Bill Holman and my son, Jeff... Sam

I mentioned Bill Holman in my last post.  Bill had four daughters as I recall.  Bill was a tough Brooklyn , NY guy who became paralyzed in mid-career.  Bill didn't quit though.  Bill was an investor before and during the good and bad stock market times.  He did well and he continued it nearly 24/7 as a paraplegic.  Bill had been a successful construction engineer.   

Bill advertised in the Westerville News and Public Opinion for a weitght lifting helper.  My sons and a few of their friends had converted our garage- and Jeanie's small laundry room into a dead weight training facility- the laundry room for the winter.  Neither son was extroverted, except with their sporting friends.  Jay is the oldest by nearly six years.  Both played and loved various sports well.  Jay was sufficiently good to play basketball for the Miami (Ohio) Jr. Varsity in 74-75 and to help Geno's of columbus win an "Open" state championship in Softball later.   But Jay inherited the Hunter family frame (tall and skinny) of his grandmother Weddington's brothers and his grandfather Weddington's dogged determination and smarts.  Jay answered Bill's ad and and got the job.  Instead, he told Bill he was answering for his brother, Jeff, who almost refused to go meet Bill, but yielded to his brother's proddiing.  Bill resisted a bit.  Was it Miles Standish who courted the lady for his friend?  Anyway, Bill hired Jeff, though his hesitance was because of Jeff's shy and laid back personality, especially compared to Jay''s.

The job began- the tough , wise, older engineer and the young - also hesitant, Jeff.  Bill stayed physically and mentally strong and Jeff was further challenged by Bill's tough and intelligent prodding of Jeff's person.  They were great friends.

The story proceeded much like the "Thanks for you Time" post I forwarded from my friend Lou Flores!  

Bill has passed on now, but Jeff told me that he later bought a hundred acres in the middle of Florida and set up homes for his wife, June,  and their two mothers, who lived with them until their deaths.  He also had homes built for each of his four daughters and their families around him.  For  a few good years though, Jeff helped him lift weights to keep Bill's body and mind healthy and Bill instilled much of the good sense Jeff has shown throughout his life into my young son.  

Bill Holman was one of the strong individuals who took care of his family and those he loved, even with his handicap in life,  and is a true American  hero in my estimation.

Thanks for your time!

Sam