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#1
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(OT) My Friend Phil
I went to the memorial service yesterday. It was a beautiful UU
service, with many of his friends getting up to speak about what he meant to them. There were heart-wrenching stories, and laughter both. The hard part for me was finding out what I had suspected, but did not know for sure. Phil committed suicide. He was bipolar, and had wrestled with it all his life. Occasionally, he would get frustrated at having to take the meds, and would go off them, prompting a manic phase. The last one, about three years ago, was pretty bad, and by the time he got back on his meds, depression had gripped him pretty badly, and he never quite got out of that one. On top of that, he had the heart surgery last year, so his health was not good, either. They were very open at the service about the manner of his death and his struggle with his illness, and I think that was a wonderful thing for the family to allow. Phil was, as the minister said, a "wounded healer". He spent most of his life as a social worker, helping others through their pain. Yet no one could help him through his in the end. I last saw him last summer, and knew he was very low. I hugged him, and told him to call me, that I was always there to listen if he needed me. He never called. And I wish I had. I know I probably would have made no difference in his decision; but at least I could have tried. Phil was a generous, kind person most of the time. And he loved cats. His most beloved cat was named Squeaker, and was an orange tabby who was the sweetest, gentlest guy. My Internet reminds me so much of Squeaker, I have to wonder if he is his reincarnation. When Phil would come over and sit down, Internet would curl up in his lap, and he doesn't do that for anyone else but us. This is so hard, and so devastating. His son and wife are still trying to deal with it all, as you can imagine. His son put up a quick website with some photos which is he http://palmerrothman.com/phil/ I will be adding to it shortly. I will miss him. He was a good man and a good friend. A toast to you, Phil. L'Chaim! Ginger-lyn Home Pages: http://www.spiritrealm.com/summer/ http://www.angelfire.com/folk/glsummer (homepage & cats) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb....mmer/index.htm (genealogy) http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/glsummer/ (The Violence Against Animals in Movies Website) |
#2
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Awww. I'm so sorry Ginger-Lyn. (((((HUGS))))
wrote in message ... I went to the memorial service yesterday. It was a beautiful UU service, with many of his friends getting up to speak about what he meant to them. There were heart-wrenching stories, and laughter both. The hard part for me was finding out what I had suspected, but did not know for sure. Phil committed suicide. He was bipolar, and had wrestled with it all his life. Occasionally, he would get frustrated at having to take the meds, and would go off them, prompting a manic phase. The last one, about three years ago, was pretty bad, and by the time he got back on his meds, depression had gripped him pretty badly, and he never quite got out of that one. On top of that, he had the heart surgery last year, so his health was not good, either. They were very open at the service about the manner of his death and his struggle with his illness, and I think that was a wonderful thing for the family to allow. Phil was, as the minister said, a "wounded healer". He spent most of his life as a social worker, helping others through their pain. Yet no one could help him through his in the end. I last saw him last summer, and knew he was very low. I hugged him, and told him to call me, that I was always there to listen if he needed me. He never called. And I wish I had. I know I probably would have made no difference in his decision; but at least I could have tried. Phil was a generous, kind person most of the time. And he loved cats. His most beloved cat was named Squeaker, and was an orange tabby who was the sweetest, gentlest guy. My Internet reminds me so much of Squeaker, I have to wonder if he is his reincarnation. When Phil would come over and sit down, Internet would curl up in his lap, and he doesn't do that for anyone else but us. This is so hard, and so devastating. His son and wife are still trying to deal with it all, as you can imagine. His son put up a quick website with some photos which is he http://palmerrothman.com/phil/ I will be adding to it shortly. I will miss him. He was a good man and a good friend. A toast to you, Phil. L'Chaim! Ginger-lyn Home Pages: http://www.spiritrealm.com/summer/ http://www.angelfire.com/folk/glsummer (homepage & cats) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb....mmer/index.htm (genealogy) http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/glsummer/ (The Violence Against Animals in Movies Website) |
#4
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I'm so sorry, Ginger-lyn. Although I give points to his family for
their honesty and openess about the manner of his death which must have been devastating to them. Obviously, Phil will be sorely missed by many people. ((Hugs)) Melissa |
#5
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My heart goes out to Phil and his family and friends, and all who will miss
him. Donna, Captain, and Stanley |
#6
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I'm so very sorry, Ginger-lyn.
Hugs and purrs, -- Polonca & Soncek wrote in message ... I went to the memorial service yesterday. It was a beautiful UU service, with many of his friends getting up to speak about what he meant to them. There were heart-wrenching stories, and laughter both. The hard part for me was finding out what I had suspected, but did not know for sure. Phil committed suicide. snip |
#7
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wrote in message ... I went to the memorial service yesterday. It was a beautiful UU service, with many of his friends getting up to speak about what he meant to them. There were heart-wrenching stories, and laughter both. The hard part for me was finding out what I had suspected, but did not know for sure. Phil committed suicide. snip I'm so sorry that you lost your friend, Phil. May the pain-shaped void in your heart be filled in time with precious memories of him, friends and family enjoying what you shared. Charleen |
#8
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wrote:
The hard part for me was finding out what I had suspected, but did not know for sure. Phil committed suicide. It is always a terrible tragedy when someone takes his or her life. Purrs to all those left behind. -- Victor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam he Email me he |
#9
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Ginger-Lyn wrote:
--------------snip----------------- The hard part for me was finding out what I had suspected, but did not know for sure. Phil committed suicide. I have promised DH that if I ever get that bad, I'll let her know and have her put me in the hospital. Every now and then, we'll talk about it, and she reminds me of my promise. Regards and Purrs, O J |
#10
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wrote:
I went to the memorial service yesterday. It was a beautiful UU service, with many of his friends getting up to speak about what he meant to them. There were heart-wrenching stories, and laughter both. The hard part for me was finding out what I had suspected, but did not know for sure. Phil committed suicide. He was bipolar, and had wrestled with it all his life. Occasionally, he would get frustrated at having to take the meds, and would go off them, prompting a manic phase. The last one, about three years ago, was pretty bad, and by the time he got back on his meds, depression had gripped him pretty badly, and he never quite got out of that one. On top of that, he had the heart surgery last year, so his health was not good, either. They were very open at the service about the manner of his death and his struggle with his illness, and I think that was a wonderful thing for the family to allow. Phil was, as the minister said, a "wounded healer". He spent most of his life as a social worker, helping others through their pain. Yet no one could help him through his in the end. I last saw him last summer, and knew he was very low. I hugged him, and told him to call me, that I was always there to listen if he needed me. He never called. And I wish I had. I know I probably would have made no difference in his decision; but at least I could have tried. Phil was a generous, kind person most of the time. And he loved cats. His most beloved cat was named Squeaker, and was an orange tabby who was the sweetest, gentlest guy. My Internet reminds me so much of Squeaker, I have to wonder if he is his reincarnation. When Phil would come over and sit down, Internet would curl up in his lap, and he doesn't do that for anyone else but us. This is so hard, and so devastating. His son and wife are still trying to deal with it all, as you can imagine. His son put up a quick website with some photos which is he http://palmerrothman.com/phil/ I will be adding to it shortly. I will miss him. He was a good man and a good friend. A toast to you, Phil. L'Chaim! Ginger-lyn {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Ginger-lyn}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} -- Adrian (Owned by Snoopy & Bagheera) A house is not a home, without a cat. |
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