Bill was one of Shawn's bosses, while they worked together they became very dear friends. Our families are similar; we both have a special needs child. Bill and April have two kids and their daughter has Autism. Of course, as you know, one of our twins has Down syndrome. Bill totally understood some of Shawn's challenges and vice versa and the two just hit it off. Last year they took a motorcycle trip to the Dragon in Tennessee. And when Bill returns home, safely, they will be going on another trip to the Black Hills (I think).
April worked her booty off and many people came to have one last revelry with Bill before he heads off for his tour and I am sure we will have one HUGE revelry when he safely returns!! I was honored to make his send-off cake.
While we were there I was able to see and reminisce with some old friends from Chrysler too. Double "D" showed up with his buddies, stepdaughter, and gorgeous little boy. Then later in the evening Carlson came with his wife. It was great to see those guys again. April and I sat and chatted, once she was finally able to sit down (which was not until 10 or so in the evening).Some of the kids there were swimming, some were in the hot tub, some just ran around the yard having a grand time. It was good to see so many people who love Bill and April and their kids show up to send him off with fond memories of his last days at home before he leaves for a year or so.
I cannot imagine being in April's shoes. I have such respect for her and her family. Trevor is a teenager now and such a great kid, I am sure he will be a great source of help to his mom. I can say this, I am so eternally grateful for the men and women like Bill; those who willingly choose to serve and protect no matter the cost. He is going away, sacrificing family time with his wife, son and daughter. Why? Because he is proud to be an American, because he is proud to protect you and me, because he is a man of exceptional selflessness.
You do not have to support this war but how can you not support and pray for a man or woman willing to sacrifice of themselves when they don't even know you? This is as thankless a job as it is a thankful one. A soldier's job is never done. I am not asking for debates here, this is not a political thing. I don't care if you support our government in this war, all I am asking is prayers for a man willing to risk it all for you.
I will be praying for Bill Watson and asking everyone I know to do the same. He is a good man, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a cousin, and a friend to many. He deserves our prayers. This pic is Bill in the mountains on the trip to the Dragon with Shawn.
This pic is Bill and Trevor on the April 2008 "Ride for the Troops".
God speed, Bill Watson.
We love you....