Grandma will be missed dearly. She was such an amazing woman and grandma. I loved all our camping trips on the McKenzie River where we would sleep under the stars or even get the luxury of an RV one year. While we played on the sand or near the water, I always knew she was on the balcony watching over us. This was a very good thing when one time I stayed on a rock too long and the tide came in. She came running down to the beach to save me from having to swim back to shore. i will never forget our shoe shopping trips and how neat it was that the tradition was able to be passe don to the great-grandchildren. She made everlasting traditions beyond the Christmas' and other holidays. She was a wise and generous woman who will remain in my heart forever.
Lacey
I always thought it was so special that at every greeting I would get a hug and kiss on the cheek. She was a gentle and caring woman.
Aaron
Grandma Elsa was the best Grandma in the world. One of the coolest things about her was that she always had a book in her hands, that's how the name "Book Mom" came. I also loved how she would take me shoe shopping and buy me the coolest shoes ever. I hope that she will have a great time with Jesus and God in Heaven.
Caleb
Addie says she is glad that Grandma Elsa is able to be out of her wheelchair now. (We prayed for that a lot) Addie will miss her at Christmas.
Addie
When I think of Grandma many memories flash through my mind. I think of her reading a book, in the kitchen both at home and at Cannon Beach making wonderful homemade meals, sitting around a campfire at McKenzie River, drinking hot chocolate with us at Timberline Lodge, bird watching at the kitchen table in Arizona, sharing a meal at Jones Cabin at Gozzer, and the many holidays and birthdays we have spent together. Along with those special moments I remember he kind and caring nature, her great sense of humor, and all the love she showed me and my kids. Every time you would go to give her a hug, she would pucker up for a kiss as well. although she looked fragile, she was such a strong woman...all the way to the end. I will hold all these memories close to my heart and her spirit will stay alive in our family forever.
Dina
I love Grandma Elsa so much because of her kindness and positive thoughts. I also loved seeing her smile, it brightened up my day. Also on all vacations, she was so willing to let us give hr a brand new hairstyle. She even cooperated in letting us comb her hair. Shoe shopping was fun too...I don't know where to begin we'll start from her...2 1/2 size boots and all the way to size 4 in both tennis shoes plus the expensive real UGG Boots. I love you and always will. Thank you Grandma, you will be in my heart forever.
Love, Ellie
Grandma Elsa, the most important thing that I miss about you is that you would always take us shoe shopping. I love you so much because you were caring, thoughtful, always having a smile and always having a positive attitude. I miss you sooo much.
Love, Lily
Jalen said, "I love how she came to Gozzer with us." When Ellie said, "you weren't even alive" (which he was) he said, "Yes, I was, I saw in the picture (hanging on the fridge)!" Then Jalen said, "I liked looking for birds and squirrels with her."
Jalen
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Remembering Grandma and Grandpa Foelker
Remembering Grandma
Life is so tender, wrapped in a kiss.
Affectionate whispers surround her bed.
Her hot air balloon has taken her up
to meet her Maker, Kingdom and His love.
Life has been better with knowing her love,
aspiring to be half what she was.
Traditions now gone and memories remain.
Gone from this world and on into the next
An angel on earth and now from above,
She will watch over all those she loved.
written by Lacey just moments after being
told that Grandma had passed away.
November 14, 2011
Remembering Grandpa
Soldier of honor.
Great Husband of love
Father of two
Devoted teacher and volunteer of so much
Grandpa of two
Great grandpa of six
Bravery, Courage, Selflessness and Strength
Always giving more than anyone could take
His legacy lives on in all he touched
Memories remain etched in our hearts
One of a kind
No one else can compare
You get what you give
Let it live on from here.
Lacey
Life is so tender, wrapped in a kiss.
Affectionate whispers surround her bed.
Her hot air balloon has taken her up
to meet her Maker, Kingdom and His love.
Life has been better with knowing her love,
aspiring to be half what she was.
Traditions now gone and memories remain.
Gone from this world and on into the next
An angel on earth and now from above,
She will watch over all those she loved.
written by Lacey just moments after being
told that Grandma had passed away.
November 14, 2011
Remembering Grandpa
Soldier of honor.
Great Husband of love
Father of two
Devoted teacher and volunteer of so much
Grandpa of two
Great grandpa of six
Bravery, Courage, Selflessness and Strength
Always giving more than anyone could take
His legacy lives on in all he touched
Memories remain etched in our hearts
One of a kind
No one else can compare
You get what you give
Let it live on from here.
Lacey
Monday, April 2, 2012
Remembering Papa Bill from the Prueitt Family
Lacey is the second and last grandchild of Bill and Elsa's. She married Aaron Prueitt almost 9 years ago.. They have three children: Caleb (12), Addison (Addie 4 1/2) and Tristan (almost 3). Granted the young ones don't have as many memories of Papa Bill as the older children do, but they do know and miss Papa Bill. The day after surgery, Lacey brought all three children to the hospital along with a "Grande Coffee Mocha" for Papa Bill!
