With a Heavy Heart
Dearest faithful followers of Unshakable Hope,
It’s with a heavy heart that I inform you that Bill has finished the race that was set before him. He has fought the good fight of faith, and is now receiving his reward.
The heavy heart is only because of the hole that will be left in my heart, and the hearts of everyone that was lucky enough to share life with him.
I’m happy that he is where he has longed to be. Shortly before passing, he told us that he was excited to go home. We are grateful he is now in his eternal home praising God with a body that’s totally healed of the disease that has so ravished his body.
Thank you to all who read his blog, posted encouraging comments, prayed (some did this daily), supported us financially, and loved us.
I can’t put into words the gratitude in my heart.
Gratefully yours,
Mary and family
Posted on December 30, 2020, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 161 Comments.
Unshakable Hope 
For some reason Bill came to my mind this morning and I just felt compelled to say that his incredible testimony still rings loudly in my heart. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to hear his own heart through the years. He was a true champion for Jesus! Blessings to Mary and family.
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Hi Ron! Thank you for your sweeet comment about Bill. His birthday was October 5th so maybe that’s why you thought of him. 🙂 Thank you for your friendship over the years. You were an encouragement to him. I’m sorry for the late reply. I can’t figure out why some comments end up on his old AOL account while most go to his Unshakablehope email. I need to check the AOL more often. Blessings to you and your family as well.
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Thank you Mary. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Sorry for your loss, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. It was wonderful to witness Bill’s love for God.
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So sorry for your loss, I so enjoyed sharing thoughts with Bill from time to time. I know it isn’t easy, but with God’s help it is possible to get through this. I lost my sister in May and thought I would lose my brother today of the same thing, so I understand your pain. I know you were a strength to him and very much loved by him and respected by all of us. God speed. Much love and prayers to you and your family.
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Bill always had an interesting way of sharing the various challenges of his caregiving and turning them into a humorous story (I’m thinking of the mouth guard, which in the moment was no doubt very scary, but his dark sense of humor made me laugh). As Bill’s wife and caregiver, you have shown what it means to be dedicated to the one you married. Both of you have been a blessing to many. I have enjoyed following Bill’s blog and exchanging comments with him from time to time. What I have also learned about the caregiver, both first hand and from helping my mom during my dad’s care, is that when it is over and life is basically back to normal, a vacuum of quiet will appear, which is different from the feeling of loss. It is difficult to explain, but I thought I would share this experience. I believe that it is a result of being on duty and on edge for so long that when this source of stress is removed, that part of our caregiver brain is still active.
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Im so very sorry for your loss. I always find it weird that the person who passes is not grieving. The pain is with those of us left behind. The journey is not over for him , only this earthly part of it
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I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill was such an inspiration and encouragement to me, and no doubt, many others. My prayers are with you and your family.
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My condolences for your loss. Bill was a beautiful soul, wishing you and your loved ones peace and prosperity.
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Sending my condolences. He was truly an inspiration to all of us who read the blog!
May the Lord send you Rich Comfort at this time!
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Bill was a huge inspiration to MANY! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of loss. God Bless you all.
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Dear Mary, I’ve been praying for you and the rest of your family since Heidi V called to let me know Bill had gone Home. What a blessing for him, but oh so difficult for those left behind! I am praying with thanks for his life and for the impact he had on the lives of so many–including my own, I am also praying for God to carve out His path for you to follow as you mourn, It is at times such as these that I am struck by the simple profundity of the word, “bittersweet”. Indeed, in such a time as this we can give thanks for the sweetness of the “unshakable hope” that is ours in Christ Jesus, even as we mourn Bill’s loss. Gratefully in Him, ❤️
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I’m sorry for your loss. 🌷
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Hi Mary,
Thank you for letting us know. I am sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you. Bill is doing so much better than us and that’s because of his unshakable hope. Thanks again. The Lord strengthen your family.
In Christ,
Gary
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I am so sorry to hear of his passing. But we are confident that he is in the presence of Jesus. please continue to stay strong and thank you for informing us. God bless you and family always in Jesus name.
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Mary and family,
I had the privilege of “meeting” you and Bill by phone in order to write an inspirational article for One Christian Voice. I will never be the same. Bill and your family have deeply impacted my faith. I am truly sorry for the loss but rejoice with you that Bill has won the race and is home with the Lord Jesus.
Continued prayers for you, dear Mary, and all who loved Bill.
Much love, Beckie Lindsey, Editor SoCal Christian Voice
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My love and prayers I send to you and your family.♥️🙏🏽 Your husband has encouraged and inspired me so much. He’s now enjoying heaven while resting in God’s eternal peace.✨🕊✨
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Wow. 😪
I pray for His comfort for you and the family, ma’am. He is for and with you all. 💕
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Wow!!. 😪
I pray for comfort for you and the family, ma’am. He is for and with you all.
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Mary, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been a reader of Bill’s posts for years. What a wonderful man of God. Praying for peace for you and your family. If there’s anything our family can do for you, just let us know. 🙏🏻
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Bill’s writing touched so many people. His posts were an inspiration to keep trusting and serving God with whatever strength you have.
It’s tempting to say “May he rest in peace,” but from what I read in Bill’s posts, I’m sure he got up and started running with Jesus as soon as he got to heaven.
May our Lord comfort and strengthen your family and friends at this difficult time.
