Phone calls had been made and two of my friends came by and heard the news of Bill's disappearance. I knew in my soul he had drowned but yet I wanted him to be in the woods possibly hurt yes but none the less alive. He was strong, he was a Marine, he fought a war I thought, he can survive this!
I called my sister Vicki to come to me and she did as quickly as she could, I called my step son Chris and told him the news, being the positive person he is, he said "Mamma think positive, I'll be there as soon as I can." Both he and Derek were here by noon the next day from Florida.
I sat in my dining room that dreadful night waiting for head lights to come up the drive way, drank coffee and prayed and smoked, please let him be OK I prayed, he is the love my life, my one and only, but my heart sank each time I asked for I knew he was gone. Gone to be with his boys from Khe Sanh. "I am home Holly and at peace, I love you and I am sorry this happened for I know water and drowning is your biggest fear in life!" I felt him say.
As the sun crested into dawns early light I felt a comfort, "there now he can see, he won't be afraid now!"
It is strange how the body reacts, you become numb, oblivious to those around you, you go on and you wonder how you will survive, but you do.
Family and friends were notified that he was missing, they came by and helped and brought food, and water and soda and cake and cookies and hugs and love, there was still hope of course. "What can we do Holly?" they said.
The Game Wardens came by with a chaplain and told me straight up what to expect, you think you can't handle it but you can, your body and mind is stronger than you think.
My daughter arrived from Georgia staying for over three weeks, my other children were on their way as soon as their jobs and lives allowed. Campers arrived from friends in Dixfield and Harmony, offers of free lodging at the LumberJack Lodges in Harmony. And the people came, they stayed, they shared stories of Bill and his unofficial "Shoot and Release Bunny Club".
Two days later the Wardens who had kept me posted for what I thought to be every four hours came to the house and the look on Sargent's face told the story. "We found him Holly!" I froze! I wanted to crumble to the floor, my heart tore out of my chest, I was now a widow,alone to go in life without this precious man whom I called my husband.
Prayers were said for us all by his sister Elaine, hugs and tears flowed freely, people came, more stories told which helped to begin the process of healing. Plans had to made to put him to rest! So many phone calls from people who wanted to offer their sympathies.
I had to go on, I was told I was strong, (Holly Strong) as my son calls me, my instinct was to run, as far away as I possible could go, but this is my home, built by William Witt for us to enjoy and so....................My Journey Began!