hommage
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
"God is love," I would say. "Dog is love," Bill would suggest. Today, read about my invisible editor, who passed away suddenly. We didn't always agree, but otherwise got along grammar-warily. Photo of my dog Smokey and his mama, Brez.
hommage (m)
: tribute
présenter ses hommages = to pay one's respects
en hommage de reconnaissance = as a token of gratitude
Exclusive French made clothes now available to purchase on-line. Thomas Hulston Collections.
A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse
William Myers has passed away. You may not have known him but, if you have a minute, I'll tell you about the man who taught me "mom" is spelled with a lower case "m" (...sometimes, anyway).
This was but one of our disagreements. But who was I to argue with the Grammar King? Mostly, I kept opinions to myself, firing off a quick Thanks! Edits all in now! each time Bill responded to my newsletters. And he responded to every single one of them since signing on, sometime in 2006.
One day I noticed the cc line in Bill's emails. Who were all those people to whom (yes, to whom, Bill would say) Bill was copying his edits of my newsletter? Some sort of editorial team?
Soon I got a letter from another blogger. "Hey," he said, "how do you know Bill? Just wondering, cuz this guy just started correcting my posts!"
I recognized the blogger's address from the cc line of those edits Bill was sending me.
Soon after, my own address stood out in the cc line. This time the edits were directed to Anu Garg! Oh no! I didn't want The Wordsmith to associate me with the grammar police and The Accidental Grammar Posse. (Posse? I began to assume the other "cc's" were random writers in cyberspace, all of us rounded up to witness the latest grammar assault! The streak of light connecting our "dots" (or misplaced commas) was a certain Willam Myers. Who was this man?
The Grammar King.
In the 8 years since Bill began crossing my t's, I gathered bits and pieces of his colorful personality. I wish I could share them all, but here are just a few:
Openminded for one!
It was odd (and finally amusing) how Bill would end his proper English grammar corrections with a string of street slang or rap. (I should search my inbox for an example of Bill's colorful lingo, but given there are 1000s of emails from him, the task would be overwhelming!)
1000s of emails from Bill
Bill, I gathered, was a compulsive correspondant and internet surfer. He collected email addresses to such an extent that I once heard an isolated French wine farmer ask: Who eez zis 'Beel'? The vigneron in question was briefly mentioned in one of my stories. But he was not overlooked by Bill, who tracked him down and nearly cc'd him--along with the rest of us!
Cynical? Playful?
Bill corrected my grammar with a slap-of-the hand voice: "No, Dummy! It's 'its' not 'it's'! he would scold, in 16pt and in red or purple or green (and not "red, or purple, or green"--notice the commas. Bill would have!)
In His Own Words
"I'm a lapsed Catholic & retired lawyer."
Animal Lover
In a recent email to my mom (small "m")--another character he'd tracked down and cc'd--Bill wrote, "I have long had a big thing for homeless animals. I have rescued & been honored & blessed by: Angie, Lacey, Honey, Snowflake and Kabuke...."
Apparently, when Bill wasn't rescuing apostrophes, he turned his attention to misplaced cats and dogs.
Thoughtful
That recent email to Mom (capital "m" this time) was, little did we know, his last to her. It included a long rant about the scandalous and exhorbitant price of medication. Bill was desperate to share some price-saving tips: "It will surely reward your dear husband," Bill wrote, "to investigate the deals at Robinhood Family Pharmacy..."
Mom thanked Bill for his note, so touched that he would think of her. Next, she added:
"You have been such a BIG influence on Kristi and her writing all of these years, I do hope you know how much you are appreciated."
How serendipitous Mom's note would be. In it, she managed to thank Bill for me, as I would not get the chance to....
Alone
John, a close friend of Bill's wrote to me. "I wanted to let you know that Bill Myers has died. I know he so enjoyed his correspondence with you and that it gave him much pleasure as he was increasingly confined. Thank you so much for you kindness."
Loved
I recognized John's email from the mile-long cc lines on Bill's earlier notes. I realized, then, not all of the grammar posse were strangers.... Some were very dear to Bill.
* * *
Walking my dog through the forest, a tear streams down my face for a stranger I met in cyberspace. It was too late, now, to thank him properly. (Thank God Mom had followed her instincts, praising him affectionately!)
