For Bill... Sept. 27, 1932 - Sept. 12, 2001

My ex-husband, Bill, died almost five years ago - Sept. 12, 2001. Yes, the day after the infamous 9/11. I feel the pain of people's losses because I lost someone who I later realized was probably the best friend I ever had. He didn't die in such a horrible fashion as to be incinerated in a building, but in a hospital where they all collectively failed to save his life. Well, they paid for it. My daughter was the recipient of a fairly large cash settlement. It took several years, and just last week Bill's beautiful memorial was installed at his gravesite. I haven't seen it yet, but my daughter tells me its really nice.

She chose a black granite with gold lettering, Steeler colors. It also has a Steelers helmet on it. Bill would have been so proud of her for designing that kind of gravestone, and would have chided her for spending so much money, around $2,600. But I know he's smiling down from heaven. And I know he's in heaven because he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior shortly before he died.

Bill was instrumental in us moving to the Pittsburgh area. He was a die-hard Steelers fan and talked about the visit he had made to Pittsburgh in the 60s. After we separated, I found it too expensive to live in Long Island as a single mom, so decided to move. In large part due to his influence, I checked out the Pittsburgh area, and moved here in 1997. Eight months later, Bill followed, moving a short mile away from me so he could be near his daughter.

He loved going to her softball games and cheering her on. She would visit him at his apartment and he'd always slip her money, though he could hardly afford it. Cards with money would arrive every holiday. His two daughters from his first marriage were not in contact with him, so our daughter was really daddy's little girl.

He delighted in seeing his Steelers every Sunday. Finally, after spending his entire life in N.Y., he got to live where his beloved team was. Its just too bad he didn't get to see their Superbowl win last year. Or did he?

I hope you are enjoying Heaven... we will meet again someday.