Here are their memory stories:
"My grandpa was one of the greatest men I have known. He created so many memories that will remain in my heart forever. His life was lived and centered around doing good for others. We had so many traditions of family camping trips and beach trips. Every time he would always do things to make those moments so special. Every summer at Cannon Beach he would make sure we had camp fires to cook smores and if the wind was too strong he would put up a canvas tarp to block the wind from us. He was always doing things for others. He delighted in seeing joy in everyone he loved. He built us a tree house, tire swing and the “Flying Foelker Rope” in his back yard. We had so many gatherings back there. Easter Egg Hunts where we even got to find the manikins dressed in camo military gear. He was always asking “19 questions” but he was only so inquisitive because he wanted to be involved and learn as much as he could. Any where he would go he was always getting to know people; he just had that kind of passion for life. I will do my best to make sure that I live my life as he did in the motto of “You get what you give”."
Lacey
"The thing I loved about grandpa was that he was a true grit old school kind of man cut from the old cloth. He was a marine through and through. He had that kind of toughness you could just see and feel from the first time you met him and shook his hand. He was as honest as they come and a straight shooter. Those kind of men are a dying breed, I only hope I can instill in my children, his great grandchildren, the character and charisma he showed us all. I will miss all the conversations and stories we shared."
Aaron
"I remember Papa Bill as a kind, loving man. He used to love to play with me when I was using the hedgehog, and he used to always make me laugh. He used to push me on the tire swing and help me walk on the stilts that he made for my mom and aunt."
Caleb (12)
"I loved to go shoe shopping; I used to go with him. It was so fun and I picked out pink shoes. Then when I start getting ready to go I loved to look at squirrels"
Addie (4 1/2)
"I love Papa Bill super long time, he died."
Tristan (almost 3)
"My grandpa was one of the greatest men I have known. He created so many memories that will remain in my heart forever. His life was lived and centered around doing good for others. We had so many traditions of family camping trips and beach trips. Every time he would always do things to make those moments so special. Every summer at Cannon Beach he would make sure we had camp fires to cook smores and if the wind was too strong he would put up a canvas tarp to block the wind from us. He was always doing things for others. He delighted in seeing joy in everyone he loved. He built us a tree house, tire swing and the “Flying Foelker Rope” in his back yard. We had so many gatherings back there. Easter Egg Hunts where we even got to find the manikins dressed in camo military gear. He was always asking “19 questions” but he was only so inquisitive because he wanted to be involved and learn as much as he could. Any where he would go he was always getting to know people; he just had that kind of passion for life. I will do my best to make sure that I live my life as he did in the motto of “You get what you give”."
Lacey
"The thing I loved about grandpa was that he was a true grit old school kind of man cut from the old cloth. He was a marine through and through. He had that kind of toughness you could just see and feel from the first time you met him and shook his hand. He was as honest as they come and a straight shooter. Those kind of men are a dying breed, I only hope I can instill in my children, his great grandchildren, the character and charisma he showed us all. I will miss all the conversations and stories we shared."
Aaron
 |
| Halloween 2011 Papa Bill with all the greats! |
"I remember Papa Bill as a kind, loving man. He used to love to play with me when I was using the hedgehog, and he used to always make me laugh. He used to push me on the tire swing and help me walk on the stilts that he made for my mom and aunt."
Caleb (12)
"I loved to go shoe shopping; I used to go with him. It was so fun and I picked out pink shoes. Then when I start getting ready to go I loved to look at squirrels"
Addie (4 1/2)
"I love Papa Bill super long time, he died."
Tristan (almost 3)
Remembering Papa Bill from the Snook Family
I have asked each of the kids, old and young to share stories about their memories of "Grandpa or Papa Bill" as he was later called by the great grandchildren. They did the same for Elsa and we added those letters with her inside her space on the wall...I don't think I ever published those sentiments here, so that will be something I will add to this blog in a different post...those words and memories are certainly something that I want to keep alive and to have published here for future reading.
So first is Dina, the oldest and first grandchild of Bill and Elsa Foelker. She married Jamie Snook almost 13 years ago. They have three children; Ellie is 10, Lily is 8 and Jalen is almost 5.
"My grandpa played such a huge role in my life...there aren't many girls as lucky as my sister and I were to have someone as special as him in our lives. I could go on and on about all the memories I have with him, big events like camping, our summer visits to Cannon Beach, and skiing at Timberline. But there were also the small everyday activities that made us close...like riding in his car and singing the Marine Core Hymn, or spending time in his backyard with the tree fort and tire swing, or making the deal that I would stop biting my nails if he stopped spitting. While we were so fortunate to get so much time with my grandpa, it was the way he talked to us, the words that were said, the 21 questions that were asked and the lessons learned that really made an impact on my life. I remember having to write an essay for a college application on who I admired most and the answer was easy...Grandpa. He was such a kind, giving, generous, moral man that instilled self confidence in me...not only by exposing me to so many different activities but by always telling me how he thought I was great. He would tell us to turn around in a model kind of way and then tell us we were beautiful. He believed in me and supported me no matter what. There aren't enough words to explain how much I will miss him and the huge hole that will be left in my heart. One of his favorite lines was "count your blessings", and having him as my grandpa was one of the greatest blessings in my life."
