Sue, a very close friend of mine, passed away on Tuesday (05/06/2008) due to complications to her treatment for breast cancer.
Here is the link to her memorial service page (link).
And here are my thoughts for my dear departed friend. We miss you already.
Cheerful, caring, courageous, loving, supportive, fun, determined, friend.
These all describe what Sue means to us.
It is with the utmost of sadness that we must say goodbye to Sue so soon. We have had the great privilege of becoming the best of friends with Sue and her family over the last 5 years. We couldn’t have asked for anyone more thoughtful and honest as Sue was.
In the face of adversity, Sue never slowed down. If anything she pushed harder and faster with every challenge she faced. We could all take lesson in her strength and courage. Sue poured every ounce into what she did and we can only hope that we carry on her lessons with us.
Sue never talked about a day when she wouldn’t be here. Many times we felt that it may be denial of the fact that she may not be here tomorrow. But after getting to know her, that sense that we would always have her with us grew as she convinced us that her condition would not shorten our time together. She was going to beat it. She was going to be here for all of us. It wasn’t denial; it was a determination to not let it affect the way we all live our lives. We respect and admire her outlook on life. She lived every day to the fullest and planned for the many happy days yet to come.
Sue leaves much behind, but we don’t think she would want us to be consumed by her loss. She leaves behind friendships that were made to last a lifetime, memories to talk about for years to come, and a spirit for all of us to strive to live up to. We know we are a better and stronger family by finding such a friend. We have come to learn what real courage and friendship is all about, and for that we thank you.
Our thoughts are with Scott and Sheldon as they cope with this. We continue to offer every ounce of our friendship to help you through this. Many happy days are still to come and I know we’ll be there with you through the good and bad times.
So today marks a new day in our journey as a family, but with us we bring along your memory and the friendship we’ve shared with you. You are already missed, and will be missed for the rest of our lives. Thank you for all you have given us and everyone you’ve touched.
Love always,
Your Friends
Phil, Bobbie Jo, Andrew and Rachel
Post Category: Thoughts, Experiences
May 9th, 2008 at 09:23amphilpeck
Anyone who likes camera gear, prepare to drool.
PDF Download (11mb)
Makes you want to just hand over your left kidney or your first born child.
Post Category: Photography
February 15th, 2008 at 09:21amphilpeck
I’m going to make a very bold statement that will probably get me in trouble, but here goes:
“Valentine’s Day is a holiday created solely for men.”
There, I said it. Now, why would I say such a thing you ask? Here’s my logic, messed up as it may be.
Men in general are forgetful and lazy. 364 days out of the year we come home to our wives and girlfriends to give them a kiss as we walk in the door and ask them how their day went, stand there just long enough to make it look like we’re interested, and then ask what’s for dinner. We are self absorbed morons that generally show affection just long enough to get the women in our lives warmed up so we can get some sex. Yes, it’s true, you know it. For us it’s all about sex.
So, Valentine’s Day was created to give men an advantage at least one day out of the year. We’re flooded with reminders that we need to do something nice for our women, buy them something sparkly, something sweet, something special. We would normally have to think long and hard and often give up doing this on our own, but there are people out there trying to give us the upper hand. On top of that, most women are happy just to know that you thought about them and brought them home a stuffed teddy bear and a box of chocolates. If you’re lucky enough you can walk right in the door, hand her these things, give her a quick smooch and head straight to the bedroom.
See, it’s a win-win for everyone!
OK, now that I said that, I’m totally kidding. If you didn’t figure that out, well, I feel sorry for you when you come home tonight with a teddy bear and box of chocolates. Let me know how the couch feels.
It’s actually quite sad that Valentine’s Day has to exist at all. It shoves it in your face that today should be more special in the love arena than any other day. What’s up with that? Every day you spend with your better half should be special. Every day should be filled with love. Every day you should look at them in a romantic way that makes the other one think about how much you love them.
I do my best to make that my practice each and every day. But alas, I fail just like everyone else. I’m taking the extra time today, Valentine’s Day, to let my wife know how much I love her. I tell her this every day, many times a day, but see; I’m going the extra mile today. I didn’t do it yesterday. I’m pretty sure I won’t do it tomorrow either.
She’s been by my side for so long now that it truly is hard to think of times without her there. We’ve had our rough moments, but they’ve been overshadowed by the millions of great moments we’ve had. I still look at her in amazement every day, wondering why she puts up with me, what she sees in me. I see so many things in her, that I’ll do anything to keep her next to me. She’s the most devoted mother I know, the most thoughtful friend you could ever want, and the most loving and caring wife any man could ever wish for.
So, in true fashion for me, I have to share a photo. This is how I always picture her, smiling, happy, and I know for sure this is true, in love.
You mean the world to me. Today is just another day, no more special than any other day other than I’m still with you and still am falling in love with you. Today, Valentine’s Day, is more special than yesterday was, but I know it won’t be near as special as tomorrow will be.
Happy Valentine’s Day Bobbie Jo.
Forever yours (hopefully no matter how stupid of a man I may be),
Phil
Post Category: Thoughts
February 14th, 2008 at 12:46pmphilpeck
Today marks the end of an era. An era of youth, vitality, and carefree playfulness.
Well, not exactly. For me it seems like some of those things were lost many years ago. They’re things I’ll be able to sit back in my rocker with a grandchild on each knee and tell them stories about the days of yesteryear.
Many things are different today than they were yesterday. I’ve gained a few pounds, slowed just a bit, most of my hair has packed up and relocated to more unnecessary places, and I find myself falling asleep in the chair quite often in the evenings while watching TV.
All of these things are signs of age. But time hasn’t just served me up bad things. It’s given me things to be thankful for and to have fond memories of. Today marks my 30th birthday. Yes, 30 years ago today I popped out into this world. With nothing but time in front of me I moved out to start my journey.
Now that time has passed and I have measurable amount of time behind me, it makes me stop and think about what I want from the time still ahead. I’ve enjoyed so many things over the last few years that give me insight into what I may want from the future.
As many of you know I’ve gained a great passion over the last couple of years for photography. I completely see myself making more of a career out of that in the years to come. I have such a passion for learning photography and pushing myself to do more. I can’t wait to see what time has in store for me behind the lens.
I’ve been graced with 2 wonderful children that never cease to amaze me with their ambition and wit. Both have served to make me older in some ways and to remind me of and return me to youth. I hold out such high hopes for both of them. I know if they stay true to themselves they will go far in this world.
I also owe many of the years past to my wonderful wife. I’ve now spent more time in my life with her in it than I have without. I can imagine the day that both of us sit on the front porch in the quiet of the evening, talking about the 50 years that have passed. She means the world to me and I cherish every day I have to look forward to the next with her.
I’m also surrounded by so many friends and family that support me in whatever I do day after day. Some days I’m sure they would rather do without me, but they always come back to help me though life. I look forward to knowing a lot of you much better and getting even closer to the ones I already know so well.
So, here’s to stepping on the gas and speeding just a little. I’ve always dreaded the day my 30th birthday came, but now that it’s here, I think it’s time to make the most of the long time I have left to come.
May the past guide you, the present ground you, and the future inspire you. Here’s to many more to be with all of you. Thank each and every one of you for all that you have given me. I’m just glad I’m here today to be able to share it with you.
Signed,
The not old yet, but getting there,
Phil
Post Category: Thoughts, Experiences
February 12th, 2008 at 07:54amphilpeck
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