Our beloved friend Philip Seitz - February 21, 2009

This morning our friend Phil passed away. Phil started his battle fighting ALS aka Lou Gehrig's disease over 3 years ago. We have known Phil and his family, including his children and grandchildren though our church. We have been sitting close to them in church almost every Sunday for many, many years. Jerry and I have been watching friend Phil fight this battle on a weekly basis. About 3 years ago we noticed Phil having problems with one of his legs. His leg didn't seem to be working anymore. Phil and Jerry bonded sharing their similar experiences with numerous doctor visits, questions without answers and numerous hospital visits. Phil's wife Jamie and I bonded sharing our care giving experiences, frustrations and depression thinking about what's going to happen and when. Over the 3 years we saw Phil deteriorate. It wasn't long before he was wearing leg braces, not long after using a walker, and before we knew it he was in a wheel chair and soon after he was manipulating a power chair. Suddenly he was not even able to operate his power chair. Since Thanksgiving Phil has not been able to attend church. Even though Jerry and I have kept in contact with Phil's wife Jamie and son Paul it was difficult to coordinate our visits with Phil because of the numerous caregivers coming and going helping Phil with all his needs, not to mention Jerry's and Phil's visits to the ER/hospital. However, finally Jerry and I were able to visit Phil, after church, a few weeks ago. Jerry and I were so surprised at how much he had deteriorate since before Thanksgiving. Jerry and I enjoyed our visit with Phil even though there were moments of sadness and tears. Phil's comments about how wonderful Jerry looked "fresh and crisp". We all take for granted being able to bath ourselves everyday, Phil had to depend on others to get cleaned up and shave. Jerry and I were so impressed with how sharp Phil was... even though his body was broken his mind was still sharp and the ALS wasn't able to take that away from Phil. Our congregation was always appreciative the number of times that Phil with take part in the church service by getting up (with assistance) and reading the weekly scriptures. Phil would always get applause from the congregation and once even received a standing ovation. Before Phil's ALS, Phil was active in helping the youth building homes in Mexico. Even once after the ALS he joined the group and went one last time to Mexico. Jerry and I will miss Phil but, we will never forget Phil and what Phil brought to our life. May Phil rest in God's Peace and may Phil have everlasting life in heaven. May God Bless you and your family who will miss you terribly.