1/ When Bill Gates Sr. achieved his 90 year milestone a book of stories written by his colleagues over the years was created for the birthday party entitled "Thanks for Showing Up In My Life."
I have been re-reading that book this week. It's a wonderful thing to have right now.
2/ Bill Gates (Trey) would not make publicly known that his father had Alzheimer's for another three years, but his close friends knew that Bill Sr. was struggling.
One way I connected with him was to tell memorable stories from the past since long term memory is less impacted.
3/ One story I told happened when the UW Law School Building was dedicated in his name. Bill Sr. said:
"There are many people in this room who deserve to have this building named for them more than me, but I accept this honor as a reflection of a son's love for his father."
4/ Our lunches were at Bill Sr's home in recent years. Once just before I left I leaned down close to him as he sat in a chair and I said:
"You are very very special to me"
He replied:
"You are very very special to me too."
We really connected. It was a beautiful moment.
5/ Once when Bill Sr. gave a big speech describing the life saving benefits of birthing kits supplied to mother's in India, tears ran down his face. Other times his joy was just as easy to see. This is Bill and his wife Mary cheering for a women's softball team I coached.
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