Friday the 13th, part 209

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I know that is a very strange title to some people.  It IS Friday the 13th; however, the "part 209" is a tribute to the many films in the horror films about Jason Myers, a killing lunatic that dies at the end of each film, but comes back for another round again and again.  I don't even know how many films in the series there were, but that is what the 209 is about.  "209" is also a tribute to one of my dad's closest friends, the dearly beloved Phil Campbell.

Let me explain.

Phil could talk about ANYTHING and make you think he was completely knowledgeable about the subject.  He was a master.  But you would only realize he was BSing when those three numbers came out of his mouth (and it was not two hundred nine), 2 O 9.

It's in the Code of Canon Law number 209.

His lifetime batting average was 209.

The office was on floor 209 of the White House.  

Just the most silly thoughts.  What a great man with an amazing sense of humor.  He also had a heart of gold, compassionate to a fault.  He was generous beyond what anyone would consider to be incredible.  Unfortunately, in his late 40s or early 50s, Phil had a stroke or two; yet he was determined to continue in his life's mission -- to spread God's joy to so many people.

I think his greatest moment came when after a long recovery, Phil wanted to golf with my dad again.  Remember, Phil's stroke had left very little control over his right side of his body.  He had a golf glove made so that he could hang on to the club in a swing.  But that day, Phil pulled off one of the funniest pranks ever.  Dad was a very bad driver of those golf carts.  Well, at one instance, dad made a hard left turn and Phil simply didn't have the strength to stay upright and fell out of the cart - on purpose.  Dad screamed "PHIL!"  He came back over to Phil who was simply laughing so hard he was almost crying.  He scared the heck out of dad.  I saw it happen and I freaked for a moment too, but then saw Phil laughing and I knew it was on purpose.  "I've had to learn how to roll."  What a priceless memory.  I was the presider at Phil's funeral.  And the story STILL was a classic for all.  That was just Phil's nature.  One of his last things he said to me was "can you let God know I'd like room 209?"  Talk about a tear jerker, but priceless nonetheless.

Phil's birthday was this past Monday.  I cannot remember how old he would have been, but I know it was not 209 years.  

What happened to all the men in the world who are so gifted?  I know a couple but the world still needs many more.  Maybe find a little good luck in your heart on this Friday the 13th.

BOO!

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 15, 2026 at 6:41 AM

    What a great memory and so well written Phil is still laughing 😂

    ReplyDelete

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