Smokey tugged at his leash, pulling me forward along the path. How odd it was to be so touched by someone you'd never touched. Through watery eyes I looked around at the blurry forest when suddenly the tree bark came into focus... and then my dear dog's glossy coat, and then the ground beneath my feet. I once read a book about God. And the words come back to me now, in a new light, a light shining on the objects all around me:
I am the bark... I am the fur... I am the pebbles...
As I listened to the voice in my head define God, I pulled a piece of perforated tissue out of my pocket, to wipe my eyes.
I am the tears... I am the toilet paper that dries them...
I laughed at the voice, which spoke the truth, with humor. It told me, finally, who Bill was. Like each and everyone of us, he is love.
Looking around now, at the tree bark, my dog's fur, the goosebumps on my body, I see it all so differently. I take a deep breath and breathe out to a deeper calm. Life goes on and on.
Comments
To respond to this story, click here.
Provence Dreamin'? Maison des Pelerins, Sablet. A Vacation Rental Dream in the heart of the Côte du Rhone. See photos here.
A photo Bill would have appreciated
And another (of Smokey)
And another, of the blogger he helped for all those years. We had in common a love of language and animals. Thank you, Bill, for helping me cross my t's. When you don't write back today, I'm going to notice. Then I'll go out and notice the bark, Smokey's fur, and the pebbles beneath our feet.
To respond to this post, click here. Edits welcome, too....
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
no edits, just to say a lovely blog and a lovely epitaph xoxoxo
Posted by: Michele | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 12:34 PM
Oh Kristin,
This is so moving and so completely true.
Thank you,
Norma xxx
Posted by: Norma Gosling | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 12:42 PM
Kristin, What a beautiful story, and a wonderful tribute to Bill! I thought it was one of your best. It brought tears to my eyes as I recalled a friend we met in Provence,and who introduced us to the magic of Provence. Sadly, we got an email that he died a few years later.
Posted by: Geraldine Ventura | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 12:49 PM
A wonderful post and a fitting tribute to a dear soul.
Posted by: Heather | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 12:49 PM
I've been reading your blog for years. This is the first that brought tears to my eyes. God bless you and your "editor". He's still editing from on high. You and his cc list filled brought the world to Bill when he couldn't go to it himself.
Posted by: Ginny McCann | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 12:52 PM
Oops! I left a word out of my response above It should have read, "This is the first that IT brought tears to my eyes. Sorry, Bill. :)
Posted by: Ginny McCann | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 12:53 PM
A moving tribute, Kristi. I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Steve | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:11 PM
Beautiful story and beautifully written...today I will appreciate in a much different way. Happily to you.
Posted by: Sally Bainbridge | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:23 PM
Indeed, God is love. And, the world does go on and on, even when we think it couldn't. Merci chère Kristin. XO
Posted by: Cindy McDonald | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:33 PM
Thank you, Kristin for the beautiful story and photo! Thank you for a wonderful start to a new day here in Monterey, MA!
Bless you!
Posted by: Laraine Lippe | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:38 PM
Nice post, thanks. As for the Mom/mom dilemma, I have asked many about it. It seems it depends if one is talking about one's own mom. Not really very clear at all, is it? The photo of Smokey is wonderful, as usual.
Posted by: Laurie | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:41 PM
You have made me cry this morning with your writing about Bill, and then pointing out that God exists all around us, in objects we never think might contain the spirit . Thank you, Kristin, and thanks to Bill Myers for his help to you all these years. He edits for the universe now, I am sure.
Posted by: Alyssa Ross Eppich | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:47 PM
I'm just thinking with your blog you have no idea who you are touching....lovely story of a man you touched......keep up the great work....
Posted by: Jackie | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:48 PM
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful friend.
Posted by: Nancy Zuercher | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:49 PM
KRISTIN,
I don't always get the time to read your blog, I follow as often as time will allow me.. This morning I found time, your cyberspace relationship with Bill was so sweet and I loved the way he touched your life. It is true God is everywhere. I enjoy your posts so much and always look forward to the next one...
Thank you for a great start to my day here is Southern California...
Blessing to you..
Posted by: Kathy Jo Menasco | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:53 PM
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Wiping the tears from my eyes. Thank you for your honest and heartfelt blog. I first read it because of the French, but I have found I also just enjoy the writer and her people. Wishing you comfort on the loss of a friend.
