Without Bill McTeague, I probably wouldnt have been born. Bills funeral service was yesterday. He was 73 years old. He had gone to school with my mom from second grade on. They both were skinny kids and used to compare the size of their wrists by seeing how much of their fingers could over lap. Bill went to college and happened to live in the same dorm with what would become my dad. One weekend, during their freshman year, Bill took my dad to a party. He introduced what would become my mom to what would become my dad. Maybe other factors would have conspired and I still would have been born. But, I credit Bill for being partly responsible for bringing me into the world. When I was five, I almost died with Bill. He was a middle aged guy then. Probably in his early 40s. People in middle age seemed so old when I was a kid. Now Im that middle aged guy. My younger brother, my dad, Bill and his two young sons, and myself were in the middle of a lake at a Christmas tree farm in the middle of Ohio. The man who was now my dad metamorphsized into a navy seal and attempted a frog man dive like hed seen Jacque Costeau do. Our little rowboat completely capsized. None of the kids could swim. At least, I know I couldnt. The boat was on top of my head and the boat and I were sinking. I remember seeing the sunlight get dimmer and dimmer as I sunk like a rock. My dad saved my brother and I and Bill saved his two sons. We got safely to solid ground and the six of us-two grown men and four small boys-created a bond that comes about when near death accidents take place. That was the first time I thought I was going to die. It made the Now I lay me down to sleep prayer my grandmother taught me all the more poignant. The day many wonder when it will come, came for Bill a few days ago. I went to his service just yesterday. His 3 boys, 3 step sons, and a grand daughter all gave talks for the man they called Pop. After the first step-son talked, there were very few dry eyes at the service. Bills son stood to deliver his talk. He had printed out what he wanted to say, but he wasnt able to say it. He started with, My Pop... and then began crying. His tears, he may not have realized, were more eloquent than anything he may have shared about his Pop. No one said anything about Bills successful business career. They mentioned his laughter and humor. They mentioned his presence he would give to not only those he cared deeply about, but to complete strangers. They mentioned his character and integrity. And they mentioned his generosity and love. In the end, Alzheimers debilitated him to the point where he did not remember many in his own family. But, to those whose lives Bill touched, he will always be remembered. Thank you, Mr. McTeague. May Gods boat carry you safely to the other shore.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 22:30:32 +0000
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