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May God bless you all ❤
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Dear Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. Hope you will know the comfort, strength and sustaining power that Our Lord will bring you. It will take time. Some days will be ever so hard and some things will get easier. For now you will be grieving and remembering Your Bill. Please take care. Best wishes, thoughts and prayers, Suz ❤️
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He touched many and will continue to do so. A Legacy of faith never stops speaking and shining into the world.
BT
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Mary , my heart breaks for you and your family !
But knowing where Bill is and that he is well makes it somewhat easier. Bill was my Inspiration .
He fought hard and God gave him more years than the Doctors had given him .
Praying for you
Love you
Bev Perkins
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Hi Mary, I see that you did get to read my post on “The Last Day”. I thought of letting you know but figured that might be a bit presumptuous of me, so I figured if God wanted you to find it, you would. There are an awful lot of people who are indebted to you and Bill and a lot of people holding you and your family up in prayer. I meant every word that I said in that post. If I could hug you I would. I will keep this short but just wanted you to know how much you are loved. May God’s grace, peace and love surround you and yours. – Bruce
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No words are sufficient to ease grief. But we try just the same as did Bill when commenting on my blog about my son’s passing and as I do now after learning of Bill’s passing.
I have read Bill’s posts, admiring his faith and will to live despite his body failing him in every way. His purpose in this life was revealed through his illness as he witnessed for our Lord and Savior to friends,family, and strangers. While I am sad because his family has “lost” him for a short time and future posts will be no more, I am overjoyed that he has escaped his body and his soul is free. It is a comfort to be assured Bill is now in his heavenly eternal home and I will get to meet him one day.
God bless the Sweeney family. It is well.
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With deep heartfelt sympathy, I read your post. I’m glad Bill is HOME with the Father he loved. But I’m sure you and your family will miss this true saint of a man. His writings were always a blessing to me. You all will be in our prayers. Blessings, Richard Armstrong.
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Bill will definitely be missed! My prayers are for you and your family. But I know God will comfort you as only He can. Bill is with Jesus! In this I rejoice! God bless all of you 🙂
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What an incredible witness Bill has been to faith and you to love. Thank you. Lifting you and your family in prayer.
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You all have been such a tremendous example/witness of love, faithfulness and courage in Christ and in your marriage. I am humbled by Mary’s love for Bill and pray that I will love Nathan half as well. Again, what an awesome and amazing witness in and for Christ. I am grieved by your loss but rejoicing that y’all will see each other again. Love and blessings, Mandy
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I have no words, but may the God of All Comfort give you that comfort which is beyond all human understanding.
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Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you must miss him terribly. You and Bill were special to me and inspired me. Thank you for the courage and faithfulness you showed through your lives.
Audrey
Virus-free. http://www.avast.com
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Tears of sadness and tears of joy, combined. Mr. Sweeney, rest in your reward–God’s perfect Peace..
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The backstories of Bill’s amazing co-star Mary and his strong supporting cast (Ed, Lauren, Leah, et.al.) are no less inspiring than his own. I hope you will keep the Unshakable Hope blog alive. I believe the Sweeney family has much left to offer to those who are still navigating the walk (race) that our friend Bill has just completed with honors. “Jesus, I am happy for your gain!”
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What a testament of faith and courage for both you and Bill these past 24 years. I enjoyed his testaments of faith and spiritual uplifting on his posts. I glad he is with our Savior and heavenly father walking the streets of Glory! Amen!
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I am so sorry for your loss. I would read his blogs and marvel at his faith and good spirit. I know this was trying on you, his wife, in ways I cannot imagine. Happy, holy New Year’s Eve – so fitting bill enters the new year in Heaven. Prayers and Sympathy
Nancy
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Praying for Mr Sweeney’s family at this time. I always looked forward to his posts (yes, we will miss him too!). Indeed, he is now where he always longed to be–with his Saviour and Creator. Free of pain, finally. Rejoicing and worshiping in the presence of God.
The God of all comfort be with you. My thoughts and prayers. ☘️
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Sorry for your loss. He was certainly an inspiration to everyone he touched with his messages of hope. I’ll miss his sense of humor and his faith-based posts.
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My prayers are with you during the difficult days ahead.
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I will miss his posts but it is comforting to know that Bill is celebrating with his new body in Heaven. I always looked forward to his posts and will be praying for the family.
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Dear Mary and family, my heart is breaking–and rejoicing–with yours. Through the last five years of reading Bill’s posts and seeing into his heart, a heart so closely aligned with God’s, Bill has become a dear friend and constant example to me of the truth embodied in the title Unshakeable Hope. My post today is dedicated to him, and to you who have demonstrated that same hope all these years. With much love and gratitude, Mitch
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All my prayers and love. May God grant you the fortitude to bear the loss. 🙏
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Mary I want say that I’m sorry for your loss. And your whole family. I found Bill’s blog late one night this past summer and it caused me to take a closer look at what we take for granted sometimes…..Movement.
Afterwards God kept throwing his name into my head. Sweeney is very memorable. I’d pray for him and your family many times.
I think Bill is probably walking around, doing somersaults or cartwheels..who knows. What i do know is that “Our Redeemer Lives. Because Jesus came, died and rose fom his grave, we can be with him in heaven……And Bill is receiving the gift that Jesus promised.
I have not yet seen the pain of losing someone as close as Bill to you and your children, except my father, 17 years ago. But i pray that you guys will be wraped in the love and hope that only Jesus and our faith can provide during this time. I will mourn with your family but i will also Thank God for your husband’s release from his earthly body.
Thank you for him.
