We have put away the quilting as Phil can no longer do that. He has been able to talk to people when they come and he stills enjoys the company. Since coming home he has ate some pot roast that Jim Arndorfer made and smelled so good he had a piece of potato and carrot. He had a sugar cookie that Jim Ries brought him. (He told Jim that he could not come without his famous cookies). He had a teaspoon full of gillies chocolate custard brought by Jim Bors. Also he has taken some sips of water and juice. He did vomit last night and no longer poops, so no more intake. He is getting weaker and weaker and the time is coming closer.
People are doing amazing things and saying amazing things about him and the way he touched peoples lives. We enjoy reading all the emails and blog comments that have been sent.
I told Phil that all these years I thought people only liked him because I was so great. He said he thought the same thing and we laughed. Phil says that is one of the benefits of dying slowly. You get to hear what people thought of you.
It has been an interesting journey. However, soon he will be at the ultimate end with the One who loves him the most.
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5 comments:
A lived FAITH - what a beautiful example all of the Ortiz's are sharing with us. You are making my faith stronger by your example. How special it is that Phil is so loved and WANTED by God that he is asking him home for his Birthday party! Enjoy the ride and be sure to pray for us that we can too be wanted by God.
Love, Strength and Blessings,
The Dombroski Family
Phil - This message is long, long overdue... I cannot begin to thank you enough for what you have meant to me and my family. Although I have not had the pleasure of interacting with you directly in a long while, the thoughtful words, laughs, and hugs that you have given my mother over the years have found their way into my heart. You have been a constant reminder for me (and my mother) that Fred is always with us and watching over us since his passing. And, more importantly for me, you have honestly made me feel that Fred would be proud of me and my accomplishments. For that, the words "thank you" simply aren't enough. I only wish that there were more I could do for you. I will continue to send up prayers for you and your family, and I trust that God will make the time you have left memorable and peaceful. On a lighter note... I do wish I could have seen you riding the Harley this summer with Tom! I apologize if this message seems more rambled than coherent, but I just couldn't let more time pass without sharing my thoughts with you.
God Bless,
Renate Gray
renate.gray@gmail.com
I never thanked Mr. Ortiz for saving my life. (Sorry but he will always be MISTER Ortiz to me.) Let me set the scene: Girl Scout camping. Sixth grade. Cold winter day. I can’t remember the name of the campground, but we stayed in a huge “retreat-type” building with big square grade school-looking linoleum tiles. You had to have shoes on the entire weekend because the floors where so cold. You wore them to bed too-it was COLD! There was a huge hill about a quarter mile from the building. Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Miller had the job of supervising the entire troop while we sled down the gigantic hill. Mrs. Ortiz and Mrs. Miller had to stay inside-I think they said something about patching up some “sit-upons” (But I’m pretty sure that was code for “we are going to sit by the fire and enjoy a little peace and quite”.) It was one of those amazing days from childhood. We had a blast! We were sledding for hours down that enormous hill. Just as dusk was approaching and we were getting ready to head back indoors to warm our frost bitten hands and feet; Christy Miller, Michelle Ortiz and I decided to go down the hill one more time. We piled onto one of those long 3 people plastic sleds. I was in the front, Christy was in the middle, and Michelle was in the back. We started down the hill and realized that our sled was veering sideways. I forgot to mention that although the hill was fairly wide and long, to the left and right was a very steep cut-off into a valley filled with a forest of mature oak trees. So now the 3 of us are screaming. I’m trying in vain to kick my feet into the snow to steer us back in the right direction. It never dawned on any of us to simply jump off the sled to safety. We were moving so fast towards that steep cut-off point of no return, screaming at the top of our lungs. All of a sudden from the corner of my eye I see a figure running down the hill after us. I vaguely remember a cape waving in the wind around the figure’s neck, but I distinctly remember a red letter “S” on his chest. Moments before we were to plunge over the edge into the deep valley below, certain to bash into at least one of the numerous mighty oaks; I watched Mr. Ortiz launch himself forward with his arms straight out in front of him. (He looked exactly like Superman flying thru the air.) And right as we were on the edge, he landed and grabbed hold of the back of the sled, jerking us back from the dismal abyss. I am not exaggerating- the front part of the sled was dangling over the edge. We were goners for sure, if not for the quick thinking and super hero-like reaction of Mr. Ortiz. I just remember the three of us girls laughing hysterically, because we couldn’t believe what we just lived through. It was truly amazing! So thank you Mr. Ortiz for saving my life! (On second thought, I might be wrong- it could have been Mr. Miller who stopped our sled. I can’t be expected to remember EVERY detail.)
Well either way, I just wanted to say “thank you” Mr. Ortiz for watching over us on all those Girl Scout camping trips. What I wouldn’t give to be back on that hill with all my best buddies, protected by one of the best Girl Scout Dads in the world!
Love,
Mary Kay Leonard
Please know that the Rexnord Indianpolis IT folks are praying for Phil and hope the holly bush sent adds to the forrest setting in your room. We've enjoyed your wit and humor over the many years. May God bless you and keep you close.
Phil & Judy,
We were so happy to visit with you on Thursday. Phil you just amaze us with your wit, honesty and sensitivity as you draw closer to meeting our Lord face to face and reuniting with your family members that have gone before you. You remain in our constant thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you and with your entire family.
Love to all of you,
Mary & Pat
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