Wally lived his last days with Alzheimer's. Though his ability to remember yesterday was limited, he relished the present.In 2005 he visited his daughter Sandra at her home in Punta Banda, Mexico. Their small house on a narrow sand spit is sandwiched between the Bay of Todos Los Santos and a large estuary. Ocean waves whisper good night and greet the morning dawn with an ever changing palette of colors, clouds, sand, birds and people.
Wally asked to spend his last days there "on the beach".
And he did.
8 comments:
The poem to the right is one Wally started reciting but could only remember the first few lines. His son-in-law, Larry, got online and found the complete poem.
Wally repeatedly recited the lines: "Sunset and evening Star and One clear call for me". Curious, I googled it and found the complete poem by Lord Alfred Tennyson posted to the right by Cherrie. I put a print out of the poem on the table. Wally enjoyed reading it and hearing it read out loud.
Wally was a dear friend from our college days. Another friend, Earl Johnson picked up Wally and me to drive to the U each day. We all discussed the lessons of the day and any problems we had as we rode along. We were fraternity brothers, AXE, and were initiated at the same time. I remember the all night walk carrying a bowling ball. Unfortunately the morning after we had a final in Physical Chemistry and I did not do well. Wally was a dear friend and I feel his passing very much.
Tom Valenty
Wally was a great addition to Parc Provence. We loved having him live here, and seeing his smile every day. He will be dearly missed!
We didn't know Wally very well, however, he had to have been a "class act" in order to have brought up a woman as special as Patte.
Patte, we are thinking of you and your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Donna, Dan, Belinda and Stacy
Weaver
Wally and Merle were dear friends.
We had many good times together, and played a lot of Bridge.We also had season tickets to community and professional theatre performances. They even went to Peoria,Illinois with us to see our son in one of his shows. Wally enjoyed all of this very much. In fact, Wally just loved being with people.
His religion meant a lot to him. He was a kind and good man.
He was an outdoor person, so it is nice that he spent his last days with loved ones in a beautiful place that he loved.
We shall always remember Wally and Merle - two outstanding people.
I met Wally & Merle when I had to move to St. Louis for an internship at Famous-Barr. It was during the first semester of my senior year at Purdue. Patte & I lived in the same sorority house and she asked her parents if I could stay with them. Fortunately, for me, they said yes. I have so many fond memories but I do have a favorite: Lots of nights after we all got home from work they would fix a huge bowl of popcorn and pour at least a stick of melted butter on top! That was such a standard ritual that even to this day when eat popcorn, always with lots of butter, I think of them.
They were both so kind and generous to me during that time period and I'm grateful to Patte for giving me the opportunity to get to know them.
To Patte and the entire Belin Family--You had 2 wonderful parents and my thoughts are with you.
Mr. Belin was a goof man to know. In the years I knew him best, he was always welcoming of me. In the years I spent in St. Louis. I am saddened by the news of his passing, but am confident he found great comfort in his time on the Baja...& in seeing his 3 girls, & his grandchildren.
I have fond memories of him, & of all the Belin family.
My sincere sympathies are extended to Sandy, Cherrie, & Pattie.
I think of each of you more than you ever might think.
From Seattle, Tom Palmesano
Post a Comment