Matt
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♥️♥️
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My sympathies to you and your family, but I can’t help feeling happy for Bill. He was certainly an inspiration in his long fight with ALS, but now he’s home.
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Thank You! For sharing Bill with us, I was always encouraged by his writings and looked forward to what God had placed in his heart to share with us. His last breathe here on earth was his first in the presence of Almighty God. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.””
Revelation 21:4-5 NKJV
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I am so very sorry for the loss you and your family are experiencing. May the Lord uphold you and give you His peace that passes all understanding. After I lost my husband in 2016, two years following his ALS diagnosis, I began to read Bill’s posts. It was encouraging to see Bill sharing of the Lord’s provision for him in the midst of his struggles, and always sharing the Good News of the Gospel. The Lord was glorified through Bill and his ALS, giving him a tremendous ministry. I imagine many came to faith in Jesus through Bill’s bold testimony and faith in Jesus. Now, along with my husband, they see their Savior face to face and have heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” God bless you, keep you, and comfort you. Kim
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My heart aches. Bill was such a wise and encouraging man. He cheered me on in my writing my own blog and I am so grateful for the ministry he provided my life. God bless you and keep you all always.
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May the Lord bless and console you. Bill’s posts inspired me to keep going when I faced unexpected hindrances during the past few years. His words refreshed me. I have feared the arrival of this day for a long time. I will miss Bill’s messages of unshakable hope. May our memories be his legacy as his words continue to resonate in our minds.
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Praying for you and your family!🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌
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Dear Mary,
Joe & I send our Condolences .
You & your beautiful family remain in our thoughts
& prayers.
Sincerely,
The Queck’s
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Oh Mary, I have only followed Bill’s blog for a short time. But what I read inspired me. With tears in my eyes I read your update. Prayers and hugs to you and your family. And now Bill is free from pain and suffering. May you all be blessed and comforted during this time. 🙏🏻💔🤗
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Dearest Mary, He taught us all unshakable hope, love and kindness. He was a blessing and will be missed. He was very kind to me over the years. You are all in my prayers. God bless.
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He was such a blessing. He will be missed. I am praying for your family.
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Mary, Lauren and Leah, I am so sad for your loss. I know that sadness and I know that God will deliver you from that pain. God is faithful and merciful. He loves us. All of my sweet Sweeneys @ 3 Canterbury Court set the best examples of God’s love and GRACE and MERCY. I still see a very young Leah, standing in the entryway of my home. I asked how she was and she said fine! I then asked what she was up to that day. She put her little hands on her hips and very soundly answered: I expect a miracle! See, Leah, you taught me how to stand on my faith and to expect a miracle, too. I thank you for that!
I rejoice that Bill is freed from the bonds of physical suffering. I can see his smile as he greets Jesus, his Lord and Savior! I imagine Bill rejoicing in his being restored. Such a beautiful sight to behold. My prayers are with all of you. I send my love.
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Prayed for you and your family. Bill is now dancing on the streets that are golden.
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Bill is well now. Who knows he might be playing softball in heaven with my dad. Bill’s blogs were such an inspiration and encouragement to me, and touched many lives. Mary, Bill was blessed to have such an amazing wife. I pray God gives you and your family strength, peace and comfort. Love, Terri Proske Santoy
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Yes Bill ran his race with such faith and grace inspiring me and so many more world wide. He couldn’t have done it without his Lord but he also couldn’t have done it without the love and support of you Mary and his wonderful family. Love and peace Mary may Holy Spirit comfort be yours at this time.
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Such bitter sweet news. I am so sorry for your loss and the emptiness Bill’s passing leaves, but I have been so blessed to have known him through his blog and rejoice that he is with our Savior and in a new body! Prayers of comfort for you, your family and all whose lives Bill touched.
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Dear Mary and Family, My heart hurts knowing Bill has left those of us still here on this earth; especially you and your family. Yet my Spirit rejoices in his freedom from pain and his joy being in Heaven with God our Father and Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
I will miss his wisdom, his example of hope and trust in God, his reminders of how much we have to be grateful for. You were God’s blessing to Bill and are a blessing to your family. You are also a blessing, and an example of what true love really means…thank you.
I pray you will feel and know the presence of Jesus by your side and comforting you.
Love and hugs,
ann
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I am so sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed reading what he wrote, but I am so thankful he is home with his Savior he loved.
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I am so sad to hear the news but know that Bill’s journey is done. There is much rejoicing in heaven but those of us who were encouraged and upheld in our journeys will miss his wisdom and his faith. God bless you and your family.
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Thank you Mary for letting us know. I am so sorry to hear this but find comfort in the fact that Bill is with the Lord. May you find comfort and peace with the lord at this time.
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My sincere condolences Mary to you and your family. Bill was an inspiration to all of us and still is.
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Praying for you and your family. Thank you for letting us know. Although I’ve never met him in person, he will be missed. There’s no doubt that his ministry will be carried on.
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Praying for Bill’s family and friends. What a testimony with his life
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😢
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Mary, sending my thoughts and prayers for the Lord’s comfort to you and your beautiful family. All of whom were a light to us with your hope and faith in God all of these years. God is good.
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My heart is breaking for you …but..Bills mission is acomplished. Thank you Heavenly Father.
My hope and prayers is that we may all follow in his time.
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Praying for you as you process and learn new rhythms. I can’t imagine the hole for you. He is home. I think about the song that we are Almost Home. He is.
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So very sorry to read this…but so thankful to have been blessed by your incredible Godly husband. Prayers for all of you.
