Bill is Retiring (or... refocusing?) !: Clean Feet

Hello friends and family of Bill Blackley:

After nearly 35 years practicing medicine, Bill has decided to hang up his stethoscope and throw himself into "retirement" -- though some folks think Bill will never retire -- he is certain to remain active in many communities in North Carolina and beyond.

This blog is for old friends and new, co-workers, patients, musicians, artists, Boy Scouts, environmental activists, Tarheel basketball fans, family, and all who would like to share a word of congratulations, thanks, a silly Bill story, or a celebration for his years of contribution to his patients, and his community.

Please join us in raising a virtual toast to Bill!

Shhhhhh.... this is a secret! We'll unveil the blog with your messages to him in mid-June, but posts are welcome indefinitely.

To share a message, funny Bill memory, toast or other thoughts, email your post to me (Molly) at blackley@uw.edu, and I will post for you (please include your name, and how you know Bill).

Thanks for joining in the fun! With love and thanks,
Sandie... Molly, Ben, and Will Jackson...Seth, Brae and Davis Blackley

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Clean Feet

Bill, you are an amazingly passionate, intelligent and thoughtful person. Those are traits also found in your incredible children and grandchildren. It is also evident when you talk...about anything. And I find I listen carefully and believe almost anything you say. You need to be careful with this.

You very casually told me one time that you don't think showers are a good idea because people who take showers do not wash their feet. I replied to you that people who take baths swim in the very grime they are trying to distance themselves from.

While I came across confident in the superiority of my side of this argument, I must now admit that I think of you EVERY time I take a shower and I always wash my feet.

Thank you for the countless ways you have enriched our lives. I have no doubts you will continue to enrich lives well into retirement. Cheers my friend!

Much Love

Mike