Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

Philip is with Jesus tonight.

His eyes opened and he smiled, then he turned to look at me before exhaling his last. He was valiant until the end. We will miss him dearly.

Well done good and faithful servant.

42 comments:

  1. God bless all of you, Sally, Bennett and Olivia, and especially Philip. You are at peace now, no pain, no suffering. You will be missed brother. Love you.

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  2. I continue to uphold you, Bennett and Olivia before the Lord. May His peace continue to support you all during this time.

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  3. We will visit him in our dreams and sing with him in our hearts and play with him in our thoughts. Dear Olivia, Bennett and Sally we send an extended hug and kiss to you all in this time and wish that you remember only the good experiences that you were lucky enough to share with such a beautiful soul.

    Much Much Much Canadian Love from the Johnson's... we'll burn a candle in memory of the light he was to all he touched.

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  4. Sweet peace to you and yours, I am sure the Man above is delighted to have Phil's company. Wondering if my mom has offered him a Bacardi & Coke yet, no lime. May Phil rest in peace and may you and your family have great peace and eternal guidance from above. Life is so hard. God is so good. Peace be with you, strong woman, wife, mother and more. Look forward to meeting you some day.

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  5. He is in the arms of his father getting that indescribable squeeze us here on earth can only dream about. I will choose to shed joyful tears for Phil and that embrace. Sally I wish you could feel the hugs of all of us who Love you and your sweet babies. I pray that you can rest and lay down the burden knowing God will hold you.

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  6. Oh Sally,

    I am so relieved to hear that Phil's passing was so peaceful and you were there - as you have been all along.

    Our family's thoughts and prayers are with Phil, you, Bennett, and Olivia each and every day.

    I know that Phil is with the angels now - I am sure that he has already added his easy smile, his reassuring presence, his kindness, his grace, his open and forgiving nature to their ranks.

    Our hearts are with you all dear Sally.

    David, Heather, Zoe, and Gretchen.

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  7. We'll meet again brother and I know you will be with me on my runs.

    Peace to you all Sally. There really are no words. You said it best.

    Love,

    Mike, Doris and Joey.

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  8. Rest in peace, my friend.

    Sally, thank you for sharing this journey with us -- We're not going anywhere. Peace be with you, Bennett and Olivia in the days ahead.

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  9. Sally, Bennett, and Olivia,

    I'm so sorry for your loss. It's heartbreaking that Phil's gone but there is relief and happiness that he will never be in any more pain. I'm sure he's being welcomed into heaven by everyone who's gone before him.

    Andrea Graf

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  10. Yes, well done, Phil and Sally. You have loved and served our God by pointing us all to His power on this sacred journey. Thank you. Much love--Mary (Roemele) O'Keefe

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  11. What a privilege it was to be there during his last breath and his last view on earth was that of his love. May all our love surround you and comfort you.

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  12. Rest in Peace Phil...and peace and healing prayers for Sally, Bennett, Olivia and the rest of the Conrad and Lehmann family members. Phil will be dearly missed.

    Love,

    Sheryl and Mark Bennett

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  13. And well done you too Sally. You have been a faithful and tireless companion and advocate. And you have blessed Phil by giving him an honorable passage through this journey. He could not have asked for a better partner in this. You have shown incredible grace throughout. I pray that you, Bennett and Olivia will find peace and comfort.

    Linda Moore

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  14. I joined your site late but I have read and marveled at the journey you have taken with your family. God be with all of you during this time, as surely as He is with Phil now. Peace and love for you all for the days ahead.

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  15. May you and the children find peace in the knowledge that you walked beside this brave man every step of his fight and every breath of his letting go. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Tight hugs.

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  16. Sally, Bennett and Olivia - We will continue to uphold your family before our God. May His strength, peace and mercies be new for you each and every moment. Grieving with you,

    Mary Jeane and all the Myers

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  17. I speak for all of PBF when I say that our hearts grieve with you. Our love and prayers to you, Sally, Bennett & Olivia. Terri Babcock

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  18. Sally, I did not not know Phil personally. But I know you and therefore he undoubtedly was a special man. I am so sorry to hear this news. I know Phil is now at peace and in the comfort of the Lord. Please know you have my prayers and love. John Robinson

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  19. Sally- What an Honor and blessing to be with him as he departed to join so many others and be with Christ. I had the blessing to literally hold my father as he passed on. I cherish that... as heart wrenching as it was. To embrace- eyes or bodies- your souls join together in amazing love and grace.

    My Heart aches for you and the kids but I know we will all celebrate with him one day in the presence of Jesus...

    Will see you soon...