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Oh Miss Mary, my heart is so heavy with this news. That is the quandry of this Christ following life – such a heavy heart filled with such much rejoicing at the same time. Covering you, your children, your grandchildren, and all who loved Bill far and wide in prayer as they deal with this loss. Oh how the angels sang as they welcomed Bill through the pearly gates! Much love, Kimberly
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Mary, I’m crying because I’m so sorry for your loss but at the same time these tears are rejoicing that Bill is forever in heaven with Jesus His Lord. I am forever changed by knowing you and Bill and it’s because of his courage I found the strength to keep fighting. You’re in my heart and prayers every day. Much love, Viv❤
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I am so sorry. His posts were always encouraging and spot on with the gospel!
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Bill is not the only one who has finished the race set before him. You, dear Mary, had your own race to run, which you finished with daily grace that we saw through Bill’s eyes every time he wrote. And now he has crossed the finish line, and you are ready to run the next race the Lord has set out for you. You know that whatever that next race is, Bill will be cheering you on to the finish and waiting for you there. I do look forward to meeting you both when we’re all finally home.
Love and prayers,
Annie Aschauer
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Mary, with tears falling I express to you and your family my deepest sorrow for your loss. Although I only knew Bill via my blog connection, he will forever hold a special place in my heart. His life was a beacon of hope, encouragement in the face of personal difficulty and blessings to others. I will pray that the Lord surrounds you with His peace of knowing you will one day be reunited in a much better place. Much love in Christ, Sue Nash
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Mary, I am so sorry to hear this. I sit here typing this with tears rolling down my face. Bill found my blog not long after I started it and he was one of my biggest supporters, always leaving an encouraging word. A few days ago I printed out a few blog posts for my sister in law and at the bottom were the sole comments I received on each…from Bill. And it made me smile. My prayers are with you and your family during this time.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙏❤️
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Dear Mary, you have my heartfelt sympathy. I am very sad indeed to hear about Bill, but glad at the same time he is now with his loving Lord at last. God’s word shone through Bill so brightly and helped so many, not least of all me. Bill’s posts have really encouraged me to trust in the Lord Jesus so much more. May God bless you and be with you always. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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So sorry for your loss, Mary! Will be praying for you and your family. I’m glad Bill is able to get up and jump around now! Praying you have some wonderful family time to help you celebrate Bill’s life and also for transition into your new season of life. I know Bill was very blessed to have your loving care!
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So very, very sorry for your loss! It has been an inspiration to follow Bill on this blog. He has increased my faith and warmed my heart many times. As a fellow pALS, he has given me great courage to fight the good fight. It is a great thing to be a believer and know that he is now healed, whole, and happy! Prayers for you ‘in the mean time’….
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Mary,
Bill’s unique perspective on life and the Gospel blessed me for years. So sorry for your loss. Your care for him was inspiring, but I’m glad Bill’s fight is over. ❤️💜 Vanessa
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I pray the Lord will comfort those who mourn.
The Lord blessed him with such a wonderful family by his side.
The courage Bill shared was a living testimony of God’s unfailing hand in our lives.
His faithful walk with the Lord through it all gave strength to so many.
He will be missed for a time, while he dances in the streets of glory!
One day we shall all meet him there..
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I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, Mary. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
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Dear Mary and family, I wept when I read of Bill’s passing. While I am glad that he is now resting comfortably in God’s care, I shall greatly miss his posts. I have suffered from chronic pain and fatigue for over 30 years so Bill’s posts were an incredible encouragement and blessing to me. They continuously reminded me of what is really important in this life. I shall forever be grateful for Bill’s example of faith, hope, and joy in the midst of great adversity. I eagerly await the day that I shall meet him face to face so that I may give him a big hug. May God comfort and strengthen you now and forever.
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I’m reading this blog with tears trickling down my cheeks. Happy that Bill is in paradise with our Savior where there are no more tears or sorrow. Sad for you, Mary, knowing you’ve just lost your sweetheart. We’ve never met, but I feel like I’ve lost one of my own family members. However, we are family….related by Christ’s blood. And that gives me unshakeable hope that one day we’ll all be celebrating together in the Lord’s presence. Perhaps you and Bill will say hello to me or wave as we sit at the marriage feast of the Lamb.
I so appreciate how Bill encouraged my heart over these many years that I read his thoughts about suffering, faith, and hope. No doubt, God used Bill mightily to spread a message of unshakeable hope across the world.
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Oh Mary and family! I am so sad. Through tears I say I am so blessed to have heard you all on Chris Fabry and to have been able to read Bill’s posts. I pray He will hold you fast in the days and years ahead.
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Oh Mary, I am so sorry for your loss but so glad for Bill’s gain. What a mixed-up emotion this is. Praying for the Lord’s peace to comfort you and for His joy to be your strength in this time. I look forward to the great Day when we will all worship together! What a ministry Bill had. Praying that the Lord will continue to use his words of truth and encouragement to bless many and draw others into the family of God.
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“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…” Matt 25:23
I imagine these were some of the very first words Bill heard his dearest friend, his constant companion, his Lord & Savior say to him as they embraced for the first time.
Mary & family – may you all hold fast to the many whispers of the heart you will be receiving from Bill up above. As you know he has not left you…he has merely moved to another room, a banquet room. Where he will be preparing a seat for you to rest beside him one day. Until then please know of all the love, care, and prayers which will be sent your way to minister to your grieving hearts.
