Hellooooo.......Anybody out there??? After a long void, I decided to give this another try. I haven't visited this blog in 3 months. It's been mostly avoidance. I didn't know what to say and I found it difficult to reread the previous postings. I've tried to keep myself busy this summer and concentrate on other things. One biggie is that I had my sister's children for 5 straight weeks. Nothing like having a 5 & 7 year old to take your mind off yourself and worry about important things like swimming lessons, meals, laundry, library activities, and settling sibling squabbles. It was fun to have them but at the same time it was really, really hard. I realized how much I appreciate my alone time. Admittedly, sometimes too much.
Now is the time to focus on other things. And it's the same old record: I NEED A JOB, I NEED A JOB, I NEED A JOB. If anyone out there reads this and needs an experienced, super-achieving, high- performing, outstanding and extremely humble and modest healthcare marketing/sales rep. contact me. Don't make me stand on a corner with a cardboard sign: WIDOWED, UNEMPLOYED, WILL WORK FOR FOOD,GAS, INSURANCE, SANITY AND NOT TO EMBARRASS MY KIDS. Has the message gotten across? I often wish that I had the kind of faith that other people seem to rely on and believe that things happen for a reason and to surrender to the powers of a higher being. I'm working on that.
If you notice, I didn't mention 'Ol Lar until now. I think about him daly and I talk to him nightly( he probably tunes me out-because he can). I know that he's not going to let me down and when the time is right, he will step up to the plate. Until then........pass on the Larry love.
Gail
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Ol" Lar's Homecoming
I brought Ol' Lar home today. Are you all thinking 'WHAT?" Yep, Larry is right now in the living room. Later, we'll share the bedroom together. That hasn't happened in a long time. No, he's not going to be on the nightstand or in the bed; respectfully I'll put him in the armoire.
I finally decided to pick him up from the funeral home today. I had and still have intentions of putting him in a proper urn. I've been waiting on this because I was going to share him with the kids. However, I feel that there is a great deal of ambivalence about this right now. There's no rush and when the time is right, we'll all know it. So for the time being, Ol' Lar's going to be with me and that's ok.
I feel my life and the boys' lives are resuming some sort of normal. They're both back to work and I'm still looking for work. I have been keeping myself busy with insurance calls and home maintenance. The AC had to be fixed to the tune of $600.00 (of course during this heat wave). Come on insurance. My friends and family have been wonderful; calling me, seeing how I'm doing, and just being there. I remind them that the hardest part was before Larry's departure. The nursing homes, the bed sores, the feeding, the doctor's visits; all those things were the worst part. Watching my husband deteriorate before my eyes was horrible. Now I know that he is a kinder more gentler place.
On a cheerier note, I do have something to look forward to. My sister and her children have invited me on their vacation to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in two weeks. All I want to do is put my feet in the sand and indulge in those pretty tropical beverages. Can't wait!! Hopefully, I'll have some happy pictures to put up later. Until later....pass on the Larry love
Gail
I finally decided to pick him up from the funeral home today. I had and still have intentions of putting him in a proper urn. I've been waiting on this because I was going to share him with the kids. However, I feel that there is a great deal of ambivalence about this right now. There's no rush and when the time is right, we'll all know it. So for the time being, Ol' Lar's going to be with me and that's ok.
I feel my life and the boys' lives are resuming some sort of normal. They're both back to work and I'm still looking for work. I have been keeping myself busy with insurance calls and home maintenance. The AC had to be fixed to the tune of $600.00 (of course during this heat wave). Come on insurance. My friends and family have been wonderful; calling me, seeing how I'm doing, and just being there. I remind them that the hardest part was before Larry's departure. The nursing homes, the bed sores, the feeding, the doctor's visits; all those things were the worst part. Watching my husband deteriorate before my eyes was horrible. Now I know that he is a kinder more gentler place.
On a cheerier note, I do have something to look forward to. My sister and her children have invited me on their vacation to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in two weeks. All I want to do is put my feet in the sand and indulge in those pretty tropical beverages. Can't wait!! Hopefully, I'll have some happy pictures to put up later. Until later....pass on the Larry love
Gail
Monday, June 15, 2009
29th. Anniversary
Hello Everyone:
Yesterday, June 14th. would have been Larry and my 29th. anniversary. The boys, Steve and Chris made sure that it was not forgotten. They were incredibly thoughtful with a card, a bottle of Merlot wine by "Bears Lair", a box of red licorice and a delightful day at Arlington Park to make unsuccessful bets on the ponies. I was anticipating this day for awhile now, and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I had wonderful memories of the past 28 years with even one of those years celebrating at Arlington with Lar. There were other memories of dinners out, week-ends gone and even feeding carrot cake to Larry last year in the hospital. Those are memories that will not be forgotten.
