To the Editor,

I had the pleasure of being married to the most wonderful man for 29 years. He has been my husband, soul mate and most of all my best friend plus a great father. If you have ever been through The Oaks during the Halloween or Christmas season you have probably seen the wonderful and magical decorations in our yard. He spent so many days and always worked so hard getting it just right to make it special. He always said it was for the children and any night during those holidays you would see children and adults walking through our yard, enjoying the decorations, lights and music.

Bill was diagnosed with cancer the first week of April. On the night of April 29 we were taken to the front porch where we were greeted by at least 100 people in our yard. They had placed solar lights everywhere with a huge sign that said: Bill’s Light’s, because your lights have touched so many.

There were neighbors, friends from the community, staff and physicians SRMC where I work, and family members. Two of our neighbors, Michelle Barnett and Michelle Cox, organized this in just four days. People were ask to donate $10 to buy a solar power yard light. The first 100 lights were sold the first day. A gift of money was also donated to Bill and me.

The event was originally planned for the second week on May but changed due to Bill’s condition. On May 8, I lost my husband to this dreadful disease. I will never be able to explain what that night meant to us. The last picture I have of him is him sitting on the front porch smiling as people were shaking his hand and hugging his neck. Even though there is much sadness in our heart, our family is blessed to know how much he was loved and respected. I wanted to write this letter to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved. That night will always be remembered by my family and me.

I would also like to thank everyone for the love and support that has been shown to me and my family since Bill’s death.

Carol Patterson

Lumberton