[Rebels1972] Sad News

[Machen]

Thanks Rick,

Beautifully written!   These are very true words and we all need to take them to heart. 
Susan
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rick 
  To: Machen 
  Cc: <rebels1972 at mishmash.net> 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 8:58 AM
  Subject: Re: [Rebels1972] Sad News


  This is sad news. Billy was my friend too. We were friends in high school and then reconnected a few years ago after my divorce. I met Billy several times for dinner and / or coffee and he spoke to me of his "issues." I tried to be ther for him and to encourage him but he continued to have a very gloomy outlook on his future. Over the last 3 years or so I began to hear from him less and less. I too tried to contact him but could not. So, when I read how he died, I can only say I wish I had been much more diligent in staying in touch wih him. Life is short! Don't miss the opportunity to be with friends and family.


  Rick Roper ESH Class of 71

  Sent from my iPhone 

  On Aug 6, 2011, at 7:45 PM, "Machen" <machen2081 at bellsouth.net> wrote:


    Hello Classmates,

    It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce the death of a classmate, Billy Stonecypher '72. 
    Bill lived in Birmingham and was employed as an RN at UAB psych unit.  No one knew how ill he was.
     He had been suffering with severe cardiac and kidney failure for many years.  He was terrified of going on the dialysis
    machine and we would talk about this for hours.  I understood his fear.... I was a dialysis RN for over 25 years.

    Billy died on the dialysis machine.  He went into cardiac arrest and had previously signed himself a DNR(do not resuscitate) order.
    Therefore, nothing was done to revive him.  

    One of the saddest parts is that Billy died about 2 years ago and I just found out today. I have been looking for him everywhere.
     Last time we talked, he was refusing dialysis and any cardiac treatments.  He was extremely sick, he had "nothing to live for" ...I was mad at him for this attitude and we had words.  
    All letters and cards since that time were returned and his cell phone number was re-assigned.  I thought he had moved to Texas to be with his
    sister.  

    Billy died just like he said he would....alone, no friends or family around.  He was cremated, no service whatsoever.   He deserved much better than this.

    RIP Billy Stonecypher




    Susan Cornutt Machen


------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  _______________________________________________
  Rebels1972 mailing list
  Rebels1972 at mishmash.net
  http://mishmash.net/mailman/listinfo/rebels1972_mishmash.net
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mishmash.net/pipermail/rebels1972_mishmash.net/attachments/20110810/0d4ec777/attachment.html>