The funeral will not be broadcast over the internet. Grant Funeral Home has apologized for the
inconvenience.

Phil is walking and talking again!!!! He's with Jesus and his Mom and Dad, both of whom he's been missing for a long time. He left us at 11:50 this morning. Before he left, he opened his eyes
sooo wide as though he was seeing something wonderful. I only wish I could have seen what he was seeing.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday evening at Grant's Funeral Home in Estill Springs. It's located on Hwy 41-A between Winchester and Estill Springs (just outside of Estill Springs). The
funeral will be Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with burial in Willow Brook Cemetery in Shelbyville. I will post details about the service on the internet when I receive them.

Donations may be given to The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation
2410 Patterson St
Suite 110
Nashville, TN 37203

or to any other cancer foundation.

This isn't the end of Phil's Page, he's starting a brand new book today. And he has instructions from me to make sure God has cats in heaven.

The Lord is MY Shepard
I SHALL NOT want.

Thank you Lord, for this wonderful man of yours who has touched so many lives and blessed so many people. Take good care of him for us because we really love him a lot.

We've had a quiet night, Phil hasn't awakened again since we first got home. Respirations are fairly regular and unlabored. So good to be home.

Phillip, Micah and Missy (his girlfriend) and Christy are all here. Blessings.

WE ARE HOME!!!!!! After posting the last blog message I said to my friend Cindy, " I just wish we could go home". And she told me to just do it and that's what I did. I'd been so afraid we wouldn't be able to make it home, but hanging around the hospital so long made it worth the gamble. I called Dr. Gammada myself on his personal cell phone (a number Phil has) and then apologized to our nurse, because I get really furious when MY patients call the doctor themselves. Then I told her we were leaving right away, not waiting for any details to be taken care of. Christy took care of getting an ambulance quickly because I was threatening to load Phil in the back of Christy's SUV. We got home quickly and safely and Phil came to life and kissed me about 20 times, hugged the boys,
and insisted on getting up, so we put him in his wheel chair for awhile. It's so great to be home!
Our Hospice nurse has just been here, so we're safely set up with them again. Phil is in a hospital bed and is peacefully sleeping at this time. Whew! What a day.

The picture above was taken in Dickson Sunday. We thought we were on the road to several good months. What a difference a day can make.

I had a moment of sanity and came out to the nurse's station to post an update. It's great to be here in the hospital (though I'd so much rather not be in the hospital), but because I've worked here so long, EVERYONE is a friend and they've been so great. And I'm at home here, and take advantage of using whatever I need.

Phil is hanging on. Christy and I just bathed him and when I came out, Phillip was holding him up in a sitting position because that's how he'd like to be (with his legs folded up under him as always). He opens his eyes occasionally and recognizes us, but can't keep them open long. He's very comfortable, smiles as soon as he opens his eyes.

I don't know what else to say. My heart is broken. For those of you who live away, I wanted to tell you that the funeral will be on the internet. I don't know how that works, but we'll send details later after we get details from the funeral home.

We had such a wonderful weekend, I was anxious to write about it Sunday night, but never got to the computer. We went to Dickson Saturday, had lunch with Dad and Joyce, then spent the night at Montgomery Bell State Park. It was cold, but we enjoyed being there so much. The inn is right on the lake, coming in there were wild turkeys across the road, and we watched ducks fly over and land on the lake later. Phil was so happy. He just kept saying, "This is so beautiful, I'm so glad we came here". The inn has a great restaurant, and Phil suggested we eat, then take a nap, then eat, then take a nap...... Our room was so quiet and peaceful with a great view of the lake, it was just perfect. Sunday morning we went to the Dickson CP Church with Dad and Joyce and my sister-in-lay Vicki. Enjoyed being there again. Then we all had a great lunch and we drove home. Phil never complained of feeling badly until we were home, he ate well and was so happy. I'm so thankful we had that time.

The doctor thinks the tumor has grown into the respiratory area of his brain, we started with pneumonia but just kept going downhill. Our beloved Dr. Gammada is with us again now that we're back at our "home" hospital. He loves Phil also.

I know lots of prayers are going out for us. I've always told Phil he has more friends than anyone I know. More later, Phil's Page is close to the end, but not quite finished yet. My love to you......

Pa is slipping away very peacefully.............Christy

Pa is not good. He's gone downhill very quickly. He's not waking up. Micah is here and we are calling the rest of the family............Christy

If only the good days could last,,,,Pa is in room 320 at STMC. He has pneumonia. He was admitted yesterday (Sunday) after having a morning of shortness of breath. His breathing is
much worst tonight even after all the antibiotic's he has received. He has been uncomfortable all day and is very sick. Mom is in the bed with him trying to keep him comfortable. Hopefully in the morning his breathing will be easier. Christy

I try to print an update twice a week to keep everyone informed, though the news this week hasn't changed. Phil continues to do well. Though he's still in a wheelchair, he spends more time in his recliner, and is very content. He is thinking more, looking ahead to tomorrow and what the plans are for the day. We get out and go somewhere every day, today it was lunch out and a trip to K-Mart, then to Goshen church for supper. His speech continues to improve, though it still takes a litle imagination at times to get to his meaning. For the first time tonight he showed some frustration at not being able to get out of bed himself in the mornings. That's the first frustration he's shown over any of the changes in his life. And in a few days, we may find a solution to that little problem as he can mostly dress himself and he's transferring to the wheelchair without help (when I'm not looking). When he gets just a little stronger, he will be able to get himself out of bed without my assistance. All is going well and we're thankful!

We have had a good week. Each day Phil seems to have gained a little, is stronger and speaking better. He's now transferring himself from the wheelchair to the chair without help. Makes me nervous, but wants to do as much as he can himself and I understand that.

We continue to add to our "home" in the garage. Phil is so proud of it, you just never know what will make a man happy. We now have a better TV and more seating space out there, so there's room for the whole family when the boys come.

Yesterday we went to Bell Buckle and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and weather. We had lunch from the Bell Buckle Cafe and ate out in the sun; it was just perfect.

Today was church with our friends at Estill Springs Nazarene, it was good to be there again.

We're thanking God for each day. Phil sits up at 5:30 AM and says "It's a beautiful day". And yes, it is.

Mom is sick today. N,V,&D. I've got the duty of keeping up with Mr. Energizing Pa. I don't know how Mom does it every single day. He is a HANDFUL ! He is organizing his new home, "The Garage" right now. I believe he "reorganizes" it every day !!! It keeps him busy and he's the happiest I've EVER seen him in all my life !!! He is so content in his new home. He loves showing off his tv and other things he's got out there, so if anyone would want to stop by, he'd love to give you the tour !! I'm amazed at his spirit, He is always smiling and soooo loving. He knows his time is not long, but that hasn't changed the way he wakes up each morning. I just pray Mom continues to keep the strength to keep up with him !!
Thank you to all for your love and support,
Christy

We're having a great weekend. Phillip flew in from DC for two days and we're thrilled to have him here. We only wish Micah could be here too, but he and Phillip have opposite days off.

Phil is talking fairly well now, he got up this morning ready to get out and go somewhere. Phillip took him out on the town (not too exciting if you know where we live), but Phil enjoyed the trip.

They were watching football on TV, but as you see in the picture, both ae napping as I write. A great Saturday afternoon!

Phil wants to see people. Please call him on his phone, or come by some afternoon. Just call first to be sure we're home. Our home number is 931-649-3027. We're thankful for good days!