    Jason Mayer

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  20. I am so honored to have met him. He was always smiling. Im here for you and the kids.Always.He is with Jesus now! What an amazing thought. I love you Sally, Bennett, Olivia, David.----Julie

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  21. Ah, such sweet, sad tears, Sally. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, but I celebrate with you that Phil is with the Lord, that his pain and struggle are done. Yet in some ways, yours are just beginning. I thank God that you were his partner, that you and your valiant children were willing and able to walk this road with him. And I pray for sustaining grace during these early days of busyness and planning and decision-making. Then, O Lord of mercy, space to feel the pain, to know the companionship of the Most High God as you turn onto the pathway of grief for the next while. You have an amazing support system and for that I am so grateful. But so much of this you will have to do on your own - the territory will be new and it will be uniquely yours to discover. May the presence of the Holy Spirit guide and comfort you, may the friendship and shared tears of our Savior and our brother Jesus salve the loneliness and may the magnificent love of God flood you when the way seems dark and dreary. You are as ready as anyone can be, Sally. You and Phil have run the race so well, so well. Love, prayers, virtual hugs, sighs too deep for words - all of this I send from Santa Barbara - my heart to yours.

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  22. Dear Sally, Olivia, Bennett and families,

    Our hearts go out to you, this morning. God's strengths to you all. We are sure our dad, is hugging Philip hello.
    Anne, Elizabeth and Jack Wilson

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  23. My sweet friend...I am sending you, Olivia and Bennett all of my love...I am so sorry Sally...

    <3

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  24. My dear Sally -my heart aches for you & Bennett & Olivia. My heart rejoices that Phil is Home with Jesus. Your love, heart & faith are instilled in your children & Phil will remain with you all, always.
    May the Lord Bless You & Keep You all,
    The Lord make His face shine upon you, & be Gracious to You all,
    May the Lord lift up His Countenance upon You all & bring you Peace. In the name of the Father & of the Son, & of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

    Love & hugs,
    Chris, Laura, Matthew, Jack & Nicholas Strickland

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  25. Dear Sally,

    Thank you for sharing this story. We hoped so much it wouldn't end this way. Phil was a very good friend, and we will miss him very much. We spent many memorable times together during our years in college and after. Your writings showed how in this valiant fight against cancer he was just like he was throughout his life - strong, courageous and loving. Cheers to a great man and a great life.

    Bennett and Kristin

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  26. Maureen Limpert KielyNovember 16, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    So very very sorry Sally. We send our love and continued prayers for you and your family as you move through these next few days, weeks, and on. The Conrads and Limperts lived a block apart back in Edgewood growing up in the 70's. Phil was in school with my older brothers and sisters & was my (our)swim coach at the Edgewood Club too. He was such a great guy - smart, athletic, funny, kind, and always quick with a smile. What a terrible loss for all who knew him.

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  27. Wishing you peace. I am a friend of Jenny Gardner, who was a friend of Phil in highschool. I saw a post regarding Phil on her Facebook page. Since my husband, John - age 43, was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma, the post sparked my attention. In any case, I've been following your blog because it is so beautifully written, and I feel as if I have come to know you and your family. You have inspired me and I simply wanted you to know that Phil's life mattered even to people you will never know. I, too, know the strength, peace and joy of Jesus while going through a trial. I'm glad you know Him and I'm sure he will carry you through the tough days ahead. God bless dear Sally - I will keep you in my prayers - I really will.

    Lee Anne in Hickory, North Carolina

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  28. Dear Sally,
    We are so very very sorry. I am just so glad to read that he slipped away peacefully with you at his side...For sure he is in a better place now, but he will be missed 'down here'.
    Love & Hugs, Uli and Family

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  29. Dear Sally,
    You are a true champion! My heart is so heavy, and the tears that fall are from sorry, and also joy, in knowing that his pain is over, and he is now in the hands of our lord, and an angel looking over you and your beautiful children, as well as all of his friends and family. What a journey you all had to take, and I feel blessed that you included all of us on that journey. I hope you and Phil got some comfort from the support from all over the country. And that support will not end for you, dear Sally. TEAM CONRAD will continue, and if you ever need an ear, or anything at all, please feel free to call on me. lmrc223@hotmail.com. I promise you that I will do what I can to help give you some peace and comfort in the days ahead. God bless you Phil. And my prayers are with you, and all of your family and friends, ALWAYS!!!! Although we don't always understand gods plan, you are a true example of trusting your faith in him. Phil was so very lucky to have you, and vice versa! Love to you always!!! A candle will be lit at church this Sunday, and will stay lit as long as I'm here! Peace and love to you Sally!

    Leslie Rush Cuda

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  30. Dear Sally:
    Everyone back here in Edgewood mourns the passing of Phil. He was a shining example of how one should lead their life. He will always be remembered for his talents, energy, and smile. He will be fondly remembered by all his Edgewood friends for rock 'n roll music, skateboards, swimming, tennis, acting and many other God given talents. You and Phil loved the Lord and each other and it showed. He will be watching over all of us. God Bless

    Rich McKenna...Pittsburgh.

