A Day of Remembrance

 I just returned from a trip to Wisconsin in order to celebrate the life of my baby brother who passed away two weeks ago after a valiant and faith-filled fight with cancer.  I am sharing this for those friends and family who so loved Phil and were unable to be a part of his day of remembrance. 

Phil was a cute mischievous boy who grew up to be a generous man filled with humor, grace and a deep faith in Christ the Lord.  He loved his wife, his children, his friends and especially his God.  He died well, sharing with any and all his deep belief that even in the midst of his suffering, God had a plan for him and for his family.

He loved music and books, sports and travel.  On the day of his memorial his family put together a table filled with things that reminded them of who Phil was.

In the midst of Packer country, Phil was a die-hard Viking fan.  On this day every Packer was a Viking.  His brother-in-law, Sam, made special handkerchiefs for the guys to wear in their pockets.  Even his grandson wore purple for his Papa.

He loved the beach, especially going down to Florida.  He had a thing for wearing puka shells and had five sets.  He gave one set to each of his children before he passed away and the girls all wore them in honor of him.

As a young man Phil had a beautiful head of hair.  All of us remember him constantly combing it.  As it got thinner and thinner his family remembers him carefully combing what was left and spraying it with hairspray.  That never changed. 

Phil's family loved playing games together.  When we came to visit he was still playing games with his family and that continued up until a few days before he was gone.  He also loved the outdoors, camping and fishing every summer.  His expertise in casting a line was legend with his family and friends.  Everyone remembered how his line usually ended up wrapped around a branch and he would have to untangle it before he could catch anything.  That however, never stopped him from enjoying himself.

There were so many who came to say goodby and remember Phil.  For more than two and one half hours before the service began people waited in line to pay their respect, love and support for Phil, his wife and his children.  His wife, laughed, cried and remembered with each one for as long as they each wanted to share.  Most of the time there were so many people around the family I couldn't get a picture.  I took these during a short lull but even then, someone was always there.

 Phil's wife Donna with their son, Jordan  beside her

 Phil's youngest daughter, Megan and Jordan's girlfriend, Morgan

 Donna, Jordan & Morgan

 Daughter Brittney (sitting) and husband Andre with Megan above and daughter Ericka below

When the service started the church was filled. His pastor shared the things Phil had shared with 
him in the last days of his life, of his faith, his love for his family, and the importance that all of us take time to share our love with one another every day while we can.  His brother-in law, Brian shared how Phil had led him to Christ as a teenager and how Phil had mentored him. 

Phil never thought that he had made that much difference in his life but Brian shared how his faith like a mustard seed had grown into a tree that had influenced the lives of more than he could have imagined. 

 

I will miss my little brother as will many many others.  He is with Jesus now.  But he will never be forgotten and the faith he shared with his family and friends will be passed on for generations to come.