This morning I found out that a friend and co-worker of mine passed away after fighting lung cancer for almost two years.   

Delta L1011, retired fleet in 2001

Here is my post from FaceBook this morning:

My heart is broken… The last time I flew with Bill was Easter two years ago. Shortly after that he was diagnosed with cancer… Sweet Bill, may your journey into the light be beautiful… I loved flying with you and hope you keep soaring and continuing your adventures. You will be greatly missed…

PS… Don’t forget to latch the meal carts in the lower galley on the L1011 before takeoff… Oops… Chocolate cake was everywhere… 

This was followed by a statement from our airline giving condolences and info on the funeral.

As I sat here, looking out into my sunroom (only gets the afternoon and evening sun…  Sun does not shine into this room in the morning because its windows face west and northwest), I reflected on my sadness, cried some, and then started laughing as I relived  the unlatched cart episode that happened about 16 years ago…  I will never forget going down to the lower galley with him after takeoff and looking around at the mess.  What does Bill do?  He walks over and finds a dessert plate and starts to pretend to lick off the chocolate cake!!

As I started laughing and smiling I looked to my right, into the sunroom, and this beautiful spark of light formed out of nowhere, appeared to burst and throw light and then flew off…  Bill!  It was Bill!!

I literally laughed out loud as I yelled “Bill!!”  I’ll miss you Bill!!  Bye!!  Look out for those L1011’s!!!  After yelling out, I got confirmation…  Those chills running up and down my spine from soul level knowing that I am correct. Hey, it’s a medium thing…

As I sit here, writing this, the tears are flowing, but I am smiling…  Ladies and Gentlemen…  Heaven just threw a big old party!!!