Philip was my true love and soul mate.  He didn’t know a stranger and left an impression on everyone that met him.  His biggest love and pride were his family and friends.  Philip never had a mean word to say about anyone and I never heard him raise his voice.  He would give anyone the shirt off of his back or his last dollar if they needed it.  He had a wicked sense of humor and lived life to the fullest.  We met back in 1987 in college and were married in 2021.  He made me a better version of myself.  His daughter was the twinkle in his eye.  He passed on so many life lessons from changing a tire and the oil in her car to encouraging her to reach for the stars.  Throughout his life, he suffered from chronic back issues and pain.  In typical “Philip fashion”, he never complained.

When he decided to have surgery to correct his disability a year and a half into our marriage, we talked of his wishes, along with our hopes and dreams of growing old together.  Sadly, he passed away during that surgery.  Philip continued to help others by being a registered organ donor and was able to live on, even after his death.  For that, he will always be my biggest hero.  It makes me smile to know that so many will live because of his gifts.

I hope that I will continue to make you proud as you look down from heaven.  I loved you yesterday and I will continue to love you all of my tomorrows.  I will see you in my dreams, Philip.