From Phil

I left you when red cherries no longer were in season
I left you when frost began to ice the dawn
I left you when nighttime reached further into daytime
I left you as late summer braced with chill
I left you before the harvest moon when autumn colors splash
I left you before I could say goodbye

So, remember
when you leave your house, know you may never return
when you dine with loved ones, it could be your last shared meal
when you joke with friends, it might be your last laugh together
when you tap your toe to a catchy beat it may be the last dance you dance
when you kiss your lover savor the touch with all of your affection
when you rest your head on your pillow at night, know you may never awaken

But if you do, may you wake with gratitude,
for your breath,
for your senses,
for this day when you’re alive

Embrace the joy in sharing love,
of living each moment
of this precious gift you’ve been given today –
your life

My cousin, Judge Philip E. Smith, age 62 of Nashville, TN, died September 4, 2022 unexpectedly in his sleep. He was survived by his wife of 39 years, two daughters, three grandchildren and a brother. He died days after being elected to a third term. Judge Smith had a passion for adoption, stating that “Adoption Day was the happiest day at the courthouse and everyone left happy”. In 2015, The Women’s Political Collaborative of Tennessee honored Judge Smith with a “Good Guys Award” for his work on domestic violence. Phil will be greatly missed by family and his vast number of friends.

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