I've talked about my neighbors the Hands and their daughter and son-in-law, the Orsers, who also live on the street. Today, Chris Orser came over with surprising news. Her father, Bill Hand died last night in his sleep. He was visiting his son in Las Vegas. His daughters had been taking shifts staying with Sadie while he was gone. We knew his health had declined some in the last few months but everyone expected Sadie would go first. She has congestive heart failure as well as the dementia and she has just seemed so much slower and less healthy then Bill.
Their granddaughter called me in tears this afternoon. She lives in Utah with her new husband. She is very like a daughter to us. Death has never touched someone she loves before. I am glad she has her husband to lean on right now. She is such a sensitive soul. Last summer she was heart broken dealing with being separated from her fiance for 3 months. It will be nice to see her soon I just wish it was for a happier reason.
My own children have cried as well. The Hands have been our neighbors for 13 years. Many of them don't remember life before them. Bill has helped them make bird houses, pinewood derby cars and other wooden creations. He has brought over vegetables from his garden and helped us prune trees and remove bushes. We have seen him everyday out walking with his dog and after she died walking with his wife. He played with the children and greeted us all at church on Sundays. He seemed rough at first but he was one of the hardest working selfless people you could ever meet and neighbors were extended family to him.
First my mother and now Bill. The last six months have made the world a lonelier place.
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