And yet, Phil's memorial service was simply beautiful. I asked about eighteen of our friends, family, and Phil's students to remember him through reading from his own work, through poetry he loved, through reminiscences of their years with him, through music. It turned out wonderfully. About 150 crammed into the place. People came from St. Louis, DC, NY, Flagstaff, Ohio, etc. People postponed trips to be there and if one word resonated throughout the service, it was kind. His students, and there were many of them, all concurred on his kindness to them
Some very good friends, hosted a party afterward. The Abbott family felt bathed in the affection every one expressed.
I'll be back. Keep the lights on.
11 comments:
So glad to hear that it went well and you had so many people.
The memorial service sounds lovely and I know it helped a lot. Take care of yourself.
You were blessed to have him in your life and he was blessed to have you in his.
I'm glad the memorial service was memorable for you. Thinking of you...
We went to our first concert (Los Lonely Boys) and first Broadway show (Hillary and Clinton) this past week since my injury in December, so I guess that is progress.
Phil was a wonderful guy and a superb professor. The memorial service shows he was loved by many.
So glad it was so nice, good for you. All those people praising Phil, it must have felt wonderful. Keep your chin up.
There is nothing more cheering in times of sadness and grief than to hear the resounding voice of shared memories, common emotions, validation of a life well lived and shared. That echo of the word "kind" must have been heartening for you. Let the stories and memories of your life together continue. Perhaps one day you'll allow Phil will live on in a very special story. All good things to you, Patti.
Thanks, John and Rick. We all agreed that for a very sad day, it was uplifting to know so many people shared our good thoughts of Phil. THanks.
And we were certainly blessed. I, at 19, to have chosen so well.
*hugs*
But Agatha Christie’s pending disappearance mystery till now.
Post a Comment