Memories of a Great One...

I'm not even sure how or what to write in this post, but it desires to be written.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying with us for Phil, Jonathan's boss, mentor, partner, and our very good friend.  Last night, just before the end of our Wednesday night choir rehearsal, he went home to Heaven.  We know and rejoice in the fact that he is with Jesus, healed completely and probably having a great time, singing away!  At the same time, we grieve immensely, missing his presence here on earth.  We are so sad for his sweet wife Koral, his 5 wonderful children, his always-close-by mother, his brother, and the rest of his family and friends.  Phil had a great impact on a large number of people, and always to the glory of God.

Last night, Phil passed while we were all singing together.  I couldn't imagine the timing differently.

Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of Jonathan's first day at our church, his first day working with Phil, and the beginning of a partnership and friendship that grew quickly and very strong.  Phil and Koral were with us within 24 hours of Connor's birth.  We spent time doing music nerd things - he introduced us to Mario Lanza, spent time being competitive jokesters over a game of Euchre, spent time doing fun things and being silly (disc golf, anyone?)!  Koral unpacked boxes and boxes with me when we moved and the guys were working, and Phil had enough faith in me to work through a Christmas recording...9 days after giving birth.

We all laughed together every time Phil and Jonathan came across another similarity between them...from playing the same "scary" opera role in college, to just having the same idea at the same time.  We moved here with the expectation that God would provide so many opportunities for learning and growth for Jonathan as he worked with Phil, and that Jonathan would be able to provide the support that Phil needed in our church with ever-expanding music ministries.  Little did we know how far God would exceed those expectations we had.  Even while sick and going through treatments...Phil was there.  He was singing, directing, always scheming about new ideas and goals, loving on others.  He and Jonathan bounced ideas off of each other until they could be bounced no more, and Phil shared his wisdom, vision, and "brains" with Jonathan as much as possible.

There are so many things that I could write about Phil and his family, but some memories will be tucked away, and some I know we will continue to talk and laugh together about forever.

We love you, Phil, miss you, and can't wait to see you again one day!