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  31. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am so very sorry and my heart goes out to you and your family. I knew Phil from the Doctors Clinic where I once worked. I will always remember Phil fondly, cracking jokes in the office, making us laugh, and no matter how stressful the day was, he was always smiling. I will also remember Phil as the athlete, going for long runs with Mike, rain or shine and admired their dedication. These are great memories that I will appreciate forever and thank the Lord for allowing me the pleasure of knowing Phil, a truly great person. Rest peacefully my friend.
    Jackie

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  32. Even though we did not your husband Phil in person but learned about him in your blog we thought we knew him.Please accept our condolence at the lost of Husband We know that God call him home and he is with him nowand that your husband and God will give to strenght to on We will continue to say our prayer for you and the Conrad family

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  33. Dear Sally, Bennett, and Olivia,

    My thoughts and my prayers are with you all right now. I am so sorry for your loss. From all accounts, Phil sounded like an amazing man who blessed every life that he touched. I know that even just through this blog, I have been constantly amazed by his strength and grace. I take comfort in knowing that he is now with our Lord, no longer in pain or suffering. However, my heart still grieves for you all.

    With love, prayers, and hugs,
    Michelle Dailey

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  34. Sally, I know it is not much, but I sent a white balloon off into the sky for Phil today. I hope it finds him up there in heaven.

    Love,

    Lisa Christen and family

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  35. Love, prayers and hugs to you Sally, Bennett and Olivia.

    Cari

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  36. Dear Sally,
    I'm at a loss for words. I only recently learned of this blog and wished I would have been more present to your journey. My heart is with you and has been with you all. I will always remember Phil's warmth, kindness and smile. May you have love and support surround you and freedom to grieve however you need. May your family be held.
    warmly, Marcia Christen

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  37. Sally, our hearts break for your loss. Phil was a wonderful man and we will all miss him dearly. I pray that you, Bennett and Olivia find peace and strength.

    Love,
    Cori Berg and family

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  38. Sally, Your blog and Phil's journey has touch my heart so many days. What an amazingly brave man who fought a good fight and now has won the ultimate battle and is free. I will be praying God's peace for you and your children. Please remember there is know right or wrong way to grieve.
    Thank you for sharing with us all with incredible Grace.

    Melia

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  39. Sally, My heart goes out to you and your family. Phil was a wonderful man and he will be missed by so many. I used to work with Phil at TDC. When Phil would get bombarded with paperwork and would begin to get cranky with me, I knew I could diffuse the tension by asking him how you guys were doing. He would always smile and you could see the change in him. Then I would have to rope him back in to wrapping up the story so he could finish the paperwork I needed. I'm not sure which was the hardest of the two.
    Your journey with Phil and the stories you have shared with us, will forever be remembered. Especially in times like this, it's easy to forget the things that are really important. Thank you for sharing and reminding us all of what faith means. You, Bennet and Olivia are in our thoughts and prayers.
    With love,
    Christina Koon and family

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  40. Sally -- I am forever thankful that you and Phil opened your hearts and allowed us along through his journey. I have said before but will say again that you are exactly who he was meant to be with -- that I can't imagine anyone who would have been there more for him than you were. I know how much that meant to him because he told me several times. Even though I hadn't talked to Phil for YEARS it was just like we were back in childhood when I talked to him and the warmth of those memories made the time not matter. The few hours we spent talking when he was here for his dad's memorial had more impact on me than a lifetime of conversations with many people I know and I am so thankful I was able to keep in contact with him and by extension you. I thank God for the gift of his life. I can't imagine the depth of your loss and I know there is much you will have to face alone but I and many others will never stop being here for you. Tears of sorrow for those left behind mix with tears of joy that Phil is with the God he so strongly believed in and loved so much. I love you Sally and send my prayers for strength to you.
    Kathi Taymans McShane

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  41. Sally -- Please accept my sincerest condolences. Phil was a close friend through college years and I am not surprised to hear of his valiance and optimism through the challenges of the past year.

    I am also not surprised that he found such a wonderful, loving, faithful soulmate in you. If I could help a young couple understand what it means when you take your wedding vows I would send them to you. Would that the world were filled with people like Sally Conrad.

    Like many who have posted I have a number of great Phil stories from our years together. I am blessed to have known him and will always picture him just as in the "haircut" photos, smiling warmly.

    Kevin Kelly

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  42. To the Conrad Family,

    I was saddened by hearing of Phil's passing. I met Phil about 30 years ago through friends from Edgewood, and then, as life continued on, lost touch. When David wrote the article in the local paper her in Pgh., I was able to talk to Phil via e-mail once, and since then I followed your blog. Thank you so much for that! As a wife and mother myself, my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. God Bless. Barb Saunders

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