Love,
Dina
"One word comes to mind when Bill Foelker's name is mentioned, and that is "Championship"! He is without question, one of the most unselfish, upbeat, positive and authentic man I have been around. A true example of a hero in every aspect of the word. Beyond his service to his country as a marine, he was a role model as a man. He was a role model in all aspects of life. The example he provided as a husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend was nothing short of pure class.
Three of my favorite saying's he used only further demonstrated what a total gentleman Bill was. "Holy Rackerfracks", his way of letting you and everyone around know that he was genuinely interested in the experience or story you were about to share. "Everyday is Saturday", Bill's unique way of telling you that "life was great". This was Bill's standard response when you asked him how he was and to me, was his special way of expressing the gratitude and perspective he had towards the wonderful life and family we all have. And of course what I believed to be his favorite and signature line of "you get what you give". When Bill said this it was a sign of his sincere commitment and determination to always be unselfish. He was all about helping others get what they wanted. Bill and Elsa were givers, the most generous couple I have ever known. Everyone Bill and Elsa were around were welcome and wanted, and anything anyone needed was always available through this amazing couple.
I feel lucky to have had the time I did with Bill and Elsa Foelker. The more time you spent with them the luckier you are. I will always be inspired to be the best person I can as a result of the legacy they leave behind.
"My Grandpa was truly amazing. I love him so much and he will be in my heart forever. It is very hard because it's sad for us, but he would've done anything to be with my grandma. I know they are happy together again. There are four lines that are very important sayings that my Grandpa liked to use, the first one is "You Get What YOU Give". The second one is, "Everyday is Saturday", the third one is "Count Your Blessings" and the last but not least important is "Holy Rackerfracks". These phrases that he used mean a lot to me because it describes everything about him. He always had a good spirit and was very funny. He taught me a song we are going to sing today, we as in my mom, my aunt Lacey, my sister and I. I'm sure many of you are familiar with it. That song is the Marine Core Hymn. We are singing this because he was a Marine and he was proud to be one."
Ellie (10)
"My great grandpa was the best great grandpa ever. He would always have a smile on his face. The thing that I remember forever is that he would always take us shoe shopping and would buy us anything that we wanted. He wouldn't ask any questions about the shoe...not how much it cost. Whatever shoe we'd like he'd like it too. He was a very joyful, colorful, bright and passionate grandpa. He will be in my heart forever, I will miss him so much. But I know he wanted to be with my grandma and he is happy up there."
Love,
Lily (8)
"I love him and I know he wants to be with grandma up with God. I remember all the hats he wore. I liked giving him hugs. I like that rope in the backyard where he let us swing. I love him forever."
Love,
Jalen (nearly 5)
So first is Dina, the oldest and first grandchild of Bill and Elsa Foelker. She married Jamie Snook almost 13 years ago. They have three children; Ellie is 10, Lily is 8 and Jalen is almost 5.
"My grandpa played such a huge role in my life...there aren't many girls as lucky as my sister and I were to have someone as special as him in our lives. I could go on and on about all the memories I have with him, big events like camping, our summer visits to Cannon Beach, and skiing at Timberline. But there were also the small everyday activities that made us close...like riding in his car and singing the Marine Core Hymn, or spending time in his backyard with the tree fort and tire swing, or making the deal that I would stop biting my nails if he stopped spitting. While we were so fortunate to get so much time with my grandpa, it was the way he talked to us, the words that were said, the 21 questions that were asked and the lessons learned that really made an impact on my life. I remember having to write an essay for a college application on who I admired most and the answer was easy...Grandpa. He was such a kind, giving, generous, moral man that instilled self confidence in me...not only by exposing me to so many different activities but by always telling me how he thought I was great. He would tell us to turn around in a model kind of way and then tell us we were beautiful. He believed in me and supported me no matter what. There aren't enough words to explain how much I will miss him and the huge hole that will be left in my heart. One of his favorite lines was "count your blessings", and having him as my grandpa was one of the greatest blessings in my life."
Love,
Dina
"One word comes to mind when Bill Foelker's name is mentioned, and that is "Championship"! He is without question, one of the most unselfish, upbeat, positive and authentic man I have been around. A true example of a hero in every aspect of the word. Beyond his service to his country as a marine, he was a role model as a man. He was a role model in all aspects of life. The example he provided as a husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend was nothing short of pure class.
Three of my favorite saying's he used only further demonstrated what a total gentleman Bill was. "Holy Rackerfracks", his way of letting you and everyone around know that he was genuinely interested in the experience or story you were about to share. "Everyday is Saturday", Bill's unique way of telling you that "life was great". This was Bill's standard response when you asked him how he was and to me, was his special way of expressing the gratitude and perspective he had towards the wonderful life and family we all have. And of course what I believed to be his favorite and signature line of "you get what you give". When Bill said this it was a sign of his sincere commitment and determination to always be unselfish. He was all about helping others get what they wanted. Bill and Elsa were givers, the most generous couple I have ever known. Everyone Bill and Elsa were around were welcome and wanted, and anything anyone needed was always available through this amazing couple.
