tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post7533853664307018092..comments2013-10-21T23:35:32.380-07:00Comments on Phil's Journey: don't love what i seeKatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11613245177096346418noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-57840094166555149612010-11-12T10:54:52.401-08:002010-11-12T10:54:52.401-08:00Hi, Karen, first off all my heartfelt condolences ...Hi, Karen, first off all my heartfelt condolences for yours and your awesome family's indescribable (although I admire your brilliant attempts) loss of your amazing father, Phil Bruce. Don't worry, I consider myself a person who is now "used to" losing loved ones, and I can assure you that its still about them, especially since no matter how we look at it, human nature has made sure that our survival instinct is still intact, although we can be glad, for sure, when we know our loved one is in Heaven with Jesus! I'm sorry this note is so late. I meant to send a card to your mother Patty, (my maternal cousin) by now, and as usual life has delivered umpteen challenges since receiving cousin Sandi's email on 9/14/2010 ("Saying a Family Goodbye"). However, the prompting of The Holy Spirit has been especially strong this morning, and it was clear to me that I have been allotted this few minutes to express to you how inspiring your father was and always will be to me and my family. I have always enjoyed Phil and Patty's Easter letters that never neglected to give glory to the Lord. I tape the letters to my front door, and if anyone asks, I describe your dad as a "former rocket scientist turned carpenter." Their story never ceases to amaze people, and if you get a chance, maybe you could blog a few memories or anecdotes about that period in yours and your family's lives, and how it helped shape who you are today?<br /><br />When I followed Sandi's link in her email to your blog, I immediately thought of the day I met you for the first time when you and Patty were visiting (cousin) Donna and her husband, Craig. Donna was so sweet to take us on a tour of the Focus on the Family campus, where she worked. I remember being impressed by what a lovely young lady Phil and Patty raised (you!) It was evident that their hard work and dedication to The Lord had "paid off," as it still is to this day. <br /><br />A couple of summers ago, Donna called to invite me to drop by for a visit at their home in C.S. while Phil, Patty and your two brothers were passing through on their way either to or from (sorry - not sure of the logistics) their respective doctor's visits. I was babysitting my little granddaughter that day, so I brought her along, and we all had a very enjoyable visit/lunch together. I took a short video clip, (mpg) which captured a few seconds of your dad and mom laughing together, and I will send a copy of it in Patty's card. I really feel privileged to comment in your blog, and hope we will continue to stay in touch. Keep up your good work - After losing grandparents, a brother, a sister, a cousin's newborn grandson, my parents, many friends and my husband, I have learned that grieving can be as "natural" as laughing. I hope you find it both comforting and yes, sad. Your father deserves both, and both are OK. With love, Janette Stern (your great-aunt Aletha's daughter).Janette Sternhttp://www.youtube.com/user/HealthHut?feature=mhumnoreply@blogger.com