In Your Honor

How do you want to be remembered when you die? Yes, it's a morbid thought, but one on my mind a great deal in the last while.

The reason this time is because of Phil. He was a man who has lived in my town for decades. I can't imagine what it will be like to walk or drive around and not see him. He was mentally disabled and saw the world through the eyes of a child, although he was somewhere in his late 40s or early 50s. He never knew a stranger. The world, or at least his corner of it, was full of his friends. Phil was especially involved in the everyday activities of my university. He had a better idea of what was going on than most students. If Music Fest or Basketball Tournament were coming up, he would say, "A lot of students coming this weekend." During the summer, when the campus and town are very empty, he would ask nearly every day when the students were coming back.

Picture from the facebook group, created in Phil's honor

Phil loved God. He was thrilled to be a part of the local church, also. Every Friday night, before vespers, he would show up early so he could be a greeter. He didn't want to miss a single student. I never realized until now how great Phil's influence was. I knew him as the slightly weird older guy that was always hanging around. I don't think I was as sensitive to Phil as I should have been. I was never unking to him, but I can see now how I should have greeted him with a hug and smile at times when I just said, "Hey Phil," and then rushed off to do anything but talk to him. He was different, but God loved him just as much as He loves me.

Also from the facebook group page

At Phil's memorial service, he was remembered as an "angel," someone who loved unconditionally. I do know that Phil was one of God's special children, one who will never be forgotten. I think my town is even thinking of having a Phil's Day each year, to memorialize a man who helped others with no thought of himself. He was a small light in a dark world reminding all of us to see everyone with love and show God to them. As someone said on the facebook group page, "His kindness and caring nature was his gift to us, hope we all recognize how fortunate we are to have known him and be ever mindful to take care of and treat with dignity the Phils in our lives. Honor him with your service to others. Rest in peace Phillip." I wish I had thought of those words myself. I never even knew Phil's last name until he died. I wish I had shown you Christ's love everyday while you lived, Phil. In your honor, though, I will do my best to treat everyone with love, no matter how different or strange they may seem.