Posted by: Wendy Arbushites | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 01:58 PM
Kristin,
So sorry for your loss. There is no doubt Bill is aware of your appreciation. How wonderful that your mom had expressed that - no accident in the grand scheme, I am sure. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Mary | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:03 PM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Anita | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:06 PM
Such a lovely story. Thank you.
Posted by: Mary Dineen | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:12 PM
Beautiful tribute, Kristin. xxx
Posted by: Pat Cargill | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:18 PM
So touching Kristin!
xoedie
Posted by: edie | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:22 PM
Thank you for a lovely story and some of my very favorite photos of your "fur family".
The one with the puppies climbing all over you always makes me smile.
Posted by: Lee Mears | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:24 PM
MY DARLING KRISTI,
I AM SO SAD...SPENT THE DAWN ALONE THINKING OF OUR PRECIOUS BILL AS I KNEW YOU WOULD BE HONORING HIM TODAY.
I HAVE GONE BACK TO MY {ALL CAPS'-: ''' ONLY BILL WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT I AM ON A MEXICAN COMPUTER THIS MORNING, AND I CAN{T FIND OR SEE THE KEYS.
I LOVE YOU BILLY BABY ... YOU RECONIZED ME RIGHT AWAY IN THE BEGINNING AND HAVE ALWAYS TREATED ME WITH GRACE AND HONOR.
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS
XOXO
JULES
Posted by: Jules GREER | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:24 PM
Beautifully done. Thank you.
Posted by: Diane McPhail | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:27 PM
Thank you Kristin for sharing this -so touching and thoughtful. And it made me realize I want to thank you for for all the French-Word-A-Day posts and beautiful photos that I've enjoyed over the years; posts that open a door to France and to your life but also help me reflect on my own life.
Posted by: Kathryn Duchene | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:31 PM
I am so sorry for your loss, Kristin. Your story brought tears to my eyes.
Posted by: Nancy Stilwagen | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:31 PM
A lovely story Kristin thanks, you are lucky to have had him as a friend.
Posted by: Nutmeg | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:37 PM
A beautiful hommage to Bill, who must have been one colorful character. Your writing is so descriptive, Kristin, I felt as if I were walking through the forest with you, sensing the real world and the spiritual world in a moment of clarity. Thank goodness your mom responds to her spirit of reaching out to people. The timing in life often seems divinely driven~
Posted by: Chris Allin | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:37 PM
Very moving entry. Thank you.
Posted by: Cecil | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:45 PM
So sorry you've lost a person of whom you were fond. Your homage (not "hommage") to him is very touching.
Posted by: Passante | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:47 PM
"How odd it was to be so touched by someone you'd never touched." Because he touched you so deeply, there is no doubt that you touched him back. What joy Bill found in editing your, and others', posts!! So touched that he continued to do it over and over again for all of you. Your hommage is so loving and your tears 'le vrai hommage.'
Posted by: Joanna Broussard | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:54 PM
What a beautiful tribute by a special woman for a dear friend. I am honored to know you and now wish I had known Bil too.
It was especially beautiful to hear your contemplation. We were taught that God is within. As I go through life I see evidence of that in the world and some people I encounter. You are one of these. And yes, it is all about love and being unafraid to demonstrate it in our words and actions toward one another.
Sail on, my friend.
Requiescat in pace, Bill.
Posted by: Tom B, Atlanta GA | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 02:56 PM
Those who love those who correct are open-headed and open-hearted. It is easier to live a long and happy life than to write well. And though it takes ego to write, it takes getting one's ego out of one's writing to write well. You are a treasure and the dream of every editor.
Curious I am about how "reconnaissance" comes out "gratitude."
FYI ellipses are three SPACED dots--unless at the end of what could stand as a sentene, in which case there is a period and then three spaced dots.
Posted by: F. Armstrong Green | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:02 PM
'"tears to my eyes" is right - what a special person he must have been, this Bill. And so are you, Kristin. I so enjoy reading the life that you are living out loud..... and sharing with us.
Posted by: betsy | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:03 PM
Thoughtful and moving tribute to Bill, Kristi. You filled a space in his life as much as you felt his presence in yours. Each time you "miss" his response to your blog, an opportunity occurs for you to thank him for his friendship. RIP Bill.
