Hi Guys ,
It’s been a crazy couple of months, so let me share what’s been going on. First, I want to thank my friend Dave Tuttle and the Families for Life Foundation for making me the beneficiary of this year’s charitable event which included an auction party and, also, a golf outing. It poured rain the morning of the outing, but the skies cleared just as people were arriving. The Foundation members and I agreed that the late Rex Karnes, for whom the Foundation was started, arranged to have the rain pass just in time for the golf. Next, I want to thank the volunteers and 23 foursomes who participated, and the generous donation that was given to Phil’s Fight Fund. It’s humbling to be on the receiving end of such love and generosity.
The following week, Steph and I flew to Colorado for our nine day vacation. Thanks to Tara and Dave Smith for allowing us to use their condo in Winter Park. It was sweet! Sister Sue arranged to have a hand cycle delivered to the condo for my use. Thanks to Matt Feeney and his Adaptive Adventures Organization for the bike, and, also, the ride that Matt took with Steph and me. I was just happy to have a way to exercise and be active, because that was always a big part of my Colorado trips.
I wrote previously that I had mixed emotions about this trip, it being my first since the accident. But, I found it to be more relaxing than previous visits to the mountains, because I didn’t have to worry about the planning and the packing and getting up at 4:00 a.m. to hike miles and miles to complete a 14er. We, also, enjoyed not being on a schedule. We drove the pass into Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. It was breathtaking! We took a day trip to one of our favorite towns, Frisco. My cousin Mike and his wife, Linda, even drove up from Denver to have lunch with us. So, all in all, it was a great trip. I guess I don’t have to climb mountains to enjoy a vacation. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m a human being, not a human doing. It’s okay to just be.
I was so encouraged by this trip that a couple of weeks later, I drove solo to Sue’s house in Pennsylvania. This is a drive that I usually made twice a year to visit Sue, John, Luke and Paige. It felt good to do this alone, like I had in the past. I saw Luke’s high school football team win big, and he even had an interception for his Uncle Phil! (It’s all about me, remember?) So, it felt good to do one more thing alone for the first time.
Back in Ohio, I was trying to get back into my routine, and tackle the huge piles of bills and papers that required my attention. The phone rang and it was Rob Oller, a name I recognized for his daily column in the Columbus Dispatch sports section. He said that someone called his editor and he wanted to do a story about me training for the Columbus Marathon. My friend, Kathleen Williams, is the volunteer coordinator for the event, and had been encouraging me to participate. I was considering it, but my training was severely lacking. Once I read the article, I knew that I had to do the marathon. No outs!
Rob Oller interviewed me for about 40 minutes, and the phtographer took pictures. Even though I know what I said to Rob, you never know how the story is going to be written and interpreted. I was pretty nervous the day before the article was published. The following morning, I opened the Dispatch, and there I was on the front page of the sports section. Upon reading it, I thought Rob did a good job. He’s obviously a good writer, and acquaintances who read it said it captured me pretty well – just a regular guy who’s having to change his concept of self.
I was more nervous about the logistics of the Marathon than the 26 miles I’d have to hand-peddle. We awoke at 5:00 a.m. to be positioned at the starting line by 7:20 a.m. I, of course, was running late. By the time I rode my bike from my van to the starting area, I was enveloped by several thousand runners who were to go off 5 minutes after the handicap division. I worked my way through the crowd, and, fortunately, a runner became aware of my plight and helped part the sea of people so I could arrive at the starting line 30 seconds late. The cold temperature caused my fingers to go numb, and I couldn’t feel them as I changed gears throughout the course.
The crowds that lined the route cheered and encouraged us as we passed by, which kept me and the other athletes going. I even heard people say, “There’s that guy who was in the paper!” Also, I have many friends and family to thank for being my personal rooting section. It was, truly, a feeling of elation to cross the finish line, and to know I’d done it! I wasn’t aware that there was prize money. So, next year –watch out! The racers had better watch their backs.
I continue to realize how blessed I am to have so many good people in my life. I wouldn’t be able to do these things without their help.
It’s been an eventful couple of months. It’s a good thing I have a life that keeps me busy, while the Buckeyes’ season slowly goes down the drain. I’m thinking of establishing a fund to find Jim Tressel an offensive coordinator, but don’t get me started.