I am trying to get things back into some kind of order. There have been phone calls to make, insurance companies to contact, and friends and family to contact. It is kind of odd having my days free of hospital visits, rehab visits and doctor appointments. A good part of the last 2 years has been spent doing exactly that.
I do miss Larry. I miss the ole'Lar with the noted chuckle, the Lar that always felt he had to do the bills-he did them the old-fashioned way, no computer,and secretly flourished doing them, the Lar that loved to go to the casinos, and the Lar that fell asleep in the chair. That's the Lar I want to remember; and now I have to go do the bills. Until later...pass on the Larry love.
Gail
Yesterday, June 14th. would have been Larry and my 29th. anniversary. The boys, Steve and Chris made sure that it was not forgotten. They were incredibly thoughtful with a card, a bottle of Merlot wine by "Bears Lair", a box of red licorice and a delightful day at Arlington Park to make unsuccessful bets on the ponies. I was anticipating this day for awhile now, and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I had wonderful memories of the past 28 years with even one of those years celebrating at Arlington with Lar. There were other memories of dinners out, week-ends gone and even feeding carrot cake to Larry last year in the hospital. Those are memories that will not be forgotten.
I am trying to get things back into some kind of order. There have been phone calls to make, insurance companies to contact, and friends and family to contact. It is kind of odd having my days free of hospital visits, rehab visits and doctor appointments. A good part of the last 2 years has been spent doing exactly that.
I do miss Larry. I miss the ole'Lar with the noted chuckle, the Lar that always felt he had to do the bills-he did them the old-fashioned way, no computer,and secretly flourished doing them, the Lar that loved to go to the casinos, and the Lar that fell asleep in the chair. That's the Lar I want to remember; and now I have to go do the bills. Until later...pass on the Larry love.
Gail
Sunday, June 7, 2009
So , here I am. I want to thank everyone who came to Larry's wake, funeral, sent cards, called, and just supported my family and myself. The outpouring of friends and family and acquaintances that touched Larry and our family was amazing. I will be forever grateful to all of you. I have been asked if I will continue this blog and the answer is yes. As long as all of you continue to read this and more importantly the writing juices continue to flow, the sooner the healing will start. I know my sister eluded to an idea that I am contemplating. Stay tuned. Until then...pass on the Larry love.
Gail
Gail
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Obituary
Northwest Herald - Algonquin Paper
Larry D. Williams
ALGONQUIN - Larry D. Williams, 69, of Algonquin, died Saturday, May 30, 2009, at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin.
He was born Feb. 19, 1940, in St. Joseph, Mo.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He had 42 years of local service with K-Mart management. He was a member of Algonquin Lions Club and Algonquin/Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231.
He was a very kind man and had a loving spirit.
Survivors include his wife, Gail nee Wisniewski Williams; his children, Lori Ormonde and Martha, Steve and Christopher Williams; his grandchildren, Ryan, Morrigan and Austin; his mother, Laura Williams; a sister, Linda (Bob) Harris; his sister-in-law, MaryEllen (Erv) Conrad and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Williams.
The visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Willow Funeral Home, 1414 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at the funeral home. Cremation will be private.
Chicago Tribune
Larry Williams
Larry Dean Williams, age 69 of Algonquin; beloved husband of Gail nee Wisniewski; loving father of Lori Ormonde, Martha Williams, Steven and Christopher; beloved son of Laura and the late Jack; fond grandfather of Ryan, Morrigan and Austin; fond brother-in-law of Mary Ellen (Erv) Conrad, fond uncle of John, Kyle, Gina, Stephanie Pinkerton (Alan); David Conrad. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 8 p.m. at Willow Funeral Home, 1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills, IL (one mile E of Randall Road). Service Thursday at 10 a.m. Cremation private.
Larry D. Williams
ALGONQUIN - Larry D. Williams, 69, of Algonquin, died Saturday, May 30, 2009, at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin.
He was born Feb. 19, 1940, in St. Joseph, Mo.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He had 42 years of local service with K-Mart management. He was a member of Algonquin Lions Club and Algonquin/Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231.
He was a very kind man and had a loving spirit.
Survivors include his wife, Gail nee Wisniewski Williams; his children, Lori Ormonde and Martha, Steve and Christopher Williams; his grandchildren, Ryan, Morrigan and Austin; his mother, Laura Williams; a sister, Linda (Bob) Harris; his sister-in-law, MaryEllen (Erv) Conrad and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Williams.
The visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Willow Funeral Home, 1414 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at the funeral home. Cremation will be private.