Posted by: Sandy Maberly | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:05 PM
Thank you for this beautiful reflection, Kristin. I was in tears before I reached the comments, and I know that others around the world will be experiencing the same emotions as they read your tribute to Bill Myers.
Posted by: Donna | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:15 PM
A touching tribute, beautifully written. Merci.
Posted by: Martha | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:18 PM
This is most definitely one of my favorites, Kristin. Please forgive my forwardness, but I believe you thanked him every time you learned from him, as we do from all "teachers" and mentors in our lives. My thoughts are with you as you heal and cherish. This is a beautiful tribute to him!
Posted by: Gary in DC | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:25 PM
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. In this world of every day life we lose track of mortality. Mostly, I would like to thank you for sharing your walk. It truly opened my eyes to the reality of life and its journey. I too shall look at the bark, the fur and the site of life all around me in the present. Take good care and have a wonderful week.
Posted by: Linda Hutchison | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:26 PM
Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts of the man who helped shaped your word career and life! My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
Posted by: Pamela Harnois | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:30 PM
Beautiful, Kristin! God shows himself in many ways we sometimes don't understand when we expect it least.
Posted by: Renda M. | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:36 PM
Dear Kristin,
This is a beautifully done tribute. I so relate. After helping me publish a first book of poetry in 2007, my editor, Mrs. "Wordsmith," the implausible Mary Sieber, died suddenly. I lost my will to write as I had no sounding board. She always had just the right word when I was stuck or knew how to turn a phrase so it would work when I didn't see the possibility. Although I published another book, it is not of the caliber as the one done with Mary and I have to say that I hardly write any more. Her husband was a wonderful editor but, John, too, has died so the gifts that they had to give to a generation of us are locked up.
I'm so very sorry for your loss and you will, I assure you, remember "Meester Beel," every time you write something and question whether or not that is just the way he would have done it.
May he rest in peace.
Grace, peace and many blessings,
Micki Simms
Houston, TX
Posted by: Micki Simms | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:36 PM
Why am I crying?
Thank you for extending Bill's voice, though I did not know him, somehow I do now. :-)
Posted by: Diana | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:37 PM
"Thank you, Bill, for helping me cross my t's. When you don't write back today, I'm going to notice. Then I'll go out and notice the bark, Smokey's fur, and the pebbles beneath our feet." What a wonderful hommage to your wonderful editor and friend, Bill.
Posted by: Trina, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:45 PM
Thank you for this moving and loving tribute to this wonderful person who has touched your heart so deeply. I am sitting here looking out onto the beautiful Pacific Ocean in tears and emotion reflecting on all your beautiful words on life!!!!
Posted by: Marilyn Murphy | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:51 PM
You remind me that happiness is paying attention.
Another great, reflective, eloquent post.
Thank you.
Posted by: Leslie NYC | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:53 PM
So poignant. Thanks for this.
Posted by: Carol Jo | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 03:59 PM
Kristin,
As you have done so many times before, your words and homage to blogger Bill Myers conveyed the purity of your thoughts and the clarity of your spirit.
I too, feel blessed that we have crossed paths - although we've never met.
Thank you! You are a gift in my life as I am sure you are in many of your other readers lives.
Now, I'm going to go find me a once tree and relish in the contemplation of the details of its (not it's) bark.
Olivier the Wine Guy
Posted by: Olivier the Wine Guy | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:04 PM
A beautiful tribute to your friend...My eyes are filled with tears. May you remember him with every stray comma and apostrophe and always with your heart...bj
Posted by: Betty Doolittle Tuininga | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:04 PM
"nice tree"
Posted by: Olivier the Wine Guy | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:04 PM
Touched deeply by your beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Ronni | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:09 PM
God is the bark, God is the fur, God is the pebbles.....how great Thou are....and the thread of connection runs thru all....merci beaucoup, Kristi.
Posted by: Faye Stelly | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:16 PM
You really did it with this one, Kristin! This beautifully written and evocative post just moved me so much. I can really tell how much Bill meant to you. Tears. Why, oh why do I read your blog while at work?! Thank you for always giving so much of yourself to your readers and please keep on writing!
