Dr. William A. Mooney

My Grandfather was a quiet man, but that doesn't mean he didn't have a lot to say. He had his opinions. He had his insight. He had his experiences. He had his advice. In the 90 years he spent on this earth, he had practically seen it all.
I remember my Grandfather telling me a story about when he was in the army during WWII. He was stationed in Germany, and during the night their camp was bombed. As his peers panicked and scrambled to find shelter, he simply slept right through it. I asked him if he ever feared for his life during his service, and he replied “No, Sweetheart I’m a fatist. I believe that if it’s my time to go it is my destiny, it is God’s will. I guess it just wasn't my time then.” I still can’t believe he slept through that.
My Grandfather believed that our time is allotted by God, but what we do with it is completely up to us. What he did with his is truly inspiring. His hands were the first to welcome generations of children to life, over 14,000 of them. He was a pioneer of the medical industry, and represented a time when being a Doctor meant you had the best interest of the patient at heart. Bringing health and wellness was his business, and because of his specialty he also brought love and joy to the parents of the children he delivered. This was his passion, this was his gift, this was his life. He wasn't just a good Doctor, he was the best. When he was forced into an early retirement, he never stopped being that person. Any concerns or issues any of us would have about our health, he was the first person we would go to. I always felt safe knowing we had a Doctor in the house. He had an indelible affect on the lives of so many. It continues through the generations of people he helped bring into this world. Those who we have not and will never meet, but we all have one thing in common: We knew those loving hands.
The only thing my Grandfather cherished more than his work was his family. Everything he did, every action he took was to ensure the quality of our lives. When you would look into those brilliant blue eyes, you could see all that radiated from them. He didn't just love us, he adored us. He guided us with his advice, and showed us how to live a versatile life. He himself was multifaceted: He was brilliant, silly, quick-witted, funny, genuine, caring, and strong. He was simply stronger than strength itself. I am proud to call him my Grandfather.
The vacuous space we feel now in our hearts is something that we’ll carry for a long time. When the wind hits just right, we’ll feel the hollow of our chests. The memories we have of him will begin to fill some of that space, but it will never quite patch. This is not a bad thing; it just means that he is loved.
With his passing comes great sorrow. We lost an amazing man, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle but what we did not lose is his influence. The guidance he gave and the love he felt for us continues on; for death may stop a man’s heart but it can never extinguish the fire he held within it.

My Grandfather was a quiet man, but that doesn't mean he didn't have a lot to say. He had his opinions. He had his insight. He had his experiences. He had his advice. In the 90 years he spent on this earth, he had practically seen it all.
I remember my Grandfather telling me a story about when he was in the army during WWII. He was stationed in Germany, and during the night their camp was bombed. As his peers panicked and scrambled to find shelter, he simply slept right through it. I asked him if he ever feared for his life during his service, and he replied “No, Sweetheart I’m a fatist. I believe that if it’s my time to go it is my destiny, it is God’s will. I guess it just wasn't my time then.” ... READ MORE →