Dear Randy, Shelly and family, I am so happy that our families have become “family”. I could not imagine my life without you in it …and I can only imagine how difficult life will be without Philip. Just like everyone else, or perhaps more so because of my nursing background, I have dealt with both living and dying first hand. I often wonder why living is often such a struggle for so many… and why death, too, presents itself in such ominous ways. I question why the cycles of life… and death… play out the way they do. I accept the notion of a greater being…of G-d… who determines our destiny. I give my own life over to His great force of nature. While life brings us joy and blessings if we are lucky, so too, when facing death, one can still find those same joys and blessings. Especially within the circle of love and support and caring that envelopes you in the darkest hours. Everyone who knows you are amazed at your strength and your tireless advocacy for Philip. We know that he was embraced by all who loved him and cared for him throughout his illness, and most surely at his moment of passing. As extraordinary human beings, you both have brought sunshine and joy into the lives of everyone who has been fortunate enough to know you. Your constant optimism, spiritedness, and cheerfulness, even in the face of such dire circumstances, is testament to the persons that you are and Philip was. When people search for the meaning of life, they ask many questions. They seek many answers. In your own search, you helped give meaning to Philip’s life. In helping him live life to the fullest, you have given so much to others as they too, struggle to find meaning in their own lives. As the stars twinkle brightly in the sky each night, the spirit of Philip’s being will sparkle in the lives of all of us who cared so much about him. As you face these sad days of grieving, know that Philip remains a part of each one of us…helping to make us the good people that we are. When you look up into the evening sky and see the star that twinkles most brightly, know that it is Philip watching over you from above until you are once again re-united. No matter where this part of your life’s journey takes you, know that you are not alone… that you will never be alone. Just as Philip will never be forgotten. For in eternal life the soul lives forever in the hearts and souls of those who cared…those who loved. Love, Lorrie
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Philip’s Story
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- Another Prayer for Tuesday night, December 28
- An Urgent Call For Prayer
- Randy’s home away from home
Testimonials
Thanks so much for forwarding the post-op piece SO YOU'RE HAVING SHOULDER SURGERY; I did read your work and was highly impressed with the clarity and granularity of your overview. It seems like it is the summation of all of the valuable anecdotal advice that slips thru the cracks and is never codified or appropriately transmitted when patients are scheduled for surgery or discharged. You are performing an extremely valuable service!!!
Harvey Ganot NY, NY
There are no more words to add to this beautiful note to you. I am thinking of all of your family especially Philip and how he touched all of our lives with such joy, love, generosity, and courage. His life was a blessing to share. Cindi, Julie and Maggie
We will miss Phil very much. I hope he is running touchdowns in the next world and is full of joy with no limitations anymore!
Randy/Shelly – We are here for you, and look forward to seeing you back home. Love, Hanah
Aunt Randy and Uncle Shelly,
You are in my thoughts and I hope that the days to come get easier with time, and that you are able to remember the wonderful smile and laughs that Philip brought to so many people.
Love,
Edie
Randy and Shelly, you are in our hearts and on our minds. We will be by your sides this Tuesday as we say our final ‘goodbyes’ to Philip.
As loving parents, you lived your lives with Philip as a committed team and cohesive family unit that will continually be a beacon to all of us.
Philip will be deeply missed. His kindness, his gentleness, his love, his concern for the world, for humanity, for his family always shined through.
We wish you strength and all that you need to sustain you during these difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.
Love and blessings from Racelle and Shimon
This is so beautiful. Philip WILL be missed. He had a way of cheering one too, and he was so caring of everyone! I wish I could come to his services. I will say a prayer for him at 11 a.m. love & bighugz, Lois
I just got the news that Phil has passed. I offer my condolences and warm wishes. Phil and I were room mates during our first year of college at the University of Judaism. It was one of the best years of my life. We had an amazing time. We did all the things normal college kids do and more. I have such fond memories. One of those memories is taking the family sailing on their new used sailboat. Phil was amazing. I can not ever hope to be as kind and courageous as my friend, Phil. But I will aspire to be more like him.
May the soul of Pesach Yaakov ben Yisroel Ruvein, of blessed memory, have a fast and easy ascent to Gan Eden. May his memory be for a blessing to his family and all who knew him.
Randy and Shelly,
Phil did more with his 41 years than anyone could hope to do in their lifetime. He saws things from a generous perspective and helped us to see the best in people. My kids learned so much from him. Last night they each told me and Henry things that Phil taught them that we never knew. It is a different place without Phil, but he’s spreading his joy somewhere else.
We all love you, Jocie
My heart aches for the sadness of your loss…I am sorry that I will not be able to come to Charlotte, but Issy is already there this evening and will see you tomorrow at the funeral.
Phil was a very special person, and that phrase really does not do him justice, but that is what comes to mind. He gave our kids a huge envelope of stickers when we came to visit over a year ago, and Ilan still talks of visiting Phil.
I will always admire all that you have done for Phil, and your dedication to his independence is truly an inspiration to me personally in raising our daughter, Dalia (and Ilan too, but he may need a little less help than she will 🙂
Warm hugs from Atlanta,
Rebecca Cheskes
I am saddened by the news of Philip death. He was a sweet friend while I was living in Charlotte.
May his memory be for a blessing to his family and all who knew him.
Shoshana Shlian
Randi, Shelly, Danny and Lee,
I heard yesterday from Jered (I understand he and Danny are friends on FB) that Philip passed away after a long illness. I remember when you lived in San Diego and the questions started. What a long journey for your family. It sounds like even with all the pain and illness Philip kept his wonderful personality and made sure his family were ‘ok’.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Connie and Jim
I first became acquainted with Philips story when you left a comment on my blog. Mike and I are very sorry to hear of his passing. Your faith and your family surround you. We never met Philip but his illness liver disease was what we had in common.
Mike and I have a very strong connection with nature its where are souls find peace. We will never forget Philip for us his memory will live on.
Tell me Philip What’s it like to paint a rainbow and to light the sun.
God Bless