No longer an Intern

Roger finished his intern year this week and he is now 2nd year resident. It is so hard to believe it has been a whole year since we came to Ft Bragg. We had graduation yesterday for the outgoing 3rd years and many of them are beginning to pack up and move to their new assignments. We will miss our friends as they go off to start their lives beyond residency, but we know that in the Army it is never truly goodbye. So to all of our friends that are leaving (The Leadleys, Jones, Gordons, and Krebs) we say "See you again soon. And Good Luck on your next adventures."

Happy 34th Birthday, Roger!

We look forward to so many more with you!

Love,

Michelle and Jena

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! Since I have know Roger forever (or at least what seems forever, 16+ years) I have watched him grow from a shy teenager into a compassionate adult. One thing I always knew though is that Roger would be a wonderful father. Roger has always loved kids and kids have always loved Roger. I have heard a life time of comments from people about it. In fact, many people we know were surprised Roger did not go into to Pediatrics.

Around here, they call him the Pied Piper. Every time we have something for the hospital all the kids run up to him when we get there and follow him just about the whole time. Sometimes they are upon us before we get out of the car. And of course, Jena loves him. She is definitely a Daddy's girl. And I don't expect the next baby to be much different.

Even in a house full of girls, Roger manages just fine. Early on in this pregnancy, I told him I thought this baby was a girl. He said that was ok because boys will just burn down your house. But that is Roger, always with a positive out look. Even today as he is working on the L&D floor, he said he will be celebrating with other people as they become fathers. So, Happy Father's Day, honey. We love you!

Last Day of School

A few weeks ago Jena had her last day party at her preschool. Roger was off that day, so he was able to go. We had lots of fun! But I know she will miss her friends over the summer.

Seven Years

I don't usually post things this personal, but with everything that has happened over the last few weeks I felt compelled. My dad died seven years ago today. A strange parallel to what has happened in the last few weeks. He also died of lung problems, he had severe asthma which he had struggled with for years. He too had been a smoker, but had quit over 10 years before he died. He also was too young to die, leaving behind young grandchildren and those yet to come. He was 51 when he died, I was 26. And I remember feeling like all the thoughts I had of the future had faded away. But I did live on, and I made new plans and dreams.

Over the last seven years there have been many times I wondered, what would Dad have thought about that. Whether it was something in the news or in my life. But I did learn from him, in life and in death. He was usually cautious in life, but at times did take risks. A few years before he died he left a job that he was unhappy with and moved to Las Vegas to find a job. He and my stepmom had loved vacationing there, and they both loved living there. At the time I worried for him, but I knew that he was doing what he needed to. I drew on this latter in my life when I too left a job that I wasn't happy with to pursue other things, most importantly, motherhood. Roger and I also used this in our lives, we want to do things we want to do, and have no fear about tomorrow. Because you just never know what that will bring.

And I think of all the things he missed. My graduation for graduate school. Roger's graduations for college and medical school. I know he would have loved to tell people his son-in-law was a doctor. And most importantly the arrival of my children. But because of my girls, I know he is up there, watching us each day. Since the day Jena was born, I could see him in her. She has his eyes. And every day when she looks at me, he looks back. And while I miss him still everyday, I know he is with us. And while he would not agree with every decision I make (he never did). I know that I am living on my own terms, just like he did.

Home again

We just wanted to let everyone know we are back in North Carolina. Roger goes back to work tomorrow and we are trying to get everything straightened up around here. Thank you to everyone for your support. It has meant so much to us in this difficult time. Thank you for the emails, phone calls and kind thoughts. We could feel all of you with us in our hearts.

More information

http://www.legacy.com/valdostadailytimes/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=110745487

http://www.legacy.com/augustachronicle/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=110854137

David Calhoun Williams III
Dr. David Calhoun Williams III, 63, of Valdosta passed away May 31, 2008, in South Georgia Medical Center after a short illness. He was born June 22, 1944, to the late Dr. David Calhoun and Lousa Willingham Williams II. He was employed at the Doctor’s Laboratory as a clinical toxicologist in Valdosta. He was a member of the American Chemical Society. He served in the Peace Corps in Ghana, Africa, teaching English. He was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, never losing his love for the Bulldogs He enjoyed his hobbies of woodworking and gardening and bee keeping.Survivors include his wife, Sharon K. Williams of Valdosta; daughter, Juliet Fuselier Richland, Wa.; sons David Calhoun Williams IV of Mooresboro, N.C.; Dr. Roger Williams of Fayetteville, N.C., and William Williams of Augusta; stepsons, John Davis, Eric Davis, and Kevin Davis, all of Valdosta; five grandchildren, Caitlin Jane Fuselier, Mackenzie Lynn Davis, Gabriel Kane Fuselier, Anna Stanton Fuselier, Jena Marie Williams; three sisters, Louisa Walsh of Kingsland, Mary Lawhorn of Hartsville, S.C., and Elizabeth Powell of Appling. Graveside services will be held at a later date in the Westover Memorial Park in Augusta. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Sympathy to the family may be expressed online at http://www.musicfuneralservices.com/. — Music Funeral Services, Valdosta.

Donations can be made to the American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.22556/k.C7F0/Donate.htm