Some Sad News

I have the saddest news. A very good coworker from my previous job and
a great advocate in the disability community died yesterday. He died
of cancer.

My heart is broken because the world has lost a great advocate for the
rights of people first, independence for people with disabilities
second. William, you will truly be missed.

I first met William when I went to Great Lakes Center for Independent
Living as a consumer. I was young and impressionable. I was depressed,
cuz I had made a mess of my life. And my dad told me that I needed to
become more independent. I didn't like this recommendation, but I knew
it was true and my daddy was right.

So with the phone number given to me by a friend from school, I
called. William was one of my teachers as I attended Independence
University. My dreams and hopes were being restored as I met people
who had disabilities, just like me, who were LIVING.

William was a great person; very outgoing, friendly, and caring. He
was full of life! I enjoyed being in his class.

In 2000, I started working for Great Lakes. Now, William and I were
co-workers. We worked together throughout the close of that center and
during my time in Detroit at the Disability Network. Always a delight
to work with. I admired him, cuz he would get the job done. I like
folks that get the job done.

William was very well-respected throughout the community. He helped
many people. He was an asset whereever he went. William, I'll miss
you.

May the peace of God comfort the family and all of us who will miss
him greatly during this extremely difficult time.

God bless