Living: A Crossroads Magazine...Remembering Philip

As with many things in life and the many doors which swing open to bring us change and much happiness, there is a also another evil door which swings open every once in a while to slam the very gut of our existence with tragedy and bleakness, but maybe in the end it reminds us to appreciate all that we still have left. I narrow it down to being part of the ying yang theory or simply...just a fact of life.

Today I remember many young lives that have been taken away much too soon, but the person whom is closest in my heart and memory, the person I will always wonder 'what if' about is my dear nephew Philip. I miss you and love you so much!!!! Aunt Dora...

Story filed on May 2, 2009 (open in new tab/window 4 better view)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHILIP! Your sis' Erica got married today like she wanted.

TODAY WAS YOUR 29TH BIRTHDAY AND YOU WERE IN ALL OF OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR THOUGHTS THE ENTIRE DAY. WE SPOKE OF YOU CONSTANTLY, BUT YOU KNOW THAT AS WE KNOW YOU WERE THERE IN SPIRIT; YOUR PRESENCE WAS FELT BY US ALL THROUGH-OUT THE ENTIRE DAY AND EVENING.

ERICA HAD THE PERFECT WEDDING AND MARRIED A REALLY NICE PERSON.

THEY ARE OFFIClALLY MR. & MRS. NICHOLAS PUENTES.

AS PART OF THE CEREMONY, RUDY TOASTED THE WEDDED COUPLE AND HE ALSO BROUGHT YOU UP...IT WAS ANOTHER TOUCHING MOMENT. NOT A DRY EYE IN THE PLACE.

YOU WERE SEVERELY MISSED!

MY WEDDING VIDEO FOR ERICA & NICK WENT WELL ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A MINOR TECHNICAL GLITCH WHEN I PLAYED IT. FUNNY THING IS THAT IT NEVER MESSED UP DURING THE MANY, MANY PLAYBACKS WHILE I PIECED IT TOGETHER UNTIL THE FINAL VIEWING THE NIGHT OF THEIR WEDDING. THE MOVIE FROZE...I DID NOT PANIC NOR GET UPSET; I KNEW YOU WERE THERE TO GIVE YOUR AUNT DORA A FUN MOMENT. HA, HA - THANKS FOR THAT!

YOUR AUNT JOSIE DID A FABULOUS JOB AS THEIR WEDDING COORDINATOR.

YOUR PIC WAS THE FIRST CENTER PIECE EVERYONE SAW WHEN THEY ENTERED THE BUILDING. I AM SURE ERICA WANTED IT THAT WAY ALONG WITH NICK AS HE CHERISHES YOUR SISTER AND ALWAYS HAS HER BACK. YOUR MOM, DAD AND FELICIA ALSO WANTED IT (center piece) THAT WAY, OF THAT I AM CERTAIN, AND THEY ALSO REMEMBERED YOU DEARLY.

WE LOVE YOU - ALWAYS.

Stories from Philip's sisters and cousins

These are the stories as they were sent to me by Erica, Felicia, Alex and Rudy. I am not sure how the Herald reporter (Amanda) or her Editor will edit them so I wanted to post them here in their entirety. Thanks again to them (Erica, Felicia, Alex and Rudy) for submitting the stories; I know it was a difficult thing for you all to do. I am proud of you all and do love you so very much. My sincere appreciation as well to the Big Spring Herald and to Amanda Moreno for their support and participation in reporting the story about our on-going family project for Philip. More so to Amanda as she has been in constant communication to ensure our story is accurate; her understanding of what we've gone through has been so helpful, respectful and sincere.

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Story from Erica:
My brothers passing impacted my life tremendously. I never imagined that something so tragic would happen to my family. My brother was a wonderful, hard-working, generous person, and anyone who had the honor of meeting him would say the same. I always considered my brother a great role model, whatever he did; I wanted to do the same. I wanted to be just like him. I guess you could say I saw my brother as my Hero. On the day the Lord called him home, was a life changing event for me. It was a huge eye opener for me; I realized that you shouldn’t take your loved ones for granted. After my brother’s unexpected death, I knew that I had to be the role model for my little sister. I knew that I had my little sister looking up to me, and I was determined to attempt to be a fourth of the role model that Philip was for me. Believe me, I kept hoping that I was dreaming, that I would wake up and my brother would still be there, but as hard as it was I know I must accept the Lords way, and continue living the best to my ability, not only for myself, but for my family, and for my brother.
Being a member of the Adopt-a-Highway program makes me feel proud and accomplishing. Not only are we helping the community, but we are doing it in a way to honor my brother. My brother would help anyone who needed it, and I feel with us participating in the Adopt-a-Highway program we are doing just that. Furthermore, when we participate in these events, we make it a point to get together as a family afterwards; it’s a way that we as a family are keeping the memories of my brother alive. I would strongly influence others to participate in the adopt-a-highway program. It is a great way to honor the memory of a loved one. It is a win-win situation to be a part of a program where you are honoring your loved one as well as helping the community. In addition, the feeling after the clean up is a great feeling of accomplishment.
Philip’s sister, Erica Guzman (25)

