Last August, due to concerns about Bill's health, I began subbing out the drum chair for our longer and later-running gigs. Lately all our gigs seem to be longer and later, so you haven't seen much of Bill with the Twisters. Still at every show people ask after Bill.
This blog is an attempt to keep you posted on Bill Mason. Due to a recent health crisis, this has become more imperative. So, "How's Bill?"
Well, Bill had a stroke on or about April 1st. At any rate he apparently called in to work on Friday to say he wasn't coming in, didn't feel well. When he didn't even call in Monday, I knew something was seriously wrong, and got the management of his apartment building to check in on him. He was checked into the hospital on Monday April 4th.
He got several visitors while at the hospital, and proposed to at least a dozen women. He moved to a rehabilitation center in Arlington for a couple of weeks, where he focused on physical, occupational and speech therapy, and today was moving to a Skilled Nursing Facility for a couple months. From there, we expect he'll move to assisted living.
So four weeks ago Bill was living on his own and driving to work every day. Today driving, probably working and even living on his own are very much in question. This is quite an emotional blow for big Bill, who has never made more than grudging concessions to his age. Cheering visits, cards etc., will do much to bolster his spirits, and impress the staff at the new place as to Mr. Mason's value to our community. Phone calls are problematic, due to Bill's "drummer's ears."
I'll get you the details on the new digs as soon as I have them.
- George
Bill's on the Internet! Thanks, George.
ReplyDeleteJeff