LOVINGLY REMEMBERING PHIL
At this time last year on June 25th, 2020, my precious Phil and I were quietly and tenderly celebrating our 37th Wedding Anniversary. We were reflecting on how quickly the years had gone by, and the wonderful life we had been sharing; we were thinking of the good times that lay ahead for us. We shared a love for each other that was deep and complete and that only grew stronger with the passage of time and we knew we were blessed to have found such a special love.

At this time last year, we were also facing what became our biggest and most unexpected challenge when we discovered that Phil had developed a rare form of heart disease. In the last two months of his life Phil was impressed and amazed by the quality of care he was receiving and he remained courageous, positive, hopeful and strong as he was put on medications and underwent a battery of tests. He was confident in his belief that he would get treated, put this ordeal behind him and carry on to enjoy our future together. But, on July 12th, 2020, while he was in the hospital, the worst thing imaginable happened when Phil died suddenly and unexpectedly from cardiac arrest.

There are simply no words to adequately describe the depth of my sadness and loss since that devastating day when our lives were changed forever so abruptly. Yet, though my heart aches every day and I miss Phil desperately, I lovingly remember what a wonderful and special person he is. I lovingly remember his dedication and commitment to our relationship and how he gave of himself so fully to everything we did together. I lovingly remember how safe and secure I felt with him – Phil was strong, intelligent, reliable and resourceful; he knew how to take care of just about anything. And, if he didn’t… he learned how. I lovingly remember his positivity, his zest for life, his sense of humor, his thoughtfulness and the many ways he had to show me how much he loves me. I lovingly remember that he too, knew just how very much I always loved him and he was happy in the life we had created together. Like his warm hugs, these loving memories and more bring me comfort and inspire me to carry them forward with me. I am grateful for each one of them and know that I will cherish them all forever.

At this time one year later, it is my hope that you too, who knew, loved and appreciated Phil for your own special reasons will reflect on how he touched your lives; that you will keep his memory alive within you as you move through your own life and that you will draw your own inspiration from the qualities you saw in him.

So, with this in mind, wherever you are on this July 12th, I warmly invite you to think about Phil and reflect on how you remember him. Though we are sad that he is gone, I hope that we can feel happy when we think about Phil and recall our memories of him.
For me, Phil has been the most wonderful life partner, soul mate and best friend I could ever have hoped for. Though the time we had together could never be enough, and life challenges me now in a way I haven’t expected or chosen, I cherish Phil’s loving presence within my heart and feel his loving guidance helping me to find my way on this new and difficult path.

My precious Phil, your sweet memory and my love for you will fill my heart forever and no matter what the future holds, we will always have our “Endless Love”. With all the love in my heart forever and always, Jennifer xoxo…

“HOW LUCKY I AM TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT MAKES SAYING GOOD-BYE SO HARD.”
(Winnie the Pooh)