Chicago Tribune
Larry Williams
Larry Dean Williams, age 69 of Algonquin; beloved husband of Gail nee Wisniewski; loving father of Lori Ormonde, Martha Williams, Steven and Christopher; beloved son of Laura and the late Jack; fond grandfather of Ryan, Morrigan and Austin; fond brother-in-law of Mary Ellen (Erv) Conrad, fond uncle of John, Kyle, Gina, Stephanie Pinkerton (Alan); David Conrad. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 8 p.m. at Willow Funeral Home, 1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills, IL (one mile E of Randall Road). Service Thursday at 10 a.m. Cremation private.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Hardest Post to Write
It is with the deepest sadness that I have to let you all know that our beloved Larry passed away early this morning. Gail, Steve and Chris were at his bedside.
Larry was the most wonderful husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to so many. And speaking for myself, Larry was so much more than just a BIL, he became known as my "Texas husband" because he spent so much time down here. I am having such a hard time imagining my world without Larry in it.
While I am so incredibly sad about this, the knowledge that Larry is no longer in any pain gives me some comfort. Take care everyone and hold your family a little closer to you today.
One of my favorite pictures of Larry and Chris on one of his many trips to Texas
Pass on the Larry love...
Larry was the most wonderful husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to so many. And speaking for myself, Larry was so much more than just a BIL, he became known as my "Texas husband" because he spent so much time down here. I am having such a hard time imagining my world without Larry in it.
While I am so incredibly sad about this, the knowledge that Larry is no longer in any pain gives me some comfort. Take care everyone and hold your family a little closer to you today.
One of my favorite pictures of Larry and Chris on one of his many trips to Texas
Pass on the Larry love...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Comments From Gail
Hello Everybody,
I think it's time that you heard from me. I am greatly appreciative to my sister, for her commitment to continue on with the updates on this blog. Most of you who have been reading this blog for awhile will probably agree that she is much better at posting than what I am. I usually talk to her several times a day so I am grateful that she passes on the info.
My feelings on this whole situation right now are mixed. Admittedly, I'm scared. Every time the phone rings, my heart jumps into my throat (thank goodness for caller I.D.). I usually stay at the hospital 4-6 hours a day, and feel extremely guilty when I leave. I just don't want Larry to be alone. Intuitively, I feel he knows when someone is there, even if he is non-responsive. I feel so helpless just watching him and not being able to do anything for him. For someone who likes to always be in control of the situation, I know I have to let it go to The Supreme Control Master.
It also freaks me out a little when the Social Worker calls me and asks if I have made any arrangements ie: funeral home, service, etc. She tells me that I should contact the funeral home to be ready. I haven't yet. It also is disturbing when one of the floor nurses who has never laid eyes on Larry comes into his room and asks me if last rights should be administered and what religious affiliation we are . I told her that I thought she was a little premature and she later apologized. The Hospice nurse has been wonderful; coming in and checking on Larry; filling me
in on Larry's status, and offering any help to me and the boys. And speaking of the boys, I have great concern for them. I hate that they are being faced with this at this time in their lives. We all are dealing with this differently, my friends and family have been a great support to me; I'm sure their friends are there for them also.
I will be going to the hospital shortly and will have updates. Until then.....pass on the Larry love.
Gail
I think it's time that you heard from me. I am greatly appreciative to my sister, for her commitment to continue on with the updates on this blog. Most of you who have been reading this blog for awhile will probably agree that she is much better at posting than what I am. I usually talk to her several times a day so I am grateful that she passes on the info.
My feelings on this whole situation right now are mixed. Admittedly, I'm scared. Every time the phone rings, my heart jumps into my throat (thank goodness for caller I.D.). I usually stay at the hospital 4-6 hours a day, and feel extremely guilty when I leave. I just don't want Larry to be alone. Intuitively, I feel he knows when someone is there, even if he is non-responsive. I feel so helpless just watching him and not being able to do anything for him. For someone who likes to always be in control of the situation, I know I have to let it go to The Supreme Control Master.
It also freaks me out a little when the Social Worker calls me and asks if I have made any arrangements ie: funeral home, service, etc. She tells me that I should contact the funeral home to be ready. I haven't yet. It also is disturbing when one of the floor nurses who has never laid eyes on Larry comes into his room and asks me if last rights should be administered and what religious affiliation we are . I told her that I thought she was a little premature and she later apologized. The Hospice nurse has been wonderful; coming in and checking on Larry; filling me
in on Larry's status, and offering any help to me and the boys. And speaking of the boys, I have great concern for them. I hate that they are being faced with this at this time in their lives. We all are dealing with this differently, my friends and family have been a great support to me; I'm sure their friends are there for them also.
I will be going to the hospital shortly and will have updates. Until then.....pass on the Larry love.
Gail
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