obituary of an old high school buddy, Bill Herron. I wrote the following to his brother "Steve....another part of me is gone. All I have are stale, but fond memories of Bill. He and I (and you) failed to keep in touch over the years since high school. My life is diminished by the loss of every friend, especially those I have ignored. Only recently have I made an effort to get back in touch those I knew, long ago. I was blessed with so many intelligent, talented and witty friends who are now spread all over the world, I'll never find them all, but I will be better for each one I do. I hope to see you Saturday. " Don't diminish me further.....keep in touch... All in all it is warmer in The Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Update 2/18/2016 I am now working on sending my doctor's grandchildren to school! They seem to be obsessed with getting my continued contributions, my cardiologist, recently, said, I will make it to 90! #4 son has been hogging the headlines since the last update. Patrick was married in 2011, to another wonderful girl from The Philippines. While he was at Great Lakes Naval boot camp, she delivered "PJ". We were expecting her delivery to be 10/11/12, but she was early, and provided us with an even easier date to remember...9/16/12. My mother's birthdate (in 1912) and her date of death (9/16/1978). Since Patrick is only 6'7", the Navy decided submarine duty would be best for him. Since I had seen "Red October", I figured he would be ok, but NOOO, the navy found an opening on a fast attack sub (SSN751) with 6'3" clearance in passageways (I had to duck when touring). After a seven month deployment and advancement to ET3 in record time, 12 stitches and an aching back, he requested a transfer. Turns out, the Navy does not look favorably on transfer requests, regardless of merit. Ironically, he is now BUILDING SUBMARINES with "Electric Boat", in Groton CT. Next month Betty and I will be going to CT for the birth of only the second girl born in the Williams lineage, since 1877. Those of you rejoicing when being told "your cancer is in remission", beware...My sister, Shelley, died of brain cancer, in 2015, after being told her breast cancer was gone, THREE times. Ironically, she was 66...same as our mother when she died. Hopefully, Rome will be warmer...