In remembering my early days in the United States, my family found comfort and support from unexpected friends, Bill and Barbara Smith. Barbara, my sister’s second-grade teacher, and her husband, Bill, became like family to us during a tough time in our lives. They showed us incredible kindness and friendship that made a lasting impact on our lives. This is a story of remembering their meaningful presence and how they helped us through difficult times.
Our Family's Move to America
In October 1976, my parents made a bold decision to move me and my four siblings to the United States for a better future. With our uncles already in Mesquite, Texas, that’s where we settled. None of us spoke English, except for my father who knew just a little. It was both thrilling and frightening for all of us.
Looking back, I realize how daunting it must have been for my parents to move to a new country where they couldn’t speak the language, especially with five young children to care for. It was a brave and selfless act, something only parents can truly understand.
Remembering Bill and Barbara Smith: Our Guardian Angels
This is where we first met Barbara Smith, who became my younger sister’s first teacher in America. Bill and Barbara were few years younger than my parents. I’m not sure how Barbara and her family ended up meeting ours, but I remember when Bill came over to our house to help my father fix our old white station wagon because it wouldn’t start.
Bill Smith was not only a skilled mechanic but also worked full-time as a police officer. Bill and Barbara had a little red-haired girl named Ginger, whom they adored. Despite Ginger being four years younger than me, we all got along well.
For the next decade or so, Bill and Barbara Smith were like guardian angels to us, always watching over our family whenever possible. I remember going to their house with my sister for sleepovers with Ginger. They also took us to places like parks and restaurants whenever they could. When we were younger, they felt like second parents to us.
At night, when my parents and us kids stayed up late working at our sewing factory, Bill would often visit after finishing his late-night duties as a police officer. He did this to make sure we were all doing okay. Sometimes, he would even help out by ironing clothes that we had sewn together.
When my younger brother got sick with chronic juvenile arthritis at just eight years old, my parents couldn’t afford proper healthcare for him. Bill stepped in, checking my brother into Children’s Hospital in Texas and ensuring he received the proper care he needed.
Bill and Barbara were kind, gentle people and dedicated friends who constantly watched over us. They stood by our family through the years, offering support and friendship when we needed it most.
Lost Connections
Unfortunately, after all the kids went off to college and moved away to live our own lives, we lost touch with Bill and Barbara. My last memory of them was at my older brother’s medical school graduation, which they attended. At that time, I was in college and completely lost contact afterward. Reflecting back, I regret that we didn’t make more effort to stay connected with our dear friends who had given us so much when we needed it most.
Years later, my father told me that they tried to keep in touch by sending greeting cards during the holidays. They still lived close by in Richardson, Texas, where we had lived. However, at some point, Bill and Barbara moved away to Georgia, and that’s when my parents completely lost contact with them.
Visiting Barbara Smith After Bill's Passing
Over the years, my parents often mentioned our dear friends, Bill and Barbara. In October 2016, when my girls were teenagers, I began thinking about them and decided to search for our friends. Using a people finder app, I found their home in Texas and contacted their nephew, who was close to them.
Through him, I learned the heartbreaking news that Bill had passed away just nine months earlier. Their beloved daughter, Ginger, had also passed away from breast cancer six years before Bill. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Bill had checked himself into a nursing home, not wanting to burden his family. He was a proud man.
I hope he found peace and didn’t suffer much in his final days. All I wanted was to see Bill and Barbara, to express our gratitude and let them know they were never forgotten, but I was nine months too late. Hearing of his passing was truly heartbreaking.
Despite this, I flew with my daughters to Texas to visit Barbara, who was living alone in their house. When we arrived, Bill’s nephew brought Barbara out to see us. She was in her seventies and struggling with early dementia, needing constant care. Nevertheless, she looked well and remembered me and my family fondly. We visited Bill’s grave together and spent a brief but meaningful time with Barbara before we had to return home. It was difficult to leave Barbara, but I promised her that I would stay in touch.
Cherishing Connections: Remembering Bill and Barbara
Remembering Bill and Barbara Smith brings to mind the deep impact they had on our lives. They weren’t just friends; they became like family, offering unwavering support during tough times with their kindness and care. Losing them made me realize how important it is to stay connected to those who have touched our lives profoundly.
Maintaining these connections isn’t just about staying in touch. It’s also about expressing gratitude and acknowledging the impact they’ve had on us. Additionally, it’s about nurturing relationships that enrich our lives and provide support when we need it most. These connections remind us of the love and support we’ve received and help us appreciate the role others play in shaping who we are.
To learn more about our family’s life as immigrants, read my earlier post. It tells the story of our journey and how we faced challenges while starting a new life in a different country.
