When Phil was moved from OSU hospital into hospice a little over a week ago, we were grateful for him to be in a quieter, more peaceful environment. In fact, visiting Phil at hospice the first few days didn’t seem that different from visiting him at his house this past year. Since he had been on bed rest for 23 hours per day for the last twelve months due to the severity of his pressure sores, we’d visit him all the time, and he’d be lying on his stomach trying to heal those sores. At hospice initially, it wasn’t much different except that he seemed to sleep more and didn’t have to be on his stomach anymore. He looked like himself, which was a relief compared to how he looked in the hospital when he was hooked up to a myriad of machines.
Over the past two days, however, reality hit us like an icy tidal wave: we’re losing him, and soon we won’t be able to see him whenever we want, and hug him and hear his voice. As his condition deteriorates, we are coming closer to that painful, empty reality.
As much as we fear the future without him and as grueling as it is to watch Phil go through this process, we know that the ultimate result is that Phil will have no more hindrances, no more pain, and will no longer be held hostage by his wounded body.
God Bless you all and continue to wrap his arms around you during this hard journey! Many prayers coming your way!
By: Regina Merullo on January 20, 2010
at 1:04 am
Much Love and prayers are going out to the Henry Family especially you Megan. Thank you for your words during this journey. We continue to pray for painfree peace for Phil and for you all to have peace in knowing he will be able to climb, ride, hike and laugh once this part of his journey is over. You have many prayer warriors on this journey with you!!! Deneen
By: Deneen Day on January 20, 2010
at 1:38 am
Megan -
Thank you for your courage to continue to write and share. May God’s peace surround you, Phil, and the entire Henry clan.
I’m thankful my kids were able to meet such a special person as Phil. He treated them like he was their Uncle Joe, playing ball and hanging out with them.
Mary Ann
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
By: Mary Ann & Jeff Barnett on January 20, 2010
at 4:33 am
He will be climbing mountains once again. Peace and love to you all. Take good care of yourselves. Janet
By: Janet Dakers on January 20, 2010
at 8:09 am
Daily we all come to this blog to check in on Phil and your family. I’m sure many of us hang onto every last word you type and feel your pain.
We can only pray for peace and an over abundance of love felt when you are all together with Phil.
Peace to you all!
Kate
By: Kate Leaver on January 20, 2010
at 10:31 am
To Megan and all the Henrys –
Thank you for continuing to share with all of us your daily observations and feelings regarding Phil. I’m sure I am like others who wake up every morning immediately thinking of Phil and turning to this website to reflect and pray with the multitude who love this amazing man. Thank you for thinking of all of us in your time of despair. We appreciate it.
May God continue to give all of you strength during these difficult days. We pray for all of you.
Please squeeze Phil’s hand today and let him know the love we have for him.
Peace,
Jill, Randy, Jack, and kate
By: Jill O'Neil Braverman on January 20, 2010
at 10:39 am
As another day begins I am drawn to check on Phil as I do daily and am thankful for another night he made it through. I think of another time when I sat with my mom on her final days and hours and I thought, “Here’s this person who gave so much to others & is now so tired but fighting to stay for us… do we have the right to ask them this of them?” I remember a Hospice worker telling me sometimes it takes us to tell them it’s ok go home and leave with our love, and as hard as it was, I remembered telling mom this and she passed quietly the next day. Just a little something to think about. Your family has been awesome and the care of Phil has been wonderful, but do we have the right to ask anymore of Phil?
By: Donna Waller on January 20, 2010
at 11:16 am
Megan, your words have been heartfelt and beautifully written about someone you obviously love so dearly. My heart goes out to you for the intense hurt you are feeling right now. It truly is a surreal exerience!
You all have made this part of Phil’s journey here on earth a more peaceful and loving moment in time. How wonderful for him to have you all there and Grandma Katie waiting with open arms on the other side. I assure you, she will be there for him.
We think of you each day and pray for your peace of mind, your broken hearts, and Phil’s peaceful passing from this world into the next.
Love to all of your family,
Beth and Mike
By: Beth and Mike James on January 20, 2010
at 11:17 am
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
my friend, my friend, my dear friend….be released
By: Sue on January 20, 2010
at 11:27 am
I’m holding onto the image of Phil being reunited with Katie and cheering on the Buckeyes together again.
I’m grateful that you have each other. Nobody should have to endure this kind of pain but I know that you’re comforting one another and especially Phil when it matters most.
With lots of love,
Lynne
By: Lynne Assardo on January 20, 2010
at 11:55 am
megan…we’ve never met, but i feel like i’ve gotten to “know” you over these last couple of years. i know your parents, and phil has painted my house inside and out more times than i can count!…telling me the greatest, funniest stories while he painted. wonderful man. kind. honest. you write the most beautiful, kind and sincere words about phil and your relationship. he is blessed to have you in his life. coincidently, i am a inpatient volunteer at kobacker house…i KNOW the kind of care and treatment phil is receiving by the staff. they are wonderful! all of them. he is in a loving, kind, caring enviornment. just where he belongs right now. he deserves it, and so do you and your family.
thinking and praying for the entire henry family.
By: melissa on January 20, 2010
at 12:34 pm
Hello dear Henrys — someone said “Jesus did not come to explain away suffering or remove it, he came to fill it with His presence” — if God is Love then his presence has been with Phil and all of you in abundance throughout his struggle — hold on to that –
Love and prayers
By: The Mortleys on January 20, 2010
at 4:06 pm
Sorry I haven’t written the pain is too difficult. I will miss him dearly! Philly was special to us all.
Nan
By: Nan on January 20, 2010
at 9:30 pm
Sadness is replaced by peace as the healing begins. It is time. Peace has reached our Phil, our brother. Yes, the loss is significant and is felt by all of us, the North High extended family. We grew up surrounded by love and we pass continued with the love all around. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of The Henrys. We are with you now and always. Love ya!
By: Alicia & Carole on January 20, 2010
at 10:07 pm