I was blessed to be a WP friend of Bill’s and I look forward to the day when he and I shall no longer share across the broadband, but share at the Lord’s table together.
Hugs n’ blessings….
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I love that image of Bill in the banquet hall, holding out a chair for Mary. ❤️ – Divine perspective.
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My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Although I had only met him through WP, he inspired me. Many days I’d pray for him and all of you. He left a legacy of hope and encouragement. I dedicate today’s post to him. He’s in perfect peace and I pray that peace guides you all. God bless you.
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Dear Mary and Family,
Thank you for sharing your grief. Bill has provided many of us the Unshakable hope. May perpetual light shine upon him. With love and prayers, Perpetua
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Well done, thou good and faithful servant. I rejoice with you as you rejoice in the presence of the great THREE IN ONE in heaven.
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Dear Mary, I weep now with you and your family and at the same time rejoice with Bill and the angels. I pray that if the Lord wills and leads you, this blog will become yours to continue the witness of the unshakable hope our heavenly Father has given us in Christ, His Son. Bill’s means of publishing was by your God-given gift as his help-mate. He made it clear that you were his hands and feet enabling his setup for his witness. You can share your own witness in His timing. Love, prayers, and blessings are coming to you and your family from many different directions. Remember, you are filled with His grace, nestled in His goodness, and wrapped in His glory, now and forever, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
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Dear Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill has now received his complete healing that he longed for. May the Lord richly blessed and comfort you, the girls and all of your family during this time.
Bill’s blogs have always blessed and encouraged me each and every time. I will miss his encouraging and inspirational words.
Just know that you all are in my prayers.
Kathy Tyllick
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Mary, Having just gone through this, I can say I know your pain, everything is a blur, words mix together and leave you numb. My conversations with the Lord got me through the toughest of moments…and that is what you and Bill instructed me to do. I must say, it is the only thing that saved me and kept me going day to day. Cling to Him, as I know you will; lean on your family who are there for you and are grieving too. You and Bill were such an inspiration to me, I thank you for showing me the way. Your faith to God and to Bill astounds us all, the way you took care of him was nothing short of astounding, and believe it or not, I drew strength from that when I needed it too. My heart is heavy right now, but also I look to the sky and imagine Bill breathing a sigh of relief that he had the MOST UNSHAKABLE HOPE.
With love, hugs and prayers of comfort,
Lynda
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I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family. I was encouraged by Bill’s messages. His words often came at just the right time. God works wonders in that way, sending a special message just when we need it. I am praying for God to cover you all with His love and comfort.
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Dear Mary and family, Welcome home Bill, welcome home. I just prayed and asked God to cover you and your family Mary, with His grace and peace. The two of you have been such a beautiful witness to God’s grace and faithfulness and I truly feel like I have lost a brother, but only for a while. The internal witness of God’s Holy Spirit was so strong when I prayed. Thank you so much for letting us know and thank you so much for your faithfulness. It is a sad day but also a glorious day because Bill is now in the presence of our Lord and we know he is now truly whole. I will be keeping you and yours in my prayers. Love in Christ. – Bruce
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Dear Mary and Family. May the Lord’s peace and loving mercy surround you and your heavy hearts. As a widow, the Lord is now your covering and the most greatest help, provider and protector for you and your family. I am a witness to that. Continue to trust His glorious path on your journey. Bill fought the good fight, shared and spread the Gospel. His Unshakeable Hope will continue on in the lives of others. God bless!
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Am so very sorry Mary for your loss. I was introduced to Bill and his blog through his brother Mark whom I worked with for many years. His blog always touched my heart and so many others – we were truly blessed by him. Prayers for God’s peace through this difficult time.
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Mary, may Jesus hold you and your family tightly in His arms.
Bill had been a wonderful inspiration to me in my own long affliction.
Just minutes before reading this, I had read the following from the December 30 F.B. Meyer devotional, Our Daily Walk:
MORTALITY SWALLOWED UP OF LIFE
For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.– 2Co 5:1.
“THIS CHAPTER begins with We know. There is no shadow of uncertainty. From first to last it is saturated with unwavering conviction…”
Amen. “We know…” Blessed assurance!
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Dear Mary, please accept my sincere condolences over the loss of your wonderful husband. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I thought of his valiant struggles. What a fighter he was! What an example of faith he was! I’m sure that in heaven he has already been reminded of the impact he had on so many people. It was my great privelege to know him through this blog, and my life is much richer for it. Thank you Mary, for sharing Bill with the rest of us. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
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Mary, may you be comforted here is the arms of Jesus, just as Bill is comforted there. You are both valiant warriors! It’s time to rest. My heart breaks with you and your family. The world has lost a great and amazing man!
Much love and prayers, Lori
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I have posted a tribute to Bill on http://www.wordscroll.org
I will miss Bill’s posts. They were amazing and a tremendous gift!
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Lori, I was holding my-own till I read your tribute. Your beautiful words are seared on my heart. Thank you.
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You are welcome. Prayers for you. He definitely leaves a huge space that no one else can fill!
My heart goes out to you!
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Thank you for these beautiful words – they are a comfort to all of us as we celebrate our brother and his impact on all of our lives.
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Paula, it is a rare gem that can suffer so severely and yet touch countless, thousands of others so profoundly. What an amazing witness and demonstration of the very heart and love of God!
It is an answer to prayer that you are being comforted. You all are on my heart and in my prayers often, every day.
I think about how over-the-top ecstatic Bill must be to be free of all limitation! I only wish we could be there to witness it.
