I am Philip’s dad. Those of you who know me know that I cry very easily so I wouldn’t be pretentious enough to think I could stand here and speak. So, I’ve written my thoughts.
We want to thank so many people who have reached out to our family this week. Some knew Philip as a toddler, some as a husband and father – and everything in between. Our focus in this service is to give you an overall view of his life.
Philip had an incredible gift of making everyone feel as though they were his best friend. His priorities were clear. Jesus Christ was and is his best friend. Jen comes in a close second and then the kids. That leaves about 100 of us vying for fifth place, but I’m calling it.
Philip was my son, my brother in Christ and my dear friend. We shared everything; challenges and victories.
Philip had wisdom beyond his years. He loved and protected his three sisters. And as the oldest child was such a good example to them. If we told him to be home by 10, he’d be home at 9:58. If I was scolding him, and by that I mean yelling and screaming, he’d take it stoically and calmly talk me down. Afterwards I would wonder in amazement as to where his wisdom came from.
Philip was a tech wiz. In high school he took all the Microsoft certifications. He went beyond what the teacher offered and was taking the next certification concurrently with his teacher. His integrity was evident when he told us that the computer he had access to for the course also gave him access to the grades – a high schooler’s dream. He told the teacher and got himself blocked.
As a high school junior he came home from an Aquire the Fire event and let us know that when he graduated from high school he’d be going to Teen Mania’s Honor Academy in Tyler, TX. We’d never heard of the ministry but soon fell in love with it. It was the perfect place for him.
After Teen Mania Philip was taking online courses at Liberty University. He moved to Lynchburg, VA and was simultaneously an online student, a resident student, and an IT employee.
You’ll hear the story of Jen elsewhere. I’ll just add that when Philip committed in high school that the first time he would kiss a girl on the lips would be at the altar, I cautioned him that it takes two to tango and to not let a good one get away. God knew then what he was doing. Let us trust that He knows now too.
Philip was unique in that he was a tech guy with a personality. It was a joy to watch him excel at everything he put his mind to. On Friday Rick, Eleanor, Maria and I were at the funeral home and the director asked us what Philip did at his last job. We looked at each other and laughed. We didn’t know. Something techie. And he was good at it!
Philip’s mind was never still. He was an idea guy. He could always envision a better way to do something. Just a week ago I woke up to an email he sent his friend Noah and me. His family was in a hotel in Tennessee. He said I couldn’t sleep so he wrote a business proposal draft. He said tear it up, poke holes, and then let’s talk. You’ll either agree it’s something worth pursuing or totally stupid.
Philip loved Jesus with all his heart. And he worshiped him with all his might. If you went to a church service he’d be in the front row, arms held high, unabashedly worshiping his Lord and Savior. Thursday morning Jesus greeted him saying well done good and faithful servant. Then he said I’m sorry Philip, I just couldn’t wait.
A FEW THOUGHTS FROM PHILIP’S MOM, MARIA.
I’m sorry I cannot gather my thoughts well enough at this time to truly express my love and pride for our son, Philip. Being Philip’s mother was an honor and privilege. Philip was one of God’s greatest gifts to me. Philip brought so much love, joy, and fun into our lives. He was a very active baby and boy. He started walking at 10 months old. Constantly touching everything, and figuring out how things work. He was curious about everything! I enjoyed nurturing his gifts and talents for problem solving, building, putting things together, fixing and repairing things. We spent many, many hours and days throughout his life, playing with puzzles, Legos, Transformers, action figures, Robotics, computers, and of course video games!! Philip’s mind was always working. He loved surprising people and spent time planning elaborate ways to do that. Philip loved, loving his family and friends. But his first love and devotion was to Jesus, his Lord, Savior and friend. Philip made that evident very clearly in his life.
Philip will be greatly missed! Life will never be the same for our family here on earth, but Praise God, this life is temporary, and we will be united again in our heavenly eternal home.
Philip, I love you with all my heart and soul and already miss you terribly.
Thank you for being so great!
Mom