I feel lucky to have had the time I did with Bill and Elsa Foelker. The more time you spent with them the luckier you are. I will always be inspired to be the best person I can as a result of the legacy they leave behind.
Love,
Jamie |
| Ellie and Lily comforting Papa Bill at the cemetery for Grandma Elsa's funeral |
"My Grandpa was truly amazing. I love him so much and he will be in my heart forever. It is very hard because it's sad for us, but he would've done anything to be with my grandma. I know they are happy together again. There are four lines that are very important sayings that my Grandpa liked to use, the first one is "You Get What YOU Give". The second one is, "Everyday is Saturday", the third one is "Count Your Blessings" and the last but not least important is "Holy Rackerfracks". These phrases that he used mean a lot to me because it describes everything about him. He always had a good spirit and was very funny. He taught me a song we are going to sing today, we as in my mom, my aunt Lacey, my sister and I. I'm sure many of you are familiar with it. That song is the Marine Core Hymn. We are singing this because he was a Marine and he was proud to be one."
Ellie (10)
 |
| Lily sitting with Papa Bill and next to Papa Ben at a volleyball game for Ellie |
"My great grandpa was the best great grandpa ever. He would always have a smile on his face. The thing that I remember forever is that he would always take us shoe shopping and would buy us anything that we wanted. He wouldn't ask any questions about the shoe...not how much it cost. Whatever shoe we'd like he'd like it too. He was a very joyful, colorful, bright and passionate grandpa. He will be in my heart forever, I will miss him so much. But I know he wanted to be with my grandma and he is happy up there."
Love,
Lily (8)
 |
| Jalen is sitting on Papa Ben's lap...Lily is on Papa Bill's lap |
"I love him and I know he wants to be with grandma up with God. I remember all the hats he wore. I liked giving him hugs. I like that rope in the backyard where he let us swing. I love him forever."
Love,
Jalen (nearly 5)
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Bill Foelker 1922 - 2012
Well, if you read the previous post HERE, then you know what has happened. We were all pretty much in shock as it happened so quickly and so unexpectedly. John had talked to Bill earlier in the day about going to rehab and Bill thought he could go to rehab and then have John take him to his home and get what ever clothes he wanted to bring back...I don't think he quite got the picture!
Lots of emotion tied up with this death...the passing of both our mothers was expected, the loss of Bill was so unexpected that it just seems so surreal. It is difficult to grasp that he is really gone.
I may have mentioned when writing about Elsa's journey, that all the great - grandchildren's most memorable memories were of Bill and Elsa taking them "shoe shopping"...usually twice a year...first in the late summer for new school shoes, then again in the spring...maybe around Easter or even when the weather turned warmer, when the girls would select flip flops or sandals...That was a tradition that Bill and Elsa started when Dina and Lacey were quite young. And there were years when Bill alone took the girls shopping, even for new school clothes. And of course it was most often at Nordstrom's, but as pre-teens and teens, it was probably at such stores like The Gap, and Grandpa never batted an eye with cost...it was just something he did. It was usually followed with lunch out too...and in later years my girls would pick up Grandpa and maybe even Grandma and they would go together. It was viewed as a time to connect with family...to ask the "19" questions that Bill was so famous for! And just two weeks ago, in anticipation of "Spring Vacation" Bill talked to both of my daughters about taking all the great grandchildren shoe shopping...and he did not limit it to the 6 greats, he always bought something for his two grand daughters also. Planning a trip like that, keeping with tradition just speaks so highly of Bill's values for family and staying connected and being a part of everyone's life. He continued to look forward to doing things and living in the moment. So today, Scott thought it only proper that he take over that tradition. We met Dina's family in the shoe department and each of the children picked out new shoes. "Papa Scott" had to work on really following his father's tradition...anything goes, nothing is questioned (that is not to say the "MOM" can't question or encourage!)...and this is the BIG one...money is not an issue. (....he is NOT looking forward to the 'fall' shopping as he knows that could clearly mean "UGG" boots for at least two girls, and those are NOT cheap!, but Papa Bill bought them, so I guess Papa Scott will have to also!)....Later this week we will meet Lacey's family for their spring shoe shopping.
