Bill Ortman: January 9, 1954 – May 20, 2025
One is never able to prepare for burying a parent. How can you? Growing up, they’re always there when you need them and do whatever it takes to raise you properly. At one point or another, they seemed invincible to you. They did what they could to make sure you became the man or woman you should be and seemed to have no trouble doing it.
Granted, now that I’ve (mostly) grown up, have two kids of my own, and now have two grandbabies, I start realized how much parents had to sacrifice — and how much the upbringing I had made me the person and parent I am. If I was even half the dad that my dad was, I’ll consider that a win.
My parents both always taught us the value of hard work and taught us how to fend for ourselves. That teaching has served my brother, sister, and I well, and we’ve independently tackled some major milestones and phases in our lives. We always knew, however, we could call if we needed anything. But we were taught how to survive on our own should the need arise.
But nothing in those years of teaching and upbringing can prepare you for this.