|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
You can count on one hand the number of people in my life that I consider true friends. Way beyond
just folks with whom I share similar interests or play cards with, these people
have become a vital part of who I am. I look up to these people – idolize and emulate them – for they each possess different traits that I strive to achieve. They have
courage, or patience, or generosity, or skill, or determination. Their advice is vital, for they’ve known me for years
- they know my history, and they know how my mind works, sometimes more than I do. Combined, these people already are everything that I need to become - in order to grow, love, work, be successful, or even just plain survive life.
Philip was the heart and soul of this support system, this house of cards inside my head. So much more than just the loss of a great friend that I had great times with, the loss of Philip means
that a crucial pillar which held up my mental and emotional stability has been kicked out from under me. The void in my heart and in my mind caused by his death can never be filled or replaced, and the last moments of my life will be spent in solace knowing that I will see him again.
This is what Philip Edward Katz means to me…
Ironically, one of the biggest mistakes I’ve repeatedly made in my life is precisely what Philip is remembered for the most. I wasted so much time and energy being angry at the world, intimidated by challenges, or afraid of failure. Philip never let me fall completely into the depths of depression or pessimism, and is responsible for the most memorable parts of my un-wasted time so far.
This is what Philthy Phil means to me…
I continue to write, film, and speak of
Philip's remembrance in order to keep his memory alive - not just for my own sustenance, but to share the powerful and invaluable gift of his influence with as many people as possible.
I want to tell Philip's story to the world, not just for my sake but for
everyone's sake - everyone who thinks they don't make a difference -
everyone who has a dream but is afraid to follow it - everyone who
tragically wanders through life without actually living it.
My friend Rich says that in the one day he knew Phil, there was so
much impact: "Changed my outlook on life...made me a better person..." Well, Philip lived for 8,429 days. How many of us have been changed? How many of us are a better person
today because of his influence?
This is his legacy. This is the legend...
So when you read these passages and explore this legend, please take my advice: Do not weep for Philip. Instead weep for yourselves and for this world, for we are all much worse without him...
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Lenny and Phil in Red Bank, NJ - October 24, 1999
|
|
|
|
|
