151 Band

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Losing Bill, Gaining Perspective

Governor Christie, Libya, Wall Street protests, clashes in Saudi Arabia, The Simpson's budget cuts...it's all just crazy right now.  But then, something happens that jars human reason, cuts to the very heart of our existence.

The untimely loss of a friend to heart attack.

Bucket Truck Bill, as he was known by many in the days of Shannon & Spinozi on KRXO and later on WKY, Bill Frank was comic relief for many radio listeners, but he was more than that.  He was a business owner, a father, a grandfather and a good friend.  He passed away last week after a couple days in the hospital when he was pulled from life support.



Bill played in my band for a while, prior to his first heart attack a few months ago.  Bill was the kind of guy who always made you smile or laugh in even the most inappropriate moments.  He was wild, often unpredictable, but he was always a loyal friend and I believe he left us far too soon.  His positive attitude was infectious, permeating the fabric of everyone's being within his sphere of influence.  He was very often a "larger than life" person who could cut quickly through all the bologna of life and get to the heart of what really matters.

Bill's death was shocking, surprising and forced my emotional nose in the corner for some time of introspection and at the end of the day, I gained some perspective.

Family.
Forgiveness.
Mercy.
Love.
Friends.
Faith.
Laughter.
Music.

It all matters.