A Heartbreaking Update

While we feel truly blessed to have had the last six months with dad, he has now taken a serious turn for the worse, and it is nearing the time to say good-bye.  His multiple myeloma has taken over, and he is in complete kidney failure.  Linda and Lauri are at his side at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and Jill and Tara are both trying to make their way here in a fierce winter storm.  Please keep them both in your prayers for safe and speedy travel.

The photo above was taken in mid-October, as Rachel, Lauri, Linda and Bill made their way from Canandaigua to Portland, ME, for one last road trip to see Jill and her family.  Dad loves Maine and the ocean and it was a wonderful, wonderful trip.  We enjoyed good spirits, and dad enjoyed his favorites -- mussels -- at nearly every meal.  The photo of Bill and Linda was taken in front of a sculpture at the Dr. Suess Memorial in Springfield, Mass.  The words behind them are those of the book Oh, The Places You'll Go.  A perfect send-off at this hard time.  The full text can be found HERE.

Comments

[Steve Kieley]

My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

[Leigh Zimmerman]

We are thinking of all of you. Hugs and love.

[Keith Kasin]

Mr. Sweeney,

I am so saddened to hear of your recent turn as I had been encouraged by your rebound and strengthening. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during the upcoming holidays. Know that you have had a profound influence on my life and love of music that will continue to endure.

[Peter Engel]

Mr. Sweeney & Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this Holiday Season. My hope is the power of faith and family will get you all through this most difficult time. You have more family around than you can probably ever image, as the Arlington Music family is far reaching.

[Corey Scarpero]

Mr. Sweeney and Family,

You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult. I am forever grateful that time was on your side long enough for you to know just a little bit about how much you meant to so many people, and your profound influence on others in this life.

May you and your family find peace in this difficult time and remember to celebrate a life well-lived.

A big hug from your Arlington family

[Jill Schoonmaker Marak]

You are all in my prayers during this difficult time. I was a member of the Arlington family as a student and a teacher for a short time...I feel truly blessed to have been a part of it.

God bless you all.

[Joel Stopka]

We love you Mr. Sweeney.

[Daviderobinowitz]

Thank you for your influence, you are in my thoughts I have so many great memories of your mighty talents with music and your playfulness with puppets!! I wish peace and love for you and your family.

[Sean Silvernail]

WOW I am deeply saddened of the news, have not talked to Bill in OMG years but do remember the laughs we shared way back….

[Patrick Paraggio]

Dear Sweeney Family, I want to extend my deep sympathies on this sad news. I wish you all comfort in knowing that Mr. Sweeney has been released from his illness after touching countless lives (including many of our children, students, and associates whom he has never met). May we all spread such passion as he did.

Wishing you Peace,

Patrick Paraggio

[Jamie Wesley]

It was my pleasure to be Bill's aide at Serenity House. I am truly sad to hear that he had passed, my prayers are with the family.

[Allison Wammel]

Sweeney Family

I just wanted to send my condolences and tell you that I will remember Mr. Sweeney as a kind gentle next door neighbor who taught me at the age of 4, how to blow a French horn. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I am so sorry for you loss.