We left Michigan and flew to the Los Angeles area on December 19, 2016 for the holiday season. Filled with hopes and dreams for a different type of ending, we are saddened to report that God has different plans for Bill. As of today, we believe he has few days left on this earth and will join the heavens soon.
Christmas was very special with brother Tom and family, both sons, our daughter-in-law, granddaughter, Grandma Pozo and family (plus dogs). But right after Christmas, the tides started to change.
Bill says it was the Michigan football loss to Florida State that took him to the ER on New Year’s Eve but we all knew differently. The New Year came in like a bear. It dragged Bill backwards such that he was hospitalized, and subsequently, admitted to rehab till discharge at the end of January. However, there was a silver lining. The California Rehabilitation Institute was directly across the street from our son Owen’s LA office. In addition, several of Bill’s practitioners had direct roots or ties to our Ann Arbor motherland. We are convinced that your prayers and support made that happen.
Precious daily lunch meetings gave Father and Son irreplaceable moments with time to share and exchange. Owen’s conversations bridged Bill from ill times to good times as they recapped life and traveled down memory lane. All along, Owen taking the role of documentarian and historian to capture Bill’s perspectives, counsel and advice, whenever possible, as Bill’s recall continued to waiver. He reminded his Dad to take deep breaths (Bill was recovering from pneumonia) and appreciate every moment. That was most evident as Kristina and Owen brought baby Lana to see Bill (A.K.A. G-Pa). Talk about lighting up a face! Sheer joy …
During the past months, visits (and repeat visits) from every single sister, brother, brother-in-law, sister-in law, nephew and niece kept Bill’s spirits up as well as ours. Grandma Pozo and nephew Paul were the household anchors and provided Bill with daily encouragement and support. All visits had dividends as each was filled with pure love, remembrances and wonderful home cooked meals. Wendy and brother Tom’s California kitchen yielded many of Grandma Fileti’s favorite recipes, loving prepared by siblings hands. Videos, photos and laughs were had as the early years with Bill’s siblings were deconstructed and reconstructed.
Our son Eric has dedicated the past 6 months to daily care for his Dad. So trained in critical thinking is he, that Eric solves any problem – should it present itself as part of Bill’s care plan. Pharmacist, nurse, staff trainer and responsible party are just some of the hats he wears. Eric has anticipated every little detail to keep Bill’s needs met from medicines to DME equipment to treatment options. Every day and night Eric is on the job overseeing quality control with high standards for all services Bill receives.
And now let’s talk about our dear friends. Baskets, breads, and bountiful well wishes were never in short supply. The ever-caring support did not wane. Then visitors appeared – like Dr. Mo Salameh, Lowell & Shelia Sprague and next, Rob Casalou. What a treat! Bill was able to enjoy various aspects of the visits and these special times gave him (and us) an excuse to enjoy some beautiful sights available in Southern California. But most importantly, it allowed Bill time to reconnect to those he cares so deeply about. IHA provided a most treasured video that Bill watched time and time again. The video featured touching remarks and sincere encouragement. Seeing Bill fully engaged as he remembered and shared details about each friend and beloved colleagues brought both him and us joy.
Time and decline has brought us to the current state. Bill is in his final days now, but he has had an incredible run. The last six months have been difficult but he has never complained – not once. Family and friends have been his, and our sustaining, energy. Thank you for this. We have all treasured the time to focus 100% on his care and his being. Finally a time to try and return the favor as he has been a consummate giver.
Now the time for hugs, kisses and goodbye’s are drawing to a close and we will share details on his final celebrations on this website. Godspeed Bill for this next leg of your journey. Soon we will leave Lala Land and bring you home to rest.