Traditions....according to the dictionary, it is an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior; the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. I believe traditions are important in keeping memories alive through the generations. The shoe shopping is just one tradition that I know all will recall in years to come and perhaps, the sons-in-law will carry on Bill's tradition. And one other thing that Bill did for my girls that I remember him telling me that Grandpa Skaaluren did for his two sons (Elsa's dad) was arranging for different activity lessons..Bill made the first suggestion in taking gymnastic lessons for both daughters, then one winter he decided they should have roller skating lessons (he came over to the house and picked up the girls every Saturday for several months and took them to Oaks Park for the lessons)...so if they were ever invited to a party and they were roller skating, they would know how to do it! And of course, we can't forget about skiing...He brought them up to the mountain and outfitted them with the proper clothes and skis and gave them lessons...then there were the ice skating lessons at Clackamas Town Center. He gave them tennis lessons too...of and we mustn't forget about the swimming lessons at the Eastside Athletic Club...the main purpose for all these lessons was to expose the girls to many different athletic activities so that they could maybe find their passion, keep active and also to always feel comfortable in situations that they may find themselves. He was always such a giving person. Giving of his time, his talents, his treasures, and this brings to mind one of his most famous sayings that will remain his legacy in the Foelker family: "You Get What You Give"...my children grew up with this saying and it has passed to the grandchildren, Bill and Elsa's great grandchildren...Winston Churchill said something very similar:
We make a living
by what we get;
But we make a life,
by what we give.
And Mother Teresa said: Good works are links that form a chain of love.
I think that is what Bill was showing our family...forming our life by what we do for other people, not what they do for us...by continuing to show our love to each other and everyone we meet. And how much more meaningful it is to give and continue to give and in return we receive the most wonderful gift of all...the light of a smile, the appreciation of something unexpected...giving of ourselves...this is the highest form of being "Jesus" to the world. I will continue to work on passing on his legacy...I hope I am worthy to do so and will continue to teach his values, his courage, his compassion, and his giving to all my grandchildren. What a legacy he has left for us. We will surely miss him.
Lots of emotion tied up with this death...the passing of both our mothers was expected, the loss of Bill was so unexpected that it just seems so surreal. It is difficult to grasp that he is really gone.
I may have mentioned when writing about Elsa's journey, that all the great - grandchildren's most memorable memories were of Bill and Elsa taking them "shoe shopping"...usually twice a year...first in the late summer for new school shoes, then again in the spring...maybe around Easter or even when the weather turned warmer, when the girls would select flip flops or sandals...That was a tradition that Bill and Elsa started when Dina and Lacey were quite young. And there were years when Bill alone took the girls shopping, even for new school clothes. And of course it was most often at Nordstrom's, but as pre-teens and teens, it was probably at such stores like The Gap, and Grandpa never batted an eye with cost...it was just something he did. It was usually followed with lunch out too...and in later years my girls would pick up Grandpa and maybe even Grandma and they would go together. It was viewed as a time to connect with family...to ask the "19" questions that Bill was so famous for! And just two weeks ago, in anticipation of "Spring Vacation" Bill talked to both of my daughters about taking all the great grandchildren shoe shopping...and he did not limit it to the 6 greats, he always bought something for his two grand daughters also. Planning a trip like that, keeping with tradition just speaks so highly of Bill's values for family and staying connected and being a part of everyone's life. He continued to look forward to doing things and living in the moment. So today, Scott thought it only proper that he take over that tradition. We met Dina's family in the shoe department and each of the children picked out new shoes. "Papa Scott" had to work on really following his father's tradition...anything goes, nothing is questioned (that is not to say the "MOM" can't question or encourage!)...and this is the BIG one...money is not an issue. (....he is NOT looking forward to the 'fall' shopping as he knows that could clearly mean "UGG" boots for at least two girls, and those are NOT cheap!, but Papa Bill bought them, so I guess Papa Scott will have to also!)....Later this week we will meet Lacey's family for their spring shoe shopping.
Traditions....according to the dictionary, it is an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior; the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. I believe traditions are important in keeping memories alive through the generations. The shoe shopping is just one tradition that I know all will recall in years to come and perhaps, the sons-in-law will carry on Bill's tradition. And one other thing that Bill did for my girls that I remember him telling me that Grandpa Skaaluren did for his two sons (Elsa's dad) was arranging for different activity lessons..Bill made the first suggestion in taking gymnastic lessons for both daughters, then one winter he decided they should have roller skating lessons (he came over to the house and picked up the girls every Saturday for several months and took them to Oaks Park for the lessons)...so if they were ever invited to a party and they were roller skating, they would know how to do it! And of course, we can't forget about skiing...He brought them up to the mountain and outfitted them with the proper clothes and skis and gave them lessons...then there were the ice skating lessons at Clackamas Town Center. He gave them tennis lessons too...of and we mustn't forget about the swimming lessons at the Eastside Athletic Club...the main purpose for all these lessons was to expose the girls to many different athletic activities so that they could maybe find their passion, keep active and also to always feel comfortable in situations that they may find themselves. He was always such a giving person. Giving of his time, his talents, his treasures, and this brings to mind one of his most famous sayings that will remain his legacy in the Foelker family: "You Get What You Give"...my children grew up with this saying and it has passed to the grandchildren, Bill and Elsa's great grandchildren...Winston Churchill said something very similar:
We make a living
by what we get;
But we make a life,
by what we give.
And Mother Teresa said: Good works are links that form a chain of love.
