As you know, Walter, one of Ryan’s favorite nurses, left just over a month ago to care fulltime for another one of his patients who, if not for Walter making the switch, would have had to have been committed to a home which the family could not afford. As a result, I took over Walter’s graveyard shifts. Well, just yesterday, I received a call from our agency notifying me of Walter’s passing a couple of days ago. Neither I nor the agency know the circumstances surrounding his death. All his sister back east told them was that he had died. Needless to say, we are extremely saddened and shocked by this news, and know that many of you will be as well.
Walter had been with us pretty much since Ryan came home from George Mark Children’s House and had become part of our family. He was generally quiet and unassuming, although he would engage in conversation from time to time. What little he did share about himself was interesting. For instance, you would never know it to look at him recently, that in his younger years he was into the goth subculture; you know, punk rock, black clothing, hair and finger nails, etc. We also got him into following the Warriors and Raiders, and we’d watch and talk about the games together.
Nobody cared more and better for Ryan than did Walter. Whenever I’d relieve him from his shift, Ryan was always comfortable; his bed sheets always in neat order and everything in its place; save a few nicks on the wall where Walter would hit it with Ryan’s wheelchair. Walter had a bit of a vision problem. I won’t be painting over those nicks anytime soon, if ever, as I’ll think fondly of him every time I see them…which will be every day.
Our hearts are sad tonight…
Please pray for those who are left behind who would also be saddened by this news; that God would be comfort and peace to them…and to us…