Posted by: Debbie from Baltimore | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:20 PM
In memory of Bill:
Presenter ses hommageS - hommages here should be plural.
Posted by: Claudette | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:20 PM
Very moving story... a wonderful tribute to a wonderfull unkown friend. Life is so fantastic and incredible...
Thank you for sharing with us all and thank you for the peaceful and lovely pictures.
Posted by: Adeline Richarson Reunion Island | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:21 PM
Great post, Kristin. Thanks.
Posted by: David Cooper | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:22 PM
God is in everything, and your mom is a real angel on Earth, Kristin. I always enjoy reading your stories of her wisdom. Your homage to Bill brought a smile to my face, but also tugged at my heart strings. As a former copy editor, I have also been a member of the Grammar Police -- a role that doesn't typically earn us many fans. Bill sounds like he was well-respected precisely due to his honesty and humour. The Internet can be a real blessing for people who are not able to get out and speak with people face-to-face, and for Bill, it was the perfect outlet that allowed him to stay true to himself while building friendships. Your mom's reply was serendipitous and I believe that if we truly tune into our Divine nature and acknowledge God in everyone, we can become more sensitive to those subtle messages of the Universe. Those are the messages that guide us to send that particular genuine 'thank you' note to a special person at the right time.
Posted by: Katia | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:23 PM
As F. Armstrong Green has already noted, you went wild with your ellipses this morning. Grief will do that to you. In honor of and in the spirit of Bill, an ellipsis is a space followed by three dots then another space. It can stand for an omission, an elongated pause, or in today's case, a sigh, a sob, or wiping the eyes with toilet tissue. Feeling your loss. Due to my sister's calculated misturns (she told me so months later,) I remain your unmet friend.
Posted by: Betty | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:32 PM
A lovely hommage to Bill. And yes, people you have never met can touch you deeply. I learned that when my sister was dying from her falcon blog friends.
Posted by: Suzanne | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:37 PM
Wow. I just found your blog yesterday and began following, and you give me this gift, right out of the box. Thank you, and I am so sorry for your loss. What a character!
Posted by: Kristine | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:45 PM
Ha! Hommage, not homage. Oops! I have yet to perfect typing a longer message using my phone. ;)
Posted by: Katia | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:46 PM
So moved by your writing. Tears running down my cheeks. Many thanks. Such a beautiful tribute.
Posted by: Lisa | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:47 PM
Thank you for sharing that. It made me think too of John Donne: "Ask not for whom the bell tolls./It tolls for their." Bill managed to touch all of us by how much he touched you.
Posted by: Elizabeth Lopez | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:49 PM
Today's blog about Bill is one of your best, Kristi.
Posted by: Sue Lennox | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:52 PM
Beautifully written, Kristin. We shall all miss his unique responses each week.
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:53 PM
Yes. I AM THAT I AM. There is no separation. The Essence of the bark is Your Essence. Amen. I am glad you had that epiphany.
Posted by: Eeta Sachon | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 04:53 PM
Kristi, you're writing just gets better and better.
Namaste
Linda of Sausalito and Burgundy
Posted by: Linda Hammond | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 05:02 PM
Kristin, I have never commented before, but I believe this is your best writing yet. Your caring love for Bill really shines through. He would have loved it!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 05:09 PM
What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute. I was so moved by the tribute you Bill. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sending BIG HUGS your way.
Posted by: Karen from Phoenix | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 05:22 PM
Your "voice" continues to become more and more beautiful and developed. That has to do especially I think with your remarkable courage to seek feedback-correction-growth, and with your openness to feel and share.
It's wonderful to me how one can hear a voice and know who is talking without even seeing the speaker.
Today your post and your voice are especially touching to me.
Posted by: Gordon Lyman | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 05:38 PM
Kristin ~ thank you for your beautiful "hommage" to Bill and most of all to remind us how God is Love and is with us everywhere. You are dearly loved by God and of course, us, your blog friends. I'm sure if it wasn't for the thousands of miles of land and sea that separate us, you and I would be great friends. J'adore votre coeur! Merci mon amie.
Posted by: Beth | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 05:46 PM
I too am brought to tears by this beautiful tribute to Bill. Thank you dear Kristin!
Posted by: Joy Bryden | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 05:48 PM
Well done, Kristi, well done.
