Dad’s been gone for almost two months now. And I’m well into the year that will be marked by firsts. The first Father’s Day, the first birthday, the first Christmas, the first . . . well there will be all sorts of firsts without him. And apparently plenty of seconds and thirds as well since I keep thinking of things I want to ask him or tell him.
But it’s okay. Because I have this confidence that soon enough we’ll be together in a place where there are no firsts or lasts . . . only love. And that’s something he gave me that goes on forever.
November 2019–Dad at a library event for When Silence Sings. 
Dad finding my first novel on the shelf at the Upshur County Public Library. 
Dad and Daniel checking a display at a gathering of the French Creek Pioneers. 
Grandpa and the grand kids! 
My wedding day–1996. 
Even when he couldn’t shoot anymore, he loved to check out rifles. 
Cheeseburgers at a juke joint in the wilds of WV. 
Christmas Eve around 1975. I was worried the fire would keep Santa away! 
Me, Dad, and Grandma Burla (his stepmother). 
Dad at Laurel Fork United Methodist Church–our ancestors were among the founders. 
My father and brother geared up for hunting at the farm.
John and I have fond memories of your dad and you and your brothers. The “ firsts” are always the most difficult.
We have fond memories of y’all too!
How sweet. The first picture of your Dad, he looks a lot like the picture I have of our David Phillips. Loved seeming them all.
Yes, I think we got some of the Phillips looks!