I think that is what Bill was showing our family...forming our life by what we do for other people, not what they do for us...by continuing to show our love to each other and everyone we meet. And how much more meaningful it is to give and continue to give and in return we receive the most wonderful gift of all...the light of a smile, the appreciation of something unexpected...giving of ourselves...this is the highest form of being "Jesus" to the world. I will continue to work on passing on his legacy...I hope I am worthy to do so and will continue to teach his values, his courage, his compassion, and his giving to all my grandchildren. What a legacy he has left for us. We will surely miss him.
Monday, March 26, 2012
William J. Foelker 9.11.22 - 3.25.12
It has been awhile since I last posted. I have meant to add a picture and a little story here and there, but somehow the days just slip away. And really that is too bad because this whole Blog Business for me is suppose to capture events and happenings in our lives...putting the memories to words so that I can go back later and read and recapture the thoughts and pictures in my head.
In January we picked up our Dad's and took them to Ellie's basketball game...I snapped a shot of them with Joan, Ellie's other Grandma (Nana!)
A couple of weeks back Scott and I picked up his dad and my dad and we drove to Canby High School to watch Ellie play club volleyball. Dina had set up two folding chairs for them and the minute Papa Bill sat in his chair, Lily was beside him holding his hand and his other arm was wrapped around her...that little girl just knows how to love....and then when Papa Bill needed to go to the bathroom, Lily ran over and took his hand and walked him across the gym, leading the way....and when they returned she was again holding his hand, giving him support and strength and it was such a beautiful site to see.
Afterwards we all went to dinner...there were 14 of us...we had hamburgers and they were the slipperiest hamburgers Bill had ever eaten...from there we went to the Yogurt Shack to sing Happy Birthday to all the February and March birthday people...Let's see that would be Dina,Scott, me, Jamie, and Aaron...and my dad made a cake, so we all had a piece of cake and some yogurt! Great memories.
And the last few winters I have been able to get away for a long weekend and visit my BFF up in Maple Valley Washington. We have been friends for 55 years and we still like each other and we love to make cards...so I spent 6 days with her and it rejuvenated my soul...I will share some health stories later, but for now the one thing weighing heavy on my heart is what I will write about now.
As you can see from the dates in the title, our dear Father, Father-in-law, Grandpa and finally "Papa Bill" to the 6 great grandchildren passed away on this Sunday afternoon. We are sad, he touched our lives so profoundly that his absence is going to be felt in all of us. Where once there was a big loving, generous human being, now only a HUGE void that will never be filled.
Tuesday, March 20 started out quite normally for Bill, he decided to drive to the local Safeway store where they have a Starbucks...he has acquired quite a taste for that treat, but first he walks around the parking lot and is so proud to say he walked it three times. Then he gets his coffee! This Tuesday, he said he was not paying attention to where he was going and he accidentally "grazed" (his words) the bumper of a parked car. that little bump put him off balance and he fell, right on his right leg. Two kind people helped pick him up and helped him walk to his car. He sat in his car and started it to get warm. Soon the manager, who was told of the incident by the person who helped Bill back to his car, came to Bill and asked if there was anything he could do for him. And this is totally Bill: "Yes, I would like a Grande Coffee Mocha"! And the manager obliged him! We laughed when he told us that story.
Bill then drove himself home, got out of the car, into the house and called his son John to tell him about his fall. John went right over and ended up staying the whole day and the night with his dad. He had to fuss with him to get him comfortable on the couch, and to help him go to the bathroom without having to get up, and to get him food...John is the ultimate caregiver...Robin called us that night around 10 pm to tell us of the fall and to relay that Bill thought it was a pulled muscle in his groin.
The next morning Scott goes over to get Bill to take him to the doctors. It is apparent in watching Bill walk that it is more than a pulled muscle. He down plays the pain and discomfort when Scott and the doctor want him to have an Xray...oh, he can put it off one day...but that wasn't going to happen with "Dr. Scott" in charge! So off they went to the ER. Bill had broken his femur, the doctor said he doesn't know of too many people who break their leg and continue walking on it...and maybe that is why the top was broken off...So Bill had surgery about 6:30 PM Wednesday night. The whole surgery took 45 minutes and went off without a hitch...he had good tissue and everything looked great. He had two new balls that were very strong and would give him good stability.
We saw him after the surgery and talked to him before he fell to sleep. We went back the next morning and he was going to see the PT person and get up and walk. He was in very good spirits...well, all except for one person...Rebecca was the OT....he guessed she was 29 and he was correct, he guessed she was from Chicago and he again was correct. She had him sit on a chair and was just talking to him. He told her he was cold, could she please put a blanket around his shoulders. She basically said NO, I need to ask these questions and do things my way. Again, Bill tells her that he is really cold and could use a blanket while he sits and talks to her. She doesn't budge and then he says something to her about being from Chicago, he can tell, because they are political and only do things "their way or the highway"...then he told her that HE pays her wages, she works for him and she needs to get him a blanket. Well, as you can imagine those words did not set well with this young inexperienced OT with the likes of Bill Foelker. He asked to see her supervisor!! She did finally get a blanket for him, but she never did return to his room!!
As he shared this story with us we could tell he was quite agitated and disturbed, but the old Bill was NOT going to let a pushy "my way or the highway" person get the best of him...he is still in control of his mind and what he wants too!