Posted by: A. Moreau | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 05:51 PM
Kristin, as everyone here has said, this is a beautiful, touching tribute to your invisible friend. Thanks to you, we have a whole community of "invisible friends" who look forward to your charming & insightful blogs. You teaxh us much more than French words! Merci, Merci mille fois!
Posted by: Judy Feldman from Flagstaff, AZ | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 06:16 PM
I think you will appreciate this "Dog Haiku" I once came across. My husband & I love it:
I lie belly up in the grass
Happier than you will ever be
Posted by: Leslie Dosik | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 06:21 PM
Thank you so much Kristin -- what a beautiful post. He must have been a special person.
And thank you for the great "little people with fur" photos.
This was a great way to start my day.
Stay well!
Posted by: Faye Stampe, Gleneden Beach, OR | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 06:37 PM
God's presence is woven into our lives awaiting our discovery. Bill certainly was a special thread in your life, initiating so much with his touch. Thank you for sharing the blessings of his presence on your path.....and touching my path with your words, pictures and stories.
Posted by: Sarahlee Kittons | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 06:45 PM
Our dear Kristi,
This is just an incredibly lovely and moving post.
You and Bill were a blessing in each other's lives;once again you have shown usjust exactly how to appreciate and treasure our friends,be they in person or cyberspace.
THANK YOU!
Love
Natalia XO
Posted by: Natalia | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 06:53 PM
How lucky you were to have a Bill. He touched you in ways beyond his wordsmithing. The sign of a truly caring person. You did right by him in your blog today.
Chris
Posted by: Christine Webb-Curtis | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 06:58 PM
Kristin, as so many have said, this was very touching. I identify with Bill because I, too, edit, if only in my mind. I edit what I read in newspapers and online. I mentally edit words of TV and radio announcers, and, probably unfortunately, those of everyone from drive-through voices to good friends. I don't know that it's an admirable trait of mine, but there it is...
Your mom was surely used of God. Her last message sent Bill off knowing he was appreciated. And, by the way, so are you.
Posted by: Susie | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 07:00 PM
Beautiful. I know he's smiling as he reads this from his new home. :)
Blessings,
Lorrie (Redondo Beach, CA)
Posted by: Lorrie Kazan | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 07:12 PM
DARLING BILL,
WELL AS YOU AND ONLY I KNOW, I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE 4 OZ'S OF WINE, WELL MAYBE 6 OZ'S WORE OFF SO I COULD HIKE BACK DOWN TO THE COFFEE CUP HERE IN THE MARINA TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE COMMENT BOX. nEEDLESS TO SAY I HAVE BEEN VERY SAD THIS MORNING...I KNOW THAT KRISTI IS PROBABLEY IN THE CLOSET NOT ONLY CRYING FOR YOUR HELP, BUT IT IS STARTING TO BECOME MORE CLEAR TO HER THAT YOU HAVE REALLY DEPARTED AND ARE NO L0NGER THERE TO LOOK OVER HER SHOULDER AND CLEAN UP HER WRITING. I LOVE YOU HONEY, I MISS YOU MORE THAN I WOULD HAVE EVER KNOWN. I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU WERE IN OUR LIVES. hOW IS IT UP THERE IN HEAVEN??? I'm SURE I WILL SEE YOU ONE DAY SOON. tHANKS FOR MAKING KRISTI LOOK SO SMART ALL OF THESE PAST YEARS....YOU WERE A TRUE ANGEL....
XOXO
MOMA JULES...
Posted by: Jules Greer | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 07:37 PM
Kristi, I look forward to reading your blog and I am always so surprised at the beautiful gems that you give us through your words and lovely pictures. The blog about your friend Bill was so touching. I went back and read several of the comments and I wonder if you may have found another editor to replace Bill? Claudette? I shall remain "tuned in" to see if another editorial relationship will have begun... best wishes to you!
Posted by: Gail Woodbury, Minnesota | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 08:04 PM
OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL POST !
