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January 15, 2008
William “Bill” H. Mesmer age 27 died Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at his home in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
He lived on Woodlot Road in Wayne most of his life before making a move of great independence to a new vista at his own private home in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
This is a brief history of family life both tragic and loving. A true story of a family with great health difficulties with the healthiest of the group ending up suffering with the rest because of the overwhelming needs of others. It is a story of nobody wins and yet life goes on as best it can. It all ends with those most severely challenged on earth finding complete respite in their creator. Yes free at last to enjoy eternal life to it’s fullest. It is the story of a beautiful family and their great sacrifices for each other. Those who knew this family can fill in the blanks from their own memories and experiences to sense the real tragedies and the real triumphs of life.
For those who where familiar with Bill and his family it was another difficult personal process that he had to work through especially leaving his local support group in his home town of Wayne. Perhaps others would say that his move was foolish, but to be in his shoes and his desire to be a normal kid and strike out anew it made sense. He often expressed frustration over his many handicaps and always strove to be the best he could be with what life had delt him.
Bill’s grandparents Harry and Olive Derring were down to earth good American citizens who participated in their church, community and were wonderful parents and grandparents. They twice lived the cycle of parenting by raising their children and then their grandchildren under very challenging circumstances. They had two children, Martha and Judith. Martha was born the good healthy individual and Judy was born with many handicaps and could never stand tall. She spent much of her time in a wheel chair or maneuvering on crutches. Judy was very determined to live as normal a life as was humanly possible. She went to local schools, sang in her church choir and obtained skills that eventually led her to work for State Farm Insurance Company in a clerical capacity. She drove her own car and tried her very best to fit into society despite her multiple handicaps. In her early twenties she got married and had a son named Billy. Billy was born with the same handicaps that Mom had and Judy loved him with all of her heart. They all lived together on Woodlot Road in Wayne and truly helped each other despite all of the difficulties. Eventually Grandpa Harry Derring passed away in 1988. Judy was wracked with pain from arthritis and a severe heart condition and she died in January of 1999 and Grandma Olive in her eighties headed the household taking care of her grandson Billy then in November 2001 Olive passed away at age 88..
The household now consisted of Billy who did his best to live a good life on his own, however with his multiple handicaps life was a big frustration. For good or bad this drove him to want new surroundings and a fresh start, and brought on his move to Willkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Whether it a good decision or not is a question that only Billy could answer. He wasn’t completely alone however, he had his faithful companion Jack Russell Terrior Oddie.
Billy loved to attend New Jersey Devils games, at the Prudential Center, and was their number one fan. This was a two and one half hour ride for him in each direction, but he relished the experience. He would cheer so loud and got so emotional about the game that he developed a circle of admirers at the bleachers near him. He had his own cheerleader team of fans where he sat.
Billie will always be remembered as a person who despite having to overcome great physical obstacles on a daily basis would reach out to others to try to bring them joy and laughter. He was also known to have a soft spot in his heart for animals that were sent to shelters especially cats. Perhaps because of his infirmities, he believed that those cats and his dog Oddie loved him in a very special way other living things could not.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
January 15, 2008
William “Bill” H. Mesmer age 27 died Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at his home in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
He lived on Woodlot Road in Wayne most of his life before making a move of great independence to a new vista at his own private home in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
This is a brief history of family life both tragic and loving. A true story of a family with great health difficulties with the healthiest of the group ending up suffering with the rest because of the overwhelming needs of others. It is a story of nobody wins and yet life goes on as best it can. It all ends with those most severely challenged on earth finding complete respite in their creator. Yes free at last to enjoy eternal life to it’s fullest. It is the story of a beautiful family and their great sacrifices for each other. Those who knew this family can fill in the blanks from their own memories and experiences to sense the real tragedies and the real triumphs of life.
For those who where familiar with Bill and his family it was another difficult personal process that he had to work through especially leaving his local support group in his home town of Wayne. Perhaps others would say that his move was foolish, but to be in his shoes and his desire to be a normal kid and strike out anew it made sense. He often expressed frustration over his many handicaps and always strove to be the best he could be with what life had delt him.
Bill’s grandparents Harry and Olive Derring were down to earth good American citizens who participated in their church, community and were wonderful parents and grandparents. They twice lived the cycle of parenting by raising their children and then their grandchildren under very challenging circumstances. They had two children, Martha and Judith. Martha was born the good healthy individual and Judy was born with many handicaps and could never stand tall. She spent much of her time in a wheel chair or maneuvering on crutches. Judy was very determined to live as normal a life as was humanly possible. She went to local schools, sang in her church choir and obtained skills that eventually led her to work for State Farm Insurance Company in a clerical capacity. She drove her own car and tried her very best to fit into society despite her multiple handicaps. In her early twenties she got married and had a son named Billy. Billy was born with the same handicaps that Mom had and Judy loved him with all of her heart. They all lived together on Woodlot Road in Wayne and truly helped each other despite all of the difficulties. Eventually Grandpa Harry Derring passed away in 1988. Judy was wracked with pain from arthritis and a severe heart condition and she died in January of 1999 and Grandma Olive in her eighties headed the household taking care of her grandson Billy then in November 2001 Olive passed away at age 88..
The household now consisted of Billy who did his best to live a good life on his own, however with his multiple handicaps life was a big frustration. For good or bad this drove him to want new surroundings and a fresh start, and brought on his move to Willkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Whether it a good decision or not is a question that only Billy could answer. He wasn’t completely alone however, he had his faithful companion Jack Russell Terrior Oddie.
Billy loved to attend New Jersey Devils games, at the Prudential Center, and was their number one fan. This was a two and one half hour ride for him in each direction, but he relished the experience. He would cheer so loud and got so emotional about the game that he developed a circle of admirers at the bleachers near him. He had his own cheerleader team of fans where he sat.
Billie will always be remembered as a person who despite having to overcome great physical obstacles on a daily basis would reach out to others to try to bring them joy and laughter. He was also known to have a soft spot in his heart for animals that were sent to shelters especially cats. Perhaps because of his infirmities, he believed that those cats and his dog Oddie loved him in a very special way other living things could not.
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