Gone on the Fourth of July

Phyllis Money was a friend of mine. She spent 87 years on this earth, so full of life I thought she'd be here forever. Born on Veteran's Day, she said as a child she thought all the parades were for her birthday. I suppose she knew she was special from the beginning. "I take care of old people" she would say. She worked for an assisted living company taking care of seniors most of which were younger than Phyllis. Being old was a state of mind to her. She wasn't ready to move to that state.

She loved to share stories of her life as a child in West Virginia and all the other places throughout the country she had lived. She would draw you in with tales of adventure and the awkward situations she would find herself in. She would bring you to tears with laughter as she describe in detail all her trials and tribulations. Many of her adventures came by simply taking the time to talk with people and soon she'd be wandering off to a new experience.

The ability to really talk to people was what was unique about Phyllis. Even when speaking to a small group of people, she made you fell she was giving it all to you. When it was your turn to talk she listened and even heard what was being said. Her countenance would light up when she spoke of her children and grandchildren. Her gracious smile, pure white hair, the life in her eyes and excitement in her voice kept all who listened engaged. She was a genuine treasure, a pearl of great price.

Having out lived four husbands she decided she didn't need another one, her Lord would take care of her. He seemed to be at her beckon call. She never wanted for anything and was able to lay hold of her desires. She was an encourager to many, a fine example of what a genuine Christian should be. Knew God's love for her and His love for you too. She spoke her mind when she needed too. She always said what she meant and meant what she said. She always tempered it with love. A seeker of adventure, a flurry of activity, a dreamer with the boldness to pursue her dreams.

She left us on the Fourth of July after fulfilling her last dream. She wanted to go to Africa to visit her daughter and her husband and visit an African game preserve. The trip would cost a lot of money which seemed to just flow to her. She made her trip, fulfilled her dream and left us to remember that your never too old to dream and never to old to live your dreams.

Thank you, Phyllis.
You are missed and will be remembered.