2 years and 3 plus months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a man named Billy. I’d heard a lot about him already, as his wife loved telling the tales of some of their adventures. I’m never the guy that talks too little, and Billy and I hit it off quite well. We continued rambling on and on about trail cameras, deer hunting, and work, And anything else we could come up with while his wife Sharon insisted that it was time to go over and over. Once she threatened to leave him in the parking lot with me and I could bring him home later he gave in, it was time to go.
A few months later I was really hoping to talk to my new friend Billy whom I not kept in touch with, But I hadn’t gotten his number. So while gathering up the courage to ask his wife for his number, there it was, One of the saddest and most heart-wrenching things I’ve ever read.
The worst day of my life
Billy was gone.
2 years ago today, the world lost a great man. But for two particular families, the Root family, And especially the Manthe family, they lost so much more than just a great man. I’ve learned a lot about him since then. He was a legend in their family. A leader, motivator, schemer, Mr fix everything, heart and soul of nearly everything that was good, the greatest son, son in law, brother, and husband. The city park and rec workers in Inver Grove Heights even know there’s two ways to do things, the wrong way, or Billy’s way. While courageously battling cancer twice and dealing with other surgeries and hardships, Billy always remained upbeat and continued focusing on how to make that day and the next day better for everyone.
The emotional wound that Billy’s sudden passing left on his widowed wife Sharon could be nothing less than catastrophic. Yet this woman is one of the strongest most upbeat people I’ve ever met in my life. The ways she’s carried through and continued is truly inspiring.
I’ve learned from Billy. I’ve learned how rewarding it can be, to go out of your way to help others, physically and emotionally. I’ve stepped up my game, to try to fill in some of the spots he’s left. No one can completely replace a man like him, but I’ll do what I can when I can.
Sharon, my best friend, you and your family are in my prayers every day.
RIP my friend Billy.
Pic of Sharon and I is a bench with a memorial plaque for Billy.
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