Monday, April 12, 2010

Tribute to William H. Crean


I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith- 2Timothy 4:7

Today's blog is dedicated to my uncle Bill, a man who made a difference in this world. The first time I lost an uncle was early in my childhood. I remember my dad going to California for my uncle Paul's funeral. Uncle Paul left behind a loving wife and two adorable little girls. Years later, uncle Bill fell in love with my aunt and her two precious girls. The two little girls who lost their first father at such an early age were given a gift straight from Heaven, William H. Crean. God Blessed this family with one more addition, a son, who has grown up to be a fine young man with a family of his own.

Uncle Bill is the ultimate role model for all of us. He reminds us that our sons and daughters do not belong to us forever as we only have temporary custodial duties. It is the job of the parents to point their children to the Creator and be a reflection of Him on earth.

I remember visiting uncle Bill while he was in the hospital recovering from knee surgery. He could not wait to get out and get back into the world. Later, a brain tumor was discovered that he battled for four years.

My brother and my mother got the opportunity to be one of his last visitors just this last week. It was an opportunity for my brother to thank uncle Bill for his guidance during the tumultuous teenage years. When my brother needed a place to stay for a couple of days, it was uncle Bill and aunt Peggy who opened up their home and their hearts. Uncle Bill joined my brother on the roof top for a conversation that would give my brother hope.

Many may ask why would God allow someone to suffer for so long. I believe the answer is so that these people can get an opportunity to see how they changed the world by sharing their gifts with others, especially those who are lost and feel like black sheep.

Thank you, uncle Bill, for the love you gave to so many including the black sheep squadron. You will be missed in this world. May your family be comforted and may your spirit live on in all the lives you touched while you were on this planet...

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A gentle man and gracious uncle who managed to keep a smile on his face while seemingly several hundred cousins ran through his house and jumped into his pool. I'll miss his sandpapery bahston accent and throaty laugh, the way he complimented Aunt Peggy, and the joy he shared with his kids. How blest can I be, surrounded by rich memories of a rich childhood, anchored by my aunts and uncles who loved me for me. God's blessings on Uncle Bill, who was, and remains, loved by all of us here, and now joined with our dear hearts "not here". Whisper a greeting to my mom...jo therese

Anonymous said...

Mike, thanks, this is beautiful.
Cousin Bill

Michael Mulligan said...

Thanks cousin. Our prayers are with you, your sisters and your mother. God Bless, Cousin Mike

Anonymous said...

Mike, thanks for sharing your wonderful memories and tribute to my dad. God bless you and your family. xoxo Kathleen

Michael Mulligan said...

Great memories! What a special man. God Bless you and your family. Love, your cousin Mike & family

RedSoxRocket said...

Mike, you have the heart of a true poet. Thank you for your words, and for the verse you chose to honor my dad. With your permission I would like to bring copies of this blog post to the Memorial Service on May 8, for those who have not seen it. I am contemplating setting up a blog for Dad and would love to link to your blog if that comes through. Let me know if you are comfortable with this. Bless you, you are a good man! love debbie

Michael Mulligan said...

Yes. This is for your family, use it any way you wish, see you Saturday. Love, cousin mike.