I’m going over to Meg and Amy’s tonight to go Trick-or-Treating with Cami and Jack. So, I’ve got to run. Please keep in touch! Phil
P.S. Our band, “All Folked Up”, will be playing at The Peddler Lounge on Friday, November 28th. Come on out and join in a great time!
I’ve been anxiously awaiting a post from you on how the race went. I liked hearing about the Colorado trip even more!
Don’t know if you’re a country music fan, but you need to listen to the song “It Happens” by Sugarland. You fit the the song, my friend.
Molly
By: Molly Onstott (Mortley) on October 31, 2008
at 11:52 pm
Hi Uncle Phil! I just wanted to let you know that when I read the article a few weeks ago I was very moved. It got me thinking about everything that has happened, and the part that said when you read your nephews and nieces’ posts it meant a lot, I realized I haven’t written on here and I felt so bad I started crying. I wanted to let you know I admire you for everything that has happened and how you’ve kept a positive attitude. Congratulations on the marathon, it is an amazing accomplishment and I wish I could have been there. I hope you know that even while I’m not in Columbus you’re still in my thoughts and prayers. I will be home for Thanksgiving so hopefully I can make it to see you play again the 28th. I am blessed to have you as an uncle! Love, Katie
By: Katie Henry on November 1, 2008
at 8:49 pm
Dear Phil!
So great to hear you had a wonderful time, you found you could relax & enjoy God’s amazing earth. Then you took some solo trips, OMG, you are just an amazingly strong person, do you know that? I mean you are just a rock of person. Steph is one very lucky lady to have such a great man in her life!
I’m going to miss seeing you guys play on 11-28, I’ll be in FLA with my Mother, I have not seen her in over 1 1/2 yrs, but I’ll be thinking of you all filling the the lounge with your great music & just watching you zone out in the tunes, getting lost in the music.
Life is good Phil, really good because you are here…
Peace to you dear Phil!
Kate
By: Kate (Oakley) Leaver on November 1, 2008
at 10:59 pm
Hen,
Nice!!! I can’t even drive that far without getting tired. I’m anticipating a sub 2 hr finish next year and you getting in the cash. Do they give those over-sized cardboard checks… and if so- do you need to autograph it with like a 12” signature?
Thanks for the kind words; we are all so impressed with your ability to adapt to any situation, what a talent. We had a great time working with you on the events.
Looking forward to the Texas-Hold’m tourney, my goal is to outlast your brothers- beginners luck only works one time.
Please pass on my sincere gratitude to your Mom and Dad for the prayers they sponsored for my Mom- we have been so blessed with our parents and the support they have given us our entire lives.
Keep fighting the good fight my friend,
Tut
By: Tut on November 1, 2008
at 11:29 pm
Hi Phil!
So glad to read your blog, and happy to hear about your wonderful trips. Wow, you truly are one amazing individual-I hope you know that.
Reading your blog and others’ messages always lifts me up and puts things into perspective, so I selfishly get alot out of reading your website- thanks!
Hope you had fun trick or treating with Megan’s children. You are a great uncle. We had perfect weather here for Halloween, hope Ohio did too. Know I can’t keep my hand out of my children’s candy bag- maybe they should hide it, I sure like my sweets!
Please extend a hello to your wonderful family, and a Happy Thanksgiving to you all. We all have a lot to be thankful for, especially having you in our lives. I am still talking about being able to see you this summer. Maybe another road trip will be in store for us again. My children would love to meet you because I always talk about you and your determination and perservance! You are a role model for us all!!
Always praying for you, Phil!
Love,
Tricia
By: Tricia O'Neil on November 2, 2008
at 10:35 am
Phil- It was nice to be out in Dillsburg during your visit. Let me know when you are ready to cross over to being a fan of a real college football team. Hopefully soon I can get a little time to stop over and we can start the guitar lessons. Take care and Go Hurricanes!!!!
Seth
By: Seth on November 4, 2008
at 12:07 am
Hi, Phil!
So great to hear about your fall trips and your amazing marathon day! As someone who has never climbed a mountain, I can attest that the Rockies still take my breath away and make me feel invigorated. I’m glad you felt that too. Obviously a different perspective of taking in Colorado for you, but not a bad one.
And the solo trip to see Susan and company must have felt good too to be on the open roads alone and in control. Remember Chicago is only 7 hours away — make that 5 with you behind the wheel. We have a room waiting for you!
