I first met him through mutual
friends. Quiet and shy, he said little, but seemed quite content to stay
in our midst, offering brief comments from time to time.
He was rather different from the type of people I normally associated
with. We were, to those on the outside looking in, exact opposites. He
was Metallica, and I Mozart. He was motorcycles, and leather, and
tattoos, and long, long, hair. I was roses, and satin, and lace, and
pearls. He the lion, I the lamb. How on Earth could these two even
connect? What could they possibly have in common?
As days became weeks, and weeks became months, our friendship blossomed.
I was amazed at the treasure I found once I was able to remove a few
stones and get inside the lode. He was likewise amazed at what he found
within me. Inside, we are the same.
He found within me a touch of adventure, a sprinkling of mischief, a dab
of wild abandonment--all buried with the loss of my youth. I found
within him an enormous amount of intelligence, loyalty, integrity, and
class, which he chose to keep concealed from the world. And in each
other we found trust, faith, hope, love, and truth. With each other we
can be ourselves.
Phil is an incredible human being, a true friend, and a wondrous gift
from God. His is a heart of pure gold. He has the wisdom to know what
is true and real, and what isn't. He knows God intimately.
I will thank God all the remaining days of my life for leading me to
Phil, through the love of our friends who brought us together. What I
have learned is worth more than all the diamonds, rubies and sapphires
the world has to offer. And the friendship and love I have gained is one of
the greatest gifts I have or shall ever receive.
