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.

*********

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.

*********

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.