I am grateful my post has blessed you and your family, thank you! It was my privilege to have a tiny peek into Bill’s life and I look forward to visiting with him in the future.
God Bless you all, Lori 💕
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My deepest condolences, Mary. Bill was a bright shining star to those of us privileged to know him, even through the limited means of this blog. He is now in the firmament of heaven, in the arms of God. May that same loving God comfort you with the knowledge that you will see Bill again.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21: 4).
Your friend,
Anna
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My sincere condolences Mary to you and your family. Bill’s writing was wonderful and touched my life (and several others I’m sure) in many ways). Blessings and comfort for you all.
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May the Lord comfort you and your family with His peace in the passing of such a giant in the faith of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. We will all miss his encouragement and example to follow.
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Mary and family-
I am an old friend of Paula’s and have loved reading Bill’s blog and getting to know him, you and the girls the past several years. I can only imagine the hole in your heart from missing him, but I can’t help but imagine him standing before our God, walking, talking- being wholly healed!! Wow! I do not know you, but, with tears that will not stop, sending love and hugs to you all!!
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I am very sorry for your loss. I am so thankful that Bill was able to share his journey with us — it was very inspiring. May God comfort you and bring you peace. You will be in my prayers in the days and weeks to come.
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Grace and comfort to you!
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Thank you Mary. This news is at once so very sad but then the realization hits that Bill is forever free. He was already spiritually free, of course, as the Lord Jesus made that possible and Bill’s own sterling testimony proved it every day. Judging from Bill’s many writings one may otherwise never know of his predicament and great challenge. He was so clearheaded and strong, down-to-earth but ever cognizant of spiritual reality. And the man was a comedian. I remember many of his friendly and witty responses (I would often read all comments to his many posts), which would presuppose nothing so challenging in his life. I so appreciate this medium and the forum that allowed for all his many friends and supporters to not only stay in touch but contribute.
I am assuming that he got to spend one more Christmas with his loving family, obviously a great present to you and all and a likely answer to prayer. I am thankful we received a final message from Bill not many days ago.
As far as this internet medium goes, Bill was a great friend. I never met him but he was always warm and kind in this limited form of interaction. He almost always responded to my comments, taking the time to write, as have you. I considered him a great man and very strong Christian, a man who kept his dignity and powerful faith regardless of physical circumstances that would totally incapacitate most people. He was true until the end. And though many apply the final words of the apostle Paul to loved ones who have moved on, in my view, they actually do apply very well in Bill’s case. He was a spiritual warrior, doing exactly as his Lord taught him, very strong though physically very weak.
I commend you Mary, for being so wonderfully faithful to Bill. So many others, regardless of love, have little problem moving on with new lives they appropriate for themselves, forgetting God and honored vows. But you have remained true to your marriage and stayed by Bill’s side through so much. I have no way of comprehending how difficult it has been for you. There is no doubt you are one in a million, one who has taken the long road, who sees very far down the road, far beyond the horizon. You knew this day would come and thought it would come earlier, even much earlier, and have lived through times when Bill would pull through yet again. Bill was such a fighter! He has so inspired me.
And now he is in his new home, having now met his wonderful Savior who gave His life so Bill would live eternally. I am sure there are some very special congratulations going on now and will continue, from the Lord and so many saints who have gone on before. And Bill now has much greater understanding of why. It was a question he dealt with often but always reverted to his powerful faith and willingness to work and be a useful vessel.
Because of his great witness and the way he conducted his life, to the best of his ability, you will always have a great memory of him. This time and the coming days will be a time of grief and loss and you must grieve and grieve properly. But then joy will come.
Thank you again for informing us of Bill’s passing. May the Lord’s richest blessings be upon you and your family during this sad but victorious time.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
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Oh Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to connect with Bill through blogging. He found my blog and sent me an email after he read my mom had sarcoidosis. He was encouraging me to believe for miracles, and told me he’d pray for my mom. How could I not take notice of this man with ALS who clearly loved the Lord, and in spite of his own pain still encouraged and blessed others. The few interactions I had with Bill were so uplifting and his blog was such a bright light for Jesus. I will never forget him.
Well done Bill, you ran your race. See you soon, friend.
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What a beautiful inspiration and hope Bill was to all of us who read his writing. Indeed, will continue to be. Our heartfelt love and prayers are with you, Mary, and family, as you journey the next days and weeks. God’s greatest love, comfort, and blessings to you.
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Sincerest sympathy to you and your family. We will all miss his wisdom.
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My heart cries with you all, in both sorrow and joy.
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Picturing Bill in the arms of Jesus must give you all great joy, Mary. He was an inspiration to us all….and so are you, Mary. You have been the hands and feet of Jesus helping Bill along the way. God bless you and the family as you go through this difficult time.
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I am so sorry for your loss but also rejoicing with you that he is finally healed. What an amazing God we serve. Praying for you and your precious family. ♥️🙏❤️
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Thanks Mary for letting us know. We will meet you and Bill someday. Bill gave the rest of us around the world a huge gift which you have paid for all these years. Thankyou. I will always remember the bluebirds taking up residence in the old bird house as God does in whatever body conditions we have.
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Dearest Mary & Family – Bill was a remarkable inspiration to us all and will be so so missed. His story has been so humbling and hopeful. My wife died suddenly 18minths again and by Gods grace, through it I was shown a glimpse of heaven – it’s is a beautiful thing. You must be so proud and yet sad at this time, but tears do turn to joy and the eternal hope that he proclaimed so well is now Bills to behold. God bless you all in your new beginnings. Xx
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Mary, our hearts are with you and the girls this morning. Sending you all our love. We’ll miss you, Uncle Bill!
