Monday, July 21, 2014

26

My firstborn son, Philip would've been 26 years old today. As many of you know, Phil
passed away almost five years ago at the age of 21. 

The three of us (me, Brian, and Tim) gathered for lunch and a visit to the cemetery,
where we sat in the shade and talked about memories of Phil and what he'd possibly
be doing now. Our lives will never be the same ~ our hearts will forever be torn and
scarred. But we're doing OK. The three of us are very close-knit and we also have a
lot of support from extended family and friends.


If you'd like to read more about Phil and his story, read here and here.
(Both these links have missing photos in the posts...my blog got messed up last 
year from a virus, so I apologize about that part in advance.)
 

24 comments:

  1. I know your heart will never really heal, only adjust. But the fact that you can all talk about him is a step in the right direction. My heart goes out to all of you.

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  2. Thinking of you all, and admiring you for talking about Philip and his story. xx

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  3. Thinking of you and your family, today, Melanie. Wish I could be there to sit with you, or go for a long, breezy walk. So glad you have a strong support system of loving family and friends to be there for you.

    Warm hugs,
    Poppy

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    Replies
    1. I would love to go on a walk with you, Poppy! Thanks for your support.

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  4. I keep you, your family, and Phil in my heart always.

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  5. My heart goes out to you and your family, Melanie. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm glad you have so many supportive people behind you.

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  6. Melanie - Thank you so much for sharing your story of your precious son. People just don't understand the power that Satan has offered our young people with drugs, alcohol, etc. It is so easy for them to get and use. I admire your position to talk about this and hopefully, someone that you don't even know will be aware enough to save their son or daughter. It is such a tragic thing that has literally taken our children away from us in so many aspects.

    Thinking and praying for you and your family.

    Judy

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    Replies
    1. It is something important to talk about since it is claiming so many young people's lives. All I can do at this point is to maybe help someone else - even if it's just to be a support system. Thank you for your prayers.

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  7. Hugs to all of you. I feel like I know some of what you go through since my husband's family has a similar situation. We spend July 4 with them every year because that's the anniversary of his brother's death and I know they like having us around for that day. I'm sorry you have experienced this tragedy but I know you are helping people all the time and that you and your family are doing well in the face of your loss.

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  8. I know how you feel today.
    Blessings to you and yours,
    Balisha

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    Replies
    1. Only another mother who has lost a child could truly know how it feels. Hugs to you.

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  9. I can't begin to think of how hard this is for you. Not only his passing but what you went through. I am so sorry that you have had this tragedy. It is wonderful that you can share your son with others. Hoping it helps others in the same situation. HUGS

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  10. I lost my daughter 9 years ago from a disease that caused brain tumors. Whatever the cause, a parent should not have to bury their child. You never get over losing a child. . . it just becomes a part of who you are. Prayers for you and your family. . . .

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    1. Thank you for the prayers, Ann. I agree that no parent should ever have to bury their child - for whatever reason. I'm so sorry that you lost your daughter. Blessings to you.

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  11. I'm sorry I missed this. Been busy and haven't been reading blogs. I know your heart is still so heavy. And your mother instinct for love is still so strong.
    Brenda

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  12. I recall your story from the previous years Melanie and I know that day, though so sad for you and your family, can now be a time to share your good memories of Phil. Truly, it is so much more sad for those left behind to mourn a loved one who, for whatever reason, feels they cannot go on, and whose behavior or self-inflicted actions take them from us. Many, many years ago I lost my best friend to suicide - I still think of her every single day and will always miss her.

    May you always remember the good times with Phil, and may he be in a good and happy place.
    Warmly, Mary

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  13. What a lovely way to celebrate your son, Phil...together as a family! I haven't walked in your shoes so I can't imagine what it's like to lose a child. But I applaud you for having the courage to speak and write about Phil and to keep his memory alive.
    Mary Alice

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment - I read and appreciate each one!