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Story from Felicia:
I remember my brother Philip as if he was just here yesterday. I don't like to think about the day of the accident. I want to remember him and all the good times we had together. He was a huge part of my life; he and my sister Erica are my biggest role models. What he did for me and my family I will always hold dear to my heart and the memories of my brother can never be taken away. I know he is not here physically, but spiritually, he is always close by. Philip is now my guardian angel and I know he's always watching over me and our family. When my aunt Dora and our friend Sara told us about the Adopt-a-Highway program and the reasons why they did it, I felt really good and honored. Now nine years later, as a teenager, I realize it helps me cope with his passing and helps keep his memory alive. I wish more people would really consider doing this on behalf of their loved ones because it just makes you feel proud and at the same time, you are doing your part in keeping your community clean.
To all those who take part in the Adopt-a-Highway program, keep up the good work.
Philip's little sister, Felicia! (17)

Story from Alex Hernandez
Philip’s death had a big impact on my life. I was only six years old when he passed. And I could remember that the person that was lying on the hospital bed was a person that I had come to admire so much in my life, as he always took time to play with me and make me laugh. He seemed real quiet and shy around older people, but he was always funny and making us little ones laugh, especially me and his little sister Felicia. In fact, the last time I saw him alive and laughing was at my 6th birthday party in April 2000. His death left a big void in my life and I’m so proud to be involved in the clean-up every chance we get because it’s a way for me to connect with him and let him know how much he is missed and loved. In fact, this is the one time that I don’t mind getting up early on a Saturday morning (like most teenagers, I, too, can be known to sleep in on Saturday mornings) to help with the clean-up. I couldn’t think of a better way to memorialize my cousin Philip for his kind and generous heart. I would encourage families to get together and get involved with this annual clean-up, to love and enjoy each other while you are all still together. It’s a great time to talk and share and help the community at the same time.
Alexandra Hernandez-Philip’s cousin. (14)

Story from Rudy Gamboa:
Philip Guzman, Jr. was not only my cousin but also my best friend and my brother eternal. I remember the times when we would be out on the ranch playing through the West Texas fields as if we were explorers of the world searching for gold. No matter what he did, it was simply amazing. I looked up to him, and even today, still look up to him because he was that special. Philip was not only intelligent, but he was a caring and loving individual. He always took the time to help others whether it was something complex as figuring the problem of an engine or as simple as making you smile and laugh. It’s almost been 10 years already and his life lives on through our family. To most people, Snyder Highway is simply Snyder Highway. To me, it was the road to my cousin's home. Being on that small stretch of highway brings back all of the memories we had together, and just for that one moment, I feel close to him again. Perhaps you could say Snyder Highway is the Highway to Heaven. To me, it's that beautiful! He would have done it for anybody.
Rudy Gamboa, Philip’s cousin! (28)

2009 Texas Trash Off : A SUCCESS!

We all gathered at our usual meeting place at the usual time (8:00 AM). 14 ppl met for the pics and 13 ppl were able to stay for the actual clean-up.

It was a nice day for the event. Nice and cool, a bit breezy but not so bad at the beginning. Later on, part of the group did encounter some really hard winds and much dirt, but we are grateful they made out okay. Truly grateful that we all made out okay and that safety was our priority and insurance for a good day. We finished early enough that we beat the not-so-nice weather as the winds did get worse as did the dirt at the very end. As the morning progressed, we reflected on Philip's life and what he did for the family and how much he meant to us and how dearly he is missed. Below are pics of the event. Thanks so much to everyone who showed up. As always, it means so much to our family especially to the Guzman Family!

(click on pics for larger view)

Above both pics L - R, back row: Uncle Jabier, Nick, Uncle Billy.
L - R, front row: Aunt Dora, Sara, Grandma "Momo" Eva, Aunt Aurora, Cousin Alex, Mom Eva, Sister Felicia, Sister Erica, Dad Philip SR, Aunt Josie and Aunt Betty

Above pic on left, L - R, back row: Uncle Jabier, Nick, Aunt Betty. L - R, front row: Aunt Dora, Sara, Aunt Aurora, Cousin Alex, Aunt Josie, Grandma "Momo" Eva, Sister Felicia, Mom Eva, Dad Philip SR and kneeling is Sister Erica,

Above picture on right: Dad Philip, SR and Uncle Tom (thanks to Tom for never missing an event, he is Philip SR's twin)

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After the clean-up: we all headed back to Mom's home for breakfast which she made for us and we so did appreciate. Everyone stayed around until lunch-time and we had chili dogs and such. Thanks to my sisters, Aurora and Eva and to our Mom, Eva, for providing the food. You guys are awesome. Even after lunch, we were all still having such a good time that no one left for several hours. At some point, Erica, Nick and Josie (their wedding coordinator) broke off into another room for a little while to continue plans for the June wedding. The rest of us kept talking and laughing. Aurora bought us (her sisters and our Mom) some scratch off tickets; most of us made out very well ($$$). "Thanks, FUA!"

Back to the clean-up along Snyder Hwy, we laughed as we fought our way through the hard winds and the dirt and thought that Philip must be laughing at us for the way we were having to fend it all off. At the same time, we knew he was ever-more so proud of us.