Reading your blog always makes me so proud to be your cousin! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Much love,
Jill
By: Jill Braverman on November 5, 2008
at 2:42 pm
Good race Phil! Bet I couldn’t have made it a block before wussing out.
Many more adventures, races, and jam sessions still to come your way no doubt. Hope you can make one in Oregon some day (there are some cool rails-to-trails out here you could pedal on, including one in an old tunnel that passes through the Washington Cascades).
Go Bucks! Kick UM’s wolverine bee-hind. Keep on keepin on…all folked up.
Later bud, Todd
By: Todd Reinwald on November 5, 2008
at 5:24 pm
Hi, Phil!
Just wanted to wish you and all the Henrys a Happy Thanksgiving. I’m hosting our family’s gathering with a few of Randy’s family members too. I have my to do list and some how it will all get done by Thursday….I hope.
Wish I could be there to see you perform at the Peddlar! Have a great time and give my best to all the Robinsons.
Love,
Jill
By: Jill Braverman on November 25, 2008
at 2:12 pm
Phil,
Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving! My gratitude list began with sunshine- for it was a beautiful morning and then it continued with family,friends, music, hot running water and much much more. You were on the list too!!
The beginning of another holiday season with all its highs and lows. Call if you would like to chat- about holidays, highs, lows or whatever.
Look forward to seeing you.
Maggi Corna
By: maggi on November 28, 2008
at 5:08 pm
You are right- couple of quite eventful months for you! Thanks for sharing them on your blog so vividly and eloquently. You should write a book!
What a refreshing entry.
I am especially excited you enjoyed Colorado the way you did, and yes you are right it’s often about “being” vs. doing.
That’s what I say (:
In fact, just recently – I read a quote in one of my favorite magazines -Tricycle:
Don’t just do something, be there (something like that….). Magical!!
As for the other points you made in your latest blog…
Hey – Bucks did not do that bad this season…considering…
Just think of teams like UM (if you really want to compare).
Actually – as OSU alumni- we had tickets to that game and it was fun, cold but fun…although not as exciting as the game went on….It’s all relative, isn’t it?
I would imagine you enjoyed it (?) as you wanted them to win by “at least 30 points” (:
And yes in the end it’s still just a game…oops… did I just say that?
Anyways-I hope your Thanksgiving was pleasant and peaceful and I hope Christmas will be as well.
We are headed to Europe and look forward to it. I am hoping we will get not only some good food in but also good skiing.
My best to you and family.
Take good care and stay warm. We have had 17F in last couple of days-so staying warm is not very optional these days here(:
See it’s all relative.
I.
PS: XM radio recently joined w/ Sirius…While I am not too happy about that and changes to channels like Chill…you (and Carin) would probably like it -for several reasons – including Grateful Dead 24/7 and lots of Dylan…
By: Ilona on December 7, 2008
at 5:16 pm
Phil,
Just wanted to check in and say hi. I hope you are well and still about to get out on the bike. Did you sign up for the marathon for next year yet! I promise we will have a better finish area! Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts!
By: Bill and Kathleen Williams on December 8, 2008
at 5:59 pm
Dear Phil,
I wanted to send you a Christmas and New Year’s message so started going through all my old e messages from your family and, of course, visiting your website. I haven’t found your address yet but I have caught up on your messages, the Dispatch article, your driving, your vacation and the marathon! Since the marathon goes by my house, I looked for you but couldn’t watch every minute and somehow missed you. Of course I might not have recognized you with your helmet etc.
I am soooo impressed by all you have done and by all the people who love you. I still think about you almost every day and say a prayer every night that you and yours are doing well. Meanwhile you, your family, your friends are doing all the real work in making sure that you are doing well. I salute you, your family and friends and wish all of you a healthy, successful and peaceful 2009. Next year I will know to look for you in the front of the pack at the marathon. Warm best wishes, Kay
By: kay huebner on January 2, 2009
at 2:01 pm
dear friend
i hope that you are feeling well after the surgery on wends, i am praying for you. you have alot of friends and family who love you and want to be there for you in this time so allow them. they just love you!
By: stephanie on January 16, 2009
at 12:50 pm
Hope you are feeling better!!
By: Ilona on February 7, 2009
at 12:27 am