HE WOULD BE PROUD ( I AM SURE )
THANK YOU FOR SHARING `BILL`
Posted by: SISSY | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 08:25 PM
Looks like your tribute touched quite a few readers today, including myself. As a French teacher (now retired), I have read your posts and occasionally responded. I have to admit I've been tempted to challenge your French spelling, but never felt the need to point out any errors in French or in English. Recently my wife (a retired English teacher) started a weekly blog and I find myself cast in the role of spell-checker and grammarian. As language teachers we find ourselves needing to make sure we "get it right!" Keep up the good work and don't worry too much about the details! (By the way, here' my wife's blog: kathleendanahaine.com
Posted by: Bob haine | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 08:41 PM
Oh dear Kristi, thank you! This beautiful tribute, so profoundly true to your gracious spirit, has moved me to tears. I am continuously awed by the way in which we touch each other’s lives; even those who we’ve not met.
Bill will be greatly missed. I certainly could use a Grammar King of my own as I have fallen far off the “grammar wagon”.
This post is one of my favorites. Life does go on and on; grateful for the gifts you bring to mine. On the breeze, I send you Love and a long, heartfelt hug.
Posted by: Stacy ~ Sweet Life Farm | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 08:51 PM
Hi Kristin,
I'm sure Bill is looking down and smiling from heaven!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 08:52 PM
Such a beautiful post, it touched my heart and helped me see life in a better perspective. Thank you for your writing.
Posted by: Cathydanziger | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 09:21 PM
I find it ironic that Weird Al released his new single today (he's releasing one each day this week) called " Word Crimes."
Check it out:
http://www.weirdal.com/
Bill would approve :)
Posted by: Donna | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 09:44 PM
This was such a lovely piece, and preceded by another of those unearthly beautiful picture of your dogs. It is a tribute to your magnetism that people like Bill get involved with you, which in turn gives rise to such wonderful writing.
Posted by: Robert Wildau | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 10:05 PM
Having chosen to include your lovely, cuddling dogs in this post, it is fitting that your mom has an intuition of how you spent your day after hearing the unfortunate news. One's pets really do provide comfort, at least mine always have. In the recent books I have been reading the author is always saying, "In life there are no coincidences. ..." (did I do the elipse correctly?) I was referring to your mom having sent the last note to Bill.
I so look forward to reading your posts, Kristi, please know that you are loved.
Mary
Posted by: Mary in Oregon | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 10:10 PM
Having sent you, somewhat hesitantly, a few corrections over the years, I am always grateful to receive your breezy (and grateful-sounding) "Thanks, off to make those changes now." You always make it seem as if corrections and suggestions are welcome, which makes me feel better about sending them. Thanks for your kindness. I'm sure Bill appreciated it too, and indeed felt that you appreciated him.
Posted by: Janet | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 10:58 PM
What a very moving story and tribute to a friend. I have a feeling Bill knew without your telling him how much his help was appreciated. Thank you, Kristin. I could just imagine that walk in the forest.
Posted by: Ophelia Paine | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 11:23 PM
Thanks Kristi, thanks Bill and thanks to all those connected to this lovely blog.
Posted by: Jill in Sydney | Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 11:42 PM
Bill, sounds like my kind of guy. I love grammar police. God bless him and those who will miss him. Wilma Smelcer
Posted by: Wilma Smelcer | Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 01:26 AM
What a beautiful homage to your dear friend! I always admired his ease in sending in corrections along with his love and appreciation for all you give to each one of us! He will be missed, but well-remembered!
Posted by: Judi, Lake Balboa, CA | Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 02:07 AM
I suppose this is an example of the oxymoron, "intimate stranger." Mr. Myers probably wouldn't like those quote marks. Kristi,
this was a touching tribute.
Posted by: Brenda in SF | Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 02:16 AM
The picture of Blaise and Smokey almost had me running out to get another Golden. To me , "Mom" is spelled with a capital "M", since "Mom" denotes someone really special - sorry to disagree, Bill.
Posted by: Bill in St. Paul | Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 02:40 AM
What a wonderful tribute to one who made a difference in your life. You, in fact, have such a way with words, I find myself sharing every emotion you describe in all your postings. Thank you for expanding my peripheral view.
Posted by: Gail Pisut | Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 02:48 AM
It was if I was walking in the woods with you and really appreciated your story about Bill. As always you have the most profound way of conveying the "moment" in time, which is all we ever have really. Isn't it amazing how over the years your life has influenced and in turn you have influenced so many others around the world. Thank you Kristi, June G.C. Qld
Posted by: june furey | Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 02:52 AM