Indeed...Philip is never forgotten or far from our hearts!

Remembering Philip

Just as the title says, this is a blog which will be used to remember Philip. My beloved nephew, first-born and only son of my sister and brother-in-law, Eva D. Guzman and Philip Guzman, SR.

Philip is survived by two sisters, Erica Dawn Guzman and Felicia Nicole Guzman.

Philip was a Texas Tech and 49'er "fan"atic. He was kind hearted and never declined to do a favor when it was asked of him or if he knew someone needed something, he merely rose to the occasion without hesitation. He had a passion for cars, inside and out. It was evident in the care and pride he took in his own vehicles. Often buying them to just tweak them up or to fix them up. His life was cut short, but I give him kudos for the way he lived it. He lived it well, with integrity and with vigor...first class. It is no wonder the heavens parted and the Lord chose Philip as He did that May evening. I cannot wait to see him again. All of us together again.

As for his sisters, Erica is marrying her fiance, Nick Puentes, on June 13th, 2009. Yes, on Philip's birthday...he would be 29 this year. I believe Philip would have liked Nick. Nick has been dating Erica for a while, and he is a valuable asset to our family. Like Philip, if someone needs help, Nick is there. I want to thank him (Nick) personally for the things he does for all of us esp the projects at my Mom's home.

Felicia is home schooled and is a very intelligent young lady. She is a fan of anything relating to the San Francisco 49'ers and Texas Tech University (just like Philip & Erica). Felicia has a super heart and often takes in stray animals. Her pets include an awesome cat named Noey and several other animals. She would make an awesome Veterinarian. No matter what she decides to do, greatness will surely never elude her.

Collage to remember (1)

Collage to remember (2)

Collage to remember (3)

Collage to remember (4)

Philip's Family

Philip's love, pride and joy!

Philip's Mom, Eva, his sister, Felicia and other sister, Erica. Sitting down is his Dad, Philip, SR.

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Erica and Nick @Erica's graduation from UT Permian Basin, 2008.

Erica received her bachelor's in business administration majoring in finance. Erica made it, Philip...her B.A. I'm sure you were as proud as we were that day and continue to be. Like I said, you would have liked Nick as we do.

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Our Adopt-A-Highway family project since 2005!

(left 2 right): Aunt Dora, Aunt Aurora, Uncle Jabier, Cousin Alex, Aunt Josie, Momo Eva, Mom Eva, Sister Felicia, Dad Philip, SR., and kneeling is Sister Erica.

Missing Philip

I remember it like it was yesterday, Philip was involved in a one-vehicle accident, although his truck sustained little damage, it was enough to take his life. A day that for his family will truly live in infamy.

We were having dinner at my sister Josie's house when the call came through from our niece, Michelle Hernandez. She was riddled with panic as she was trying to find out any news regarding his accident. Being that Josie and I lived in Midland and the accident occurred in Big Spring where the majority of our family resides, we knew nothing at all about said accident. Not much time went by after receiving that phone call that I suggested we all drive to Big Spring to find out what had happened and to lend our support as needed.

Apparently the accident happened not far from the Guzman's ranch. My sister Eva would have to recount the story in her own words as it is too important for me to try to adlib here. However, one of the things I do remember that she said was "the cloud of dirt" she saw after Philip left their ranch to do a test run of one of his trucks which he had worked on that evening after they had their dinner. My sister was outside their home sweeping the patio when she looked up and saw the dirt. She was taken aback by all that dirt and tried not to think the worst, after all, they live far from town and it is not uncommon for dirt devils and such. Difference was, her son was out there...he had just left and something tugged at my dear sister's heart. Like the old adage goes..."a mother's heart always knows".

Long story short, Philip survived for a few hours at the hospital in Big Spring before the Dr's agreed he was stable enough to be air-lifted to Lubbock (Texas Tech Univ Hosp). We all gathered and prayed, we hugged, we reminded ourselves how much love this family contained, and we prayed for a miracle that we not lose this valuable and much needed member of our family. Fate had other things in mind and the Lord was in need of a new angel. Philip passed away sometime between being airlifted and he never made it to Lubbock, the plane returned back to Big Spring. Several family members made the 2 hour drive to Lubbock only to be told the bad news upon their arrival. They would have to immediately drive back to Big Spring. All of our hearts broke as we received the awful news and they would never be the same again.

Each time I visited their ranch following Philip's tragic accident/death, my heart broke even more and I became so sad, solemn and melancholy. I missed my nephew so very much and I did all I could to keep from crying and yelling at our Divine Being for his short-givings.

I am not sure how my sister, my brother-in-law and my 2 nieces made it through this terrible experience but I give them much credit as do the rest of their loved ones.

Eva, Philip, SR, Erica and Felicia, you all have great faith. It has proven to have sustained you as a family unit and as individuals. You made it this far because of it and I am in total "awe" of you guys.

Even though the news media outlets all jotted down Philip's death having taken place on May 4th, 2000, I always consider it on May 3rd, 2000. That was the day of his accident and the last time we literally saw our beloved Philip before his demise. He does rest in peace now and watches over the rest of us until which time we are all together again.