As the sun sets...

I took this photograph pondering the events of 2007, the milestones like opening my studio; my wife and I applying to adopt a baby - the successes like the completion of a large home project - the challenges like writing my autobiography - the family and friends that have meant so much to me...it was a great year. This photograph has another meaning to me now. Let me explain...

I met Phil over a year ago at the gym. I was screwing around playing some basketball and he approached me along with his buddy. "Wanna play ball?"...sure, why not. We weren't very good, but good enough to run around, get some exercise, make a few points, scream at the ball, and call a foul on whatever because we were tired and frustrated. I'm not sure what happened, but after a while, more people joined in and it became an every Tuesday event...then every Tuesday/Thursday event...than back to every Tuesday (for me, at least). We had a great time.

Phil, played soccer and he was fast - when I say fast, I mean one second you're dribbling, the next second, he's flying past you with the ball in his hands. He wasn't the best shot, but I'll tell you what, every time he made one, you'd stand there, scratch your head and ask "how the heck did that go in?". He had this thing when he would shoot a three-pointer. He would post, take a loud, deep breath, then shoot, with no regard, towards the basket. When he would miss, he'd miss big - when he made it...+3 with style ~ "COUNT IT". He was a lot of fun to play ball with. When we weren't playing ball, we'd be working out and he was quick to help out with a spot on a lift or just helping me mack on the Cowboys.

Phil passed away over Christmas ~ he was 24.

~ take a breath

It's with a heavy heart that I look again at this sunset. I realize how it will never be the same. I also realize that I can find comfort in knowing that it will always be. Tomorrow, the sun will rise, and set, as it always does - but it will most likely look different than it did today.

I mourn my friend with great sadness, while at the same time, celebrate the life he lived with his friends and family. I find peace in knowing that although Phil, the man, has left us, Phil, the spirit remains.

May he walk gently into the light...

I'll miss him.

- greg