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Bill has been such an inspiration and I know he touched so many, including me. May the Lord heal your heart and be your comfort. We will all miss him.
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I am so sorry, Mary. Your devotion to Bill was and still is an incredible witness and example to so many of us … Most of all it always has been an earthly mirror to reflect an eternal love. Thank you for pouring yourself out like that! Like another person said above, today we have another incentive to get to Heaven.
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So sorry for your loss. I looked forward to his blog and he was such an encouragement to me. He is so deserving of all the rewards he is receiving in heaven. Prayera for you and your family.
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Dear Mary, We have never met and yet here I sit with tears welling. Bill’s presence in the blogosphere will be greatly missed. His legacy of faith, strength, and humor in the face of suffering will live on in our hearts, encouraging us until each of us ascends to our heavenly home. With you I am happy for Bill and imagine his euphoria, restored to wholeness and meeting his Savior face to face. And I know he has received a resounding, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” / You also have been a good and faithful servant, Mary, caring for Bill all these years. I pray God’s peace, comfort, and sustaining power be upon you in glorious ways that transcend understanding. Love to you and your precious family, Nancy
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Oh! how I always waited with happy anticipation for Bill to post a new message. I can’t remember how I came upon his blog post (I think it was on twitter) but I am so honored that I did…to hear his salvation messages, his stories and most importantly, him sharing his faith through his long battle with ALS. I am saddened by the news of his passing but more so I have a smile on my face knowing he is with our Heavenly Father! I want to rejoice knowing that Bill has a new body and that he is with Jesus, dancing, worshipping with others that have gone before him…. I pray you and your family have peace and strength through this loss but also are celebrating such a wonderful man! God Bless – Beth Lanoue
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Your special husband touched so many hearts and lives. I am grateful to have found your blog. I will continue praying for you and all your family.
Peace.
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So I haven’t been reading for long but my heart goes out to you all! A loss is always a hole in our hearts for the ones left behind. But what a story! What a wonderful faith-filled life. I am honored to be able to learn from such a wise disciple. Thank you Bill and family!
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I’m so terribly sorry for your loss and all the ways you will miss him.
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Mary and family,
Just last night before I went to bed, in the middle of the night and early this morning God had me really praying for you and for Bil. I knew how much she wanted to go home, I knew how much I wanted him to stay. Reading his posts gave me such joy not only because of his faith but because of his sense of humor and childlike delight. Through his eyes I saw you, and I love you. I will be praying for you ongoing morning and night. I hope there’s a way to stay in touch with you to encourage you. Please let me know if that’s the case. You are family to me. Just FYI, I’m Nancy Turner for Moody Radio.
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Mary, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time of sorrow. Praying for you all and praising God for giving you so many years together. I’m so glad you have the knowledge and faith that you will see him once again in his perfect body one day. You and Bill have been such a blessing to so many.
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All of my love and prayers to all of you, Mary 🌷
The daily walk of faith and love of Bill and you and your family has been a heartful gift to all of us, with great gratitude and prayers to you all ❤️
Suzanne
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Mary, Lauren, Leah & the entire Sweeney Clan,
We send our heartfelt condolences on Bill’s passing. He was a true Christian who lived by a fairh that we all strive to achieve. I will always fondly remember the fun afternoon’s laughing out by Paula’s pool! God bless you all in the coming days. May you all find comfort in knowing he has found eternal peace.
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I’m so very sorry, Mary!! He really blessed my life!! But I am so happy that he is Home & healthy & with his Jesus!!! May you feel God’s comfort! ❤️ Linda Menaugh
Sent from my iPhone
>
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God bless you and your family, Mary! Bill and your family have been an inspiration 🙌❤️🙏🏻👑
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May the Lord bring His comfort and peace to all of you at this time. Bill always pointed us to Jesus in every post and for that he will always be remembered. Blessings!
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Oh Mary, I truly have no words. Obviously, we rejoice that Bill is no longer trapped in a body that refused to work for him; but our hearts are aching for you, the girls and the whole family as his larger than life presence will be a hole that won’t easily or readily be filled, other than by God’s amazing grace! I love you, sweetie; and your “family” … we all … will continue to be here for you in love, prayers and support in whatever way we can be. Just know… Bill made such a difference in so many lives and his unwavering faith and unshakeable hope inspired literal millions! Loves, Danette
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Dear sister in Christ Jesus,
May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Dora
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Dearest Mary – I got a note from my brother Tom Novark this morning with regard to Bill. I cannot articulate in words my thoughts and feelings, but God knows. Somehow, Heaven just got even more appealing.
What the Sweeney family’s witness has meant to me and countless others can’t be measured in human terms. Thank you Mary, with my whole heart, for journeying so faithfully with him – your witness speaks to the power of Christ.
Bill, in spite of the physical ravages to his body, was a giant among men to me, a hero. His words always struck a hopeful chord within me.
You are loved and may God keep his Arms wrapped tightly around you and your family today and in the time to come.
I speak for many when I say that we are GRATEFUL! Thank you God for sharing Bill Sweeney with us! Thank you, Mary.
‘til we meet again!
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Mary and family, My prayer for you is that the Holy Spirit’s arm will surround you with peace and comfort. According to our faith, Bill has seen his Jesus face to face and was standing (or kneeling) on strong legs and is now singing praises. I’m sorry you are having to go through this separation for a while. My greatest sympathy to you all.
