Anonymous
A special tribute from a dear friend: Thanksgiving 2004. A US-only holiday which seemed strange to Amruta, who is from India, and me, a confused Russian with no friends or relatives in America. We only knew that the university would shut down for several days, campus would appear abandoned, and we would feel particularly homesick.That is when we met Bill and Jan, who invited us to join their family for Thanksgiving. But what was meant as a one-time event turned into a life-long friendship.Bill and Jan gave us a family, and that changed everything.It changed our attitude. Bill was always positive and helped us find a solution when we were about to give up.He taught us to manage our finances.He explained the banking and taxation systems to us.He taught us how to drive. I ran into a light pole on the first day of driving and was mortified, but Bill just laughed.He took us to the horse races and was immensely amused when we showed up wearing hats.He made arrangements to attend a rodeo and told the announcer to call me out in front of the entire audience. I was embarrassed, but everyone else, including Bill, had a blast.He invited us to see the Nutcracker in Fort Smith, and when the car would not start after the show joked about that, too.And this list of memorable and fun moments can go on for quite some time.Actually, I get reminded of the things Bill taught me and the values he instilled on my virtually every day. Here in Russia, I am often told that I have an American take on life meaning I stay positive, focused, professional, confident, and true to my word. I owe all that to Bill, as I learned by following his example. And I find myself quoting him often when trying to give counsel or provide comfort. So Bill has made a huge impact on me in shaping some character traits that I am proud of today.Moreover, by taking me into his family he, without knowing it, became a part of a Russian family. My parents and my brother spoke with Bill on a number of occasions and think highly of him. They asked that I pass their condolences to his family.Maurice Maeterlinck once wrote that those who are no longer with us live on as long as we remember them. And Bill will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. Natalia Schegoleva