Thursday was a good day, with the exception of OT he had a positive attitude and enjoyed a visit with Lacey and her three children and a special gift from them: A Grande Coffee Mocha!! But by later in the evening he needed to go to the bathroom, but was having trouble going, during the night he seemed to have to go every hour and if he didn't get up to go, he was trying to pee in a jug and missing and soiling the bed several times...that caused him some anxiety and he could NOT relax all day long. He would sleep maybe 5 minutes, then awaken and have to be moving, adjusting pillows, feet, the bed, up, down, and thankfully John was at his side the whole day. In fact Bill was so beside himself he asked John to please stay the night with him. I think they finally gave him something to either sleep or calm him down and once he was in a deep sleep around midnight John slipped home to get his own good nights sleep. Friday was a little better, they actually had to catheterize him but then he got a "belly ache"...he was getting constipated and not feeling good about it at all...
The plan was to send Bill to a rehab on Saturday, but until he had a bowel movement they would not release him. They did everything they could to assist in that area and nothing was working. Sunday morning shows up and at 7 am he finally had a movement and the transportation vehicle was scheduled for pick up at 3 pm to take him to a rehab facility. Scott and I stayed home and John and Robin headed over to the hospital and were going to call us when they left so we could meet at the facility. But around 1:30 John calls and says his dad is having some low blood pressure and he felt faint when he went to use the bathroom, so the hospital does not want to release him this day until they get his blood pressure under control. John just pulls into the parking lot and the doctor calls him, it is serious and he needs the family to make some decisions. The directive was for no heroic measures...Robin calls me while John is talking to the doctor. I tell Scott we need to leave right now...as I am finishing up a pot of soup, Scott gets a call from the doctor. They talk for about 10 minutes...what is heroic? what is NOT heroic? It was finally decided that Bill could be brought up to ICU and they could figure out what is going on with his blood pressure and have closer supervision...so we wrap up our chicken noodle soup I had made and we get in the car. Robin calls us at 2:32 pm to tell us that they are now heading up to ICU, I tell her we are on the road....2:35 pm Robin calls again and tells us that Bill is gone.
I will write more tomorrow.
In January we picked up our Dad's and took them to Ellie's basketball game...I snapped a shot of them with Joan, Ellie's other Grandma (Nana!)
A couple of weeks back Scott and I picked up his dad and my dad and we drove to Canby High School to watch Ellie play club volleyball. Dina had set up two folding chairs for them and the minute Papa Bill sat in his chair, Lily was beside him holding his hand and his other arm was wrapped around her...that little girl just knows how to love....and then when Papa Bill needed to go to the bathroom, Lily ran over and took his hand and walked him across the gym, leading the way....and when they returned she was again holding his hand, giving him support and strength and it was such a beautiful site to see.
Afterwards we all went to dinner...there were 14 of us...we had hamburgers and they were the slipperiest hamburgers Bill had ever eaten...from there we went to the Yogurt Shack to sing Happy Birthday to all the February and March birthday people...Let's see that would be Dina,Scott, me, Jamie, and Aaron...and my dad made a cake, so we all had a piece of cake and some yogurt! Great memories.
And the last few winters I have been able to get away for a long weekend and visit my BFF up in Maple Valley Washington. We have been friends for 55 years and we still like each other and we love to make cards...so I spent 6 days with her and it rejuvenated my soul...I will share some health stories later, but for now the one thing weighing heavy on my heart is what I will write about now.
As you can see from the dates in the title, our dear Father, Father-in-law, Grandpa and finally "Papa Bill" to the 6 great grandchildren passed away on this Sunday afternoon. We are sad, he touched our lives so profoundly that his absence is going to be felt in all of us. Where once there was a big loving, generous human being, now only a HUGE void that will never be filled.
Tuesday, March 20 started out quite normally for Bill, he decided to drive to the local Safeway store where they have a Starbucks...he has acquired quite a taste for that treat, but first he walks around the parking lot and is so proud to say he walked it three times. Then he gets his coffee! This Tuesday, he said he was not paying attention to where he was going and he accidentally "grazed" (his words) the bumper of a parked car. that little bump put him off balance and he fell, right on his right leg. Two kind people helped pick him up and helped him walk to his car. He sat in his car and started it to get warm. Soon the manager, who was told of the incident by the person who helped Bill back to his car, came to Bill and asked if there was anything he could do for him. And this is totally Bill: "Yes, I would like a Grande Coffee Mocha"! And the manager obliged him! We laughed when he told us that story.
Bill then drove himself home, got out of the car, into the house and called his son John to tell him about his fall. John went right over and ended up staying the whole day and the night with his dad. He had to fuss with him to get him comfortable on the couch, and to help him go to the bathroom without having to get up, and to get him food...John is the ultimate caregiver...Robin called us that night around 10 pm to tell us of the fall and to relay that Bill thought it was a pulled muscle in his groin.