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My heart is with you and your family, Mary. Thank you for letting us know. Bill was an amazing encouragement to my heart and because of things he shared, so are you. I will miss Bill’s posts, no doubt. But I am praising God for the miracle Bill was and that he finished his race very well. I can imagine what his homecoming was like!! God bless you, Mary. Praying our Holy Comforter blankets you and the family in His sweet love and peace in these difficult moments.💕🙏
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My deepest sympathy and condolences Mary, to you and your family. But what a day of celebration for Bill. He will never be forgotten, for his loving words of wisdom, with everything he said pointing to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Whom Bill is now worshipping with His voice and expressing with arms and hands.
As you look forward to seeing Bill again, I look forward to meeting each of you in Glory one day.
Thank you Mary, for all you did for Bill, enabling him to continue his ministry, and sharing him with thousands of us worldwide. You will each be rewarded greatly by our Lord.
God’s Blessings and Strength to you and your family.
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May God embrace your family with only the peace He can give!! Bill was such an inspiration and I am sure God welcomed him with the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant!”
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Dear Mary and family,
It is a peaceful heart that I wish for you.
I have enjoyed reading Bill’s posts over the years. I know his brother Pete. I knew their mom years ago. They are a good family.
Over time I hope that hole in your heart gets filled with wonderful loving memories.
Katie Michel
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Dear Mary, thank you so much for sharing your life, and Bill with us for the time that the Lord gave you!
You both have taught us what real love looks like, and I pray that in the coming days Jesus will be such a comfort to you and your family.
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God bless you Mary.
I know that you are happy for your Bill, but I also know that you are suffering unspeakable grief from missing him.
He was a kind soul, and I am thankful to have known him.
I will pray for you and your family, and my heart goes out to you in your season of pain.
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Dear sister Mary, my heart rejoices to hear that brother Bill is with his Savior in perfect wholeness, peace, and perfection. Yet my heart grieves with yours and that of your entire family over the loss of your husband.
Brother Bill became such a dear friend to me and truly invested in my life so much. He was a friend to me through my journey of truly finding Jesus in the Gospel and his encouragement and inspiration in my life is beyond words can describe. I shared so much with him about my life via email and he was always there for me, taking the time to invest into my life and encourage me in Christ.
Thank you, sister Mary for your amazing testimony as well set on display through y’all’s lives. I am forever grateful for y’all and the legacy y’all have given will continue to impact my life forever.
May the God of all comfort and consolation comfort your hearts during this time and keep you close to His heart and remind you of His constant presence, goodness, and faithfulness as He walks with you, holding your hand each step of the way as He leads you through this valley.
May His face continue to shine upon all of you and bless you exceedingly with His steadfast love and give you comfort and confidence in the pain and indescribable peace.
Grieving with and praying for y’all 🙏🏼
In Christ, Michael
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I am sad for you, your dear family, and for all of us who grew to love your husband through this blog. He will be missed so much. But I rejoice with you in the knowledge that he is free from the bodily prison he lived in all these years. What joy he must be experiencing right this minute.
I will continue to pray for you, Mary. Please know that as we were privileged to know Bill we got to know you, too. May you find peace and strength through your Savior in the days and weeks ahead. And may your memories of this dear man bring you comfort.
You have been such a vital part of Bill’s story to us. Thank you. God bless you. You are loved.
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Lord gives us his consolation…my brother-in-law died last month for ALS too,he was 46-years old. Our hearts’re crying together. God bless you
Biagio, Italy
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Dear Mary,
What an incredible privilege I feel it has been to have discovered Bill’s blog!
I am thrilled for him but of course so sad for you.
May you know the peace and comfort that only Jesus can give as He carries you through these days.
in my prayers,
Lynn
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OH my Mary… Sooo sorry for your loss… Bill was truly an inspiration to me, and so many readers who got to know him through his struggle to write over the years… He will be missed…but we KNOW he with the Lord who he loved soooo much… Prayers for you and the whole family, Mary… Blessings in Christ, bruce
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I’m so sad to hear this but rejoicing in his homecoming. It has been a blessing to get a glimpse into his struggle but more importantly, his faith.
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Thank you, Mary, for informing us. Looking forward for the great reunion we will all one day have in God’s glorious and eternal Kingdom!
May God’s peace and mercy in abundance be with you and your family.
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Our family is praying for you all, Mary. Bill was such an inspiration and encouragement to all of us. I am forever blessed to have known him and call him my friend and brother in Christ. It is beautiful to think of the perfect peace and glory he is now living in at home with Jesus. Although I have tears streaming down my face as I write this, my heart is lifted up to know that Bill is home with the Lord and is no longer suffering. God’s comfort and peace be with you all.
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I am so sad but rejoice that Bill is now with the Lord and in no pain… mixed tears!… May you feel the peace of God Mary and may He sustain you in the days and weeks ahead… Love in Christ… Diane
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You can never know how Bill’s words changed so many lives, but it was the knowledge of how you supported him through so many years of limitations that gave me the most hope in the Word made Flesh. God’s spirit is powerfully alive in you as Bill celebrates God’s glory face-to-face today. I’m so grateful you made Bill’s life and death at home possible. Thank you for letting us know. Emily Gibson, M.D.
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Oh! Mary! My heart goes out to you and the family. Your faith, love, and caring example have encouraged so many for so long. We love you and will continue to pray.
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