Memories...

As many of you may know, Bill Spence was one of the founding partners at TLCC. He was a big part of visioneering TLCC, and his work in our offices, for a little more than ten years, impacted many lives for the better. As we began the blog section of our website, Bill was nearing the end of his fight with cancer. We wanted to set up a tribute section under his name, so that his family, former clients, colleagues,and friends might be able to reflect on some of the ways he impacted people's lives.If you have something you would like to submit, please email it to MichelleGarrettLMFT@gmail.com and put "Bill Spence" in the subject line of your email. We can put your name, however, because of the confidential nature of our work, we will not include full names of former clients.

"The strongest image I have of Bill is that he was a silent warrior. Always ready to stand in the gap to protect and serve others. In my friendship with Bill, he was a light at the end of the tunnel; which I believe is true, not just for me, but for the many who were blessed to know him. He will be missed, but remembered with warmth and gratitude."

-Becky, former client

"During my first five years at TLCC, my office was directly across the hall from Bill's. He was pretty quiet most of the time. In fact, one time I tried to liven things up by shooting a nerf dart into his office. He wasn't as playful. ;) But, I will tell you, he did something every Monday night that I will never forget. As he was locking up to head home around 8pm, he would call his elderly Father to check in. So, for years, on Monday Nights, the last words I would hear from Bill, were "Hi Pop. How are ya doing?" Simple acts, done regularly, communicate care and importance. I think I am going to do a better job of implementing this in my own life.

-Michelle Garrett

Two things I admired about Bill, besides his business acumen, were his respectfulness and professionalism. You always knew that he was "on top" of things. But underneath, there was a sweetness about him that began to show more after his surgery. When I would see him in the kitchen he would say, "Hi Margene!" and give me a big hug. He was a stellar human being.

Last week when I went to take food to Jolee, she introduced me to her sister and brother-in-law and showed me her butterfly garden. As I left, she stood in the doorway of her house, dog in hand, and said, "Don't forget about me!" It melted my heart. She's lost the love of her life, and TLCC has lost it's sweet Bill.

-Margene

I have known Bill and JoLee since I was a child, and have often felt admiration for both of them. Over the years, I watched Bill achieve success in whatever he invested in. From my observation, his transition into counseling was the most beautiful part of his life's journey. This had a great impact on me, and played a significant role in my own story to become a counselor. I will always remember with fondness Bill's quiet confidence. He will be deeply missed.

-Kristen Caldwe ll

"Bill Spence was such a force in my life… He walked through some very dark places with me, always reassuring me that I was going to be okay with his soft, caring way. He reminded me who I was to Jesus and set a foundation for me to not only be loved by others, but also to be loved by myself. I will never forget Bill and my family and the generations behind us will be better because of the help he gave me. He helped me be a better man, father, husband and Christian." - -Former Client of Bill's

"When I started at TLCC I was unsure what to expect in a new environment with new co-workers. I was admittedly a bit intimidated." Since I began at TLCC I have come to feel more at ease and right at home. I have Bill to thank for that (along with all of my co-workers). Bill, who was quiet but always polite (now I know, he was very humble), referred some of former clients to me. Knowing that Bill had the confidence in me to pass his former clients, who were again seeking services, meant more than he probably knew. Not only did Bill refer to me, he made the time to consult with me regarding each client. Knowing the high regards Bill’s friends family and former clients held him in, I take this a major compliment. Bill has left quiet the impression on many people, he certainly did me."

-Caleb Scoville

"When I first reached out for a counselor, I was timid, nervous and a bit angry. Once, I met with Bill, my complete demeanor changed. He was friendly, welcoming and put me at ease. I met with Bill for at least 4 years. Meeting with Bill would be the highlight of my weeks and month. The biggest lesson Bill engrained in me was to forgive myself and to love myself. Those lessons are something that nobody can take away from me and I will carry with me the rest of my life. I am in by no means an expert in these two things but he has helped lead me down that path, sometimes carrying me, walking with me, laughing, crying and celebrating with me. He was hands down the most influential person in my life. Bill will be deeply missed. I take heart in knowing I will see him again. I bet he will take a p** break before we meet though."

- Former Client of Bill's