The next morning Scott goes over to get Bill to take him to the doctors. It is apparent in watching Bill walk that it is more than a pulled muscle. He down plays the pain and discomfort when Scott and the doctor want him to have an Xray...oh, he can put it off one day...but that wasn't going to happen with "Dr. Scott" in charge! So off they went to the ER. Bill had broken his femur, the doctor said he doesn't know of too many people who break their leg and continue walking on it...and maybe that is why the top was broken off...So Bill had surgery about 6:30 PM Wednesday night. The whole surgery took 45 minutes and went off without a hitch...he had good tissue and everything looked great. He had two new balls that were very strong and would give him good stability.
We saw him after the surgery and talked to him before he fell to sleep. We went back the next morning and he was going to see the PT person and get up and walk. He was in very good spirits...well, all except for one person...Rebecca was the OT....he guessed she was 29 and he was correct, he guessed she was from Chicago and he again was correct. She had him sit on a chair and was just talking to him. He told her he was cold, could she please put a blanket around his shoulders. She basically said NO, I need to ask these questions and do things my way. Again, Bill tells her that he is really cold and could use a blanket while he sits and talks to her. She doesn't budge and then he says something to her about being from Chicago, he can tell, because they are political and only do things "their way or the highway"...then he told her that HE pays her wages, she works for him and she needs to get him a blanket. Well, as you can imagine those words did not set well with this young inexperienced OT with the likes of Bill Foelker. He asked to see her supervisor!! She did finally get a blanket for him, but she never did return to his room!!
As he shared this story with us we could tell he was quite agitated and disturbed, but the old Bill was NOT going to let a pushy "my way or the highway" person get the best of him...he is still in control of his mind and what he wants too!
Thursday was a good day, with the exception of OT he had a positive attitude and enjoyed a visit with Lacey and her three children and a special gift from them: A Grande Coffee Mocha!! But by later in the evening he needed to go to the bathroom, but was having trouble going, during the night he seemed to have to go every hour and if he didn't get up to go, he was trying to pee in a jug and missing and soiling the bed several times...that caused him some anxiety and he could NOT relax all day long. He would sleep maybe 5 minutes, then awaken and have to be moving, adjusting pillows, feet, the bed, up, down, and thankfully John was at his side the whole day. In fact Bill was so beside himself he asked John to please stay the night with him. I think they finally gave him something to either sleep or calm him down and once he was in a deep sleep around midnight John slipped home to get his own good nights sleep. Friday was a little better, they actually had to catheterize him but then he got a "belly ache"...he was getting constipated and not feeling good about it at all...
The plan was to send Bill to a rehab on Saturday, but until he had a bowel movement they would not release him. They did everything they could to assist in that area and nothing was working. Sunday morning shows up and at 7 am he finally had a movement and the transportation vehicle was scheduled for pick up at 3 pm to take him to a rehab facility. Scott and I stayed home and John and Robin headed over to the hospital and were going to call us when they left so we could meet at the facility. But around 1:30 John calls and says his dad is having some low blood pressure and he felt faint when he went to use the bathroom, so the hospital does not want to release him this day until they get his blood pressure under control. John just pulls into the parking lot and the doctor calls him, it is serious and he needs the family to make some decisions. The directive was for no heroic measures...Robin calls me while John is talking to the doctor. I tell Scott we need to leave right now...as I am finishing up a pot of soup, Scott gets a call from the doctor. They talk for about 10 minutes...what is heroic? what is NOT heroic? It was finally decided that Bill could be brought up to ICU and they could figure out what is going on with his blood pressure and have closer supervision...so we wrap up our chicken noodle soup I had made and we get in the car. Robin calls us at 2:32 pm to tell us that they are now heading up to ICU, I tell her we are on the road....2:35 pm Robin calls again and tells us that Bill is gone.
I will write more tomorrow.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Christmas Celebrations
I will get right to the pictures...and they are mostly of the 6 grandchildren...sorry parents, aunts and uncles...I missed you in the snapshots!
It was a very beautiful Christmas shared with family...it was also sad, we missed the two Great grandmothers...my mom has been gone for 4 1/2 years and I still miss her...Elsa died on November 14, and her presence is still very fresh in our mind and hearts. Bill did well this night, no tears...at least none that we saw...his $20 to each great grandchild was a BIG hit, the dollar bills waving in the air with whoops of YEAH, and they all ran and gave him a big hug and with that a surprise ho ho ho from Bill...the innocence and the hugs from little ones help to heal the ache from missing a loved one...life goes on...and Elsa and my mom is seen in the character of these little ones...hopefully Scott, myself and our daughters are teaching the young ones all we learned from our moms and grandma's...their legacy lives on in these 6 young children.
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| Addie, 4,proudly showing off her $20 from Papa Bill |
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| Lily, 8, modeling her new outfit |
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| Tristan, 2, showing us his new car |
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| All the great kids with Papa Bill (minus Caleb) |
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| Chris, Aaron's mom and Caleb with two reindeer cookies |
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| Aaron, Lacey's husband, Lily and Scott |
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| Papa Ben (my dad) with the great grand kids, minus Caleb |
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