Phil Reck
My son Phil passed away on September 30. This was a tremendous shock as he was only 37 years old. He was a wonderful guy with a quick wit, big heart and a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. I feel very fortunate that the last words spoken between him, his mother and I before we left on vacation were, “I love you.” This doesn’t make the pain of his loss any easier, but it does make it less hard. Think of how badly his mother and I would have felt if there had been cross words spoken between us or, worse yet, if we weren’t on speaking terms. The pain of his loss would have been so much greater. I would like this to be Phil’s legacy: If you any have strained relationships with people you love, fix them while you still have the chance. As Phil’s passing illustrates, life can turn on a dime and you may not get the opportunity if you wait.
So so sorry for your loss. Your blog and your words through these reminders have been a tremendous help over the past year as today marks 1 year since my father’s passing.
I am so sorry to hear about your son’s passing. I lost my father on September 30th of last year. I will keep you and your wife in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your story. I’m sure it’s hard. I agree with Melissa, I enjoy your weekly reminders though I rarely post comments. I lost my younger sister when she was 22, and the last words between us were an argument – so I definitely resonate with this. Don’t go to bed angry.
Ross, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed meeting you at the unfair advantage group several months ago. You have been in my prayers daily. My brother died suddenly at the age of 14 and there are so many things I wish I could have told him as well as my parents do too. Thank you for your courage to share your personal story with us and peace be with you.
Ross, what a shock to read about your son’s passing. Our 3 children and son/daughter in laws are around the age of Phil. I can’t imagine the amount of grief you are going through. So sorry…………..
In case you do not remember me, I am retired from John Deere & Company in Moline, Illinois.
Ross – I know we just met for the first time earlier this year at the 2014 CPMR in Austin and I am very saddened by your loss. Your “words of wisdom” (as always) really resonate and I wish you and your wife all the best during this time. Hope to see you in Austin in Jan. 2015. Sincerely,
Dear Ross,
I am so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your wife.
I look forward to meeting you in person in January, as George and I prepare for your visit.
Respectfully,
Manny
Ross,
I am so very sorry to read of your loss. I truly enjoy your news letters and post them for all our staff to read. You touch more people than you know. I hope you and your wife continue to find comfort.
Hello Marcia,
Thank you for your kind thoughts regarding the loss of our son. They are most appreciated at this time. Also, The Angus Barn is still my favorite restaurant. All the best to you. Ross
My heart goes out to you and your family over the loss of your son Phil. Thanks for all your many positive messages over the years. You definitely live what you say.
Your comment about fixing any strained relationships in our lives is pertinent. An unexpected loss makes people realize how precious our family and friends are. What we say and how we say it is important to others as well as to ourselves.
Hi Gail,
Thank you so well for your kind thoughts regarding the loss of our son Phil. They are much appreciated at this time. All the best to you. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. Ross
My condolences on the loss of your son. I remember hearing you talk about Phil during one of your presentations, and I am sure he knew how loved he was. May your memories bring you and our family comfort in the days ahead.
Hi Josie,
Thank you for your wonderful and comforting comments regarding our son Phil. The shock is finally starting to wear off. Yes, he knew he was love. All the best to you, Ross
Sorry to hear about your son Ross. RIP Phil.
Hi Harry,
Thank you for your kind comments. All the best to you, Ross
Sorry to hear of your loss.
If there is any good moment in his passing, it is that you were able to to say “I love you” to each other. It appears that there was no “unfinished business” or absence of “closure” that psychologist are so fond of opening up.
Last, I was told years ago, by a very wise old pastor, to not think of someone as gone, but as just having moved to a higher plane of existence, to live forever in our hearts and minds.
I pray that you will find peace.
sincerely,
George Williams
Hello George,
Thank you for your insightful comments and for you prayers. They are much appreciated at this time. You’re right, there was not “unfinished business. All the best to you. Ross
Dear Ross
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Your reminders have been very useful and I pass them to others. Thank you for this reminder. A loss with a regret hangs heavy on the soul.
My prayers for you for comfort and joy
Hello Ignatius,
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and for your prayers for comfort and joy. All the best to you. Ross
Ross, please accept my condolences on the loss of your son. 37 is much too soon to pass. As I recall I first met you in 1975 a year or two before your son was born. I do remember you announcing the birth of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Norm
Hi Norm,
Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and recollections. They mean a lot a this time. All the best to you. Ross
Ross,
What a beautifully written tribute to Phil. You and Marcia are often in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Mary,
Tank you so much for your prayers, kindness and friendship. They mean a lot at this time. The shock is finally starting to wear off, but this will take a while. All the best to you and we miss you. Ross
Ross and Marcia,
Prayers for your healing. So sorry for your loss. May God Bless you at this time of loss and grief.
Love,
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for your prayers and your kindness. They mean a lot at this time. I hope all is going well. It was great to see you in August and to meant your fiancee. All the best to you. Ross
Ross and Marcia,
I was shocked when Manny told me of Phil’s passing. Diane lost her oldest son when he was 18. She thinks of him constantly, so I have some small idea of the anguish you must feel. My condolences are inadequate, to be sure, but they are heartfelt…
Hi George,
Thank you so much for you heartfelt comments. They mean a lot at this time. This is going to take a while. The shock is finally starting to wear off. All the best to you. Ross
I’m so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your son and rejoice with you that the last words exchanged were an affirmation of love. Thank you for your vulnerability and encouragement to all of us.
A parent should never have to bury a child. I am saddened to hear of your loss, at the same time, your last words together become the legacy of your relationship.
My best to you and your wife…