Sunday, February 8, 2015

nancy philsister

I'd like to take a moment to honor one of the greatest women I've ever had the privilege to know and love.

I met my Philly nearly 18 years ago.  Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to his only sibling, Nancy.




 Nancy and I took to each other immediately.  She made me feel so comfortable and special right from the beginning.  The fact of the matter is she was the special one.  Because Nancy lit up any room she entered; she made everyone feel important and loved.

 Even before Phil and I were married, she loved my children as if they were her own blood.  They were not simply "my brother's wife's kids."  They were HER niece and nephew, and no mistake.

We lost Nancy suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, January 29th from complications during surgery to remove a cancerous mass on her ovaries.

The hole she has left in our hearts and lives is palpable. 

You may wonder at the title of this post.  No, her last name wasn't really Philsister.  I was at my parents' house one day and mentioned Nancy was coming to visit.  My dad (a bit hard of hearing) said, "Who?"

My reply: "Nancy, Phil's sister."

Dad:  "Nancy Philsister?"

He really thought I said that was her last name.  :)

From that point on, she was known as Nancy Philsister.  From my family to hers, and Nancy herself.  It was just one of the great inside jokes we all came to share.

Upon reflection after Nancy's passing, my Phil, amidst tears and sadness, said, "You know...she wasn't Nancy, Phil's sister...I was her little brother."

Her family by blood is very small, indeed, but for everyone whose lives she touched, she is Mom, Sister, Wife, Aunt, Nana.  The list goes on.

We will love you forever, Nancy.

You will forever be in our hearts.


If you're so inclined, I've included Nancy's favorite song, In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride.  Nancy had a very special relationship with her daughter.  And these words show the beauty of Nancy's love for her.  And for all of us.




Goodbye Nancy, until we meet again.

I love you.


If you'd like to see Nancy's obituary, it can be seen HERE.



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29 comments:

  1. BlissFebruary 8, 2015 at 8:15 PM

    Ohhhhhh Andi my sympathies to you all. I know the song, so I can't listen to it after reading your touching tribute. So very sad for you.

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  2. Tina@WhatWeKeepFebruary 8, 2015 at 8:22 PM

    Andi and Philly,
    I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your sister. I think I would have enjoyed knowing Ms.Nancy Philsister. She sounds like a wonderful woman- a woman who clearly made your world a better place. That's all any of us can hope to leave behind. Sending love to you, T.

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  3. ElkeFebruary 8, 2015 at 8:40 PM

    Lovely tribute!

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  4. Christy JamesFebruary 8, 2015 at 9:37 PM

    Oh Andi I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have had her in your life. Sending a big hug your way, my friend.

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  5. Doreen@foxdenrdFebruary 8, 2015 at 9:44 PM

    This makes me so very sad Andi. I'm so sorry such a beautiful woman, both inside and out, is gone from this earth too soon and so suddenly. This was a lovely tribute. xxx

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  6. Mary NeumannFebruary 8, 2015 at 9:55 PM

    Such a beautiful tribute, Andi. So sorry to hear of your family's loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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  7. Heather @ The Beating HearthFebruary 8, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    What a lovely post. I wish I could have known her, because anyone who gets such a glowing tribute had to be one hell of a lady. Love to you and Phil.

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  8. RitaFebruary 8, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    So very sorry to hear that!! She sounds like a special woman that was a blessing in your lives. She will be missed, I have no doubt. The love flows from your words. *hugs*

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  9. Maureen WyattFebruary 8, 2015 at 11:12 PM

    I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I'm glad, even though the pain of losing her is still so acute, you are focussing on all the joy she brought to your lives. With a heart as big as her's, I'm sure that is exactly what she would want.

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  10. Kirby CarespodiFebruary 9, 2015 at 4:34 AM

    So sorry to read this, Andi. She sounds like a wonderful person, and your tribute says so much. Thinking of you.

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  11. Danni@SiloHillFarmFebruary 9, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    I'm sorry Andi. She sounds like a lovely woman and I love that she was so good to your kids right from the start! Hang in there girl.

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  12. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseFebruary 9, 2015 at 7:40 AM

    I'm so sorry to read that you lost someone you loved so much and who obviously deserved that love. You wrote a beautiful tribute.

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  13. Deborah@Green Willow PondFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:30 AM

    I am so very sorry for you and your family's loss. It is obvious from your words that she was a special treasure. Hugs and prayers for healing.

    Blessings,
    Deborah

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  14. Cheryl in WisconsinFebruary 9, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    Deep breath in.... slow breath out. Wow, what a painful shock.

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  15. CarrieFebruary 9, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    Ugh, this totally made me tear up. How sad that this had to happen and what a great loss. Sudden losses are SO hard... I totally understand what you mean, I am remarried and it is such a blessing that Brian's family sees my kids as part of their family. It means so much to me. I am sorry and will keep you and your family in my prayers.

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  16. miss flibbertigibbetFebruary 9, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    So sorry for your loss as well as the whole family's loss! It is always so wonderful to have a good relationship with a sister-in-law....I have one with mine. I know your heart is broken...I will keep you and all the family in my prayers.

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  17. Sherry @ Thrift My HouseFebruary 9, 2015 at 3:00 PM

    I'm truly sorry Andi! She sounds like she was a wonderful person. I'll be praying for you and your family.

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  18. AndreaFebruary 9, 2015 at 4:21 PM

    I am so sorry for all in the Philsister family. What a terrible shock. (hugs)

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  19. Jo-Anne's RamblingsFebruary 9, 2015 at 6:10 PM

    You have my deepest sympathy I can't imagine the pain your family must be feeling but what a lovely tribute to her from you

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  20. orneryswifeFebruary 10, 2015 at 6:11 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and Philly.

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  21. Feral TurtleFebruary 10, 2015 at 7:40 AM

    Oh Andi, I am so very sorry for Phil, you and your entire family. What a tragic loss. She sounds like an amazing person to be surrounded by such love. My prayers are with you all.

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  22. Janie JunebugFebruary 11, 2015 at 1:14 AM

    I'm sorry I'm so late to visit and offer my condolences. Philsister is a great name.

    Love,
    Janie

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  23. Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel VintageFebruary 13, 2015 at 9:05 AM

    I'm so sorry for your loss Andi. What a truly wonderful tribute.

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  24. UnknownFebruary 14, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    I'm so sorry to read this Andi - my heart felt condolences to you and to Phil Nancysbrother.
    She sounds like a wonderful woman - what a blessing to have had her in your life..............
    xoxoxo

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  25. Daniela @Frugal Aint CheapFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:58 PM

    Andy, sorry to hear this. She sounds like a wonderful human being. It's never easy, but I pray you find comfort during this hard time. Love, Daniela.

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  26. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworkingFebruary 21, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    andi, I'm late on reading blogs, so I apologize for not writing sooner. I'm sorry to hear about your beloved sister-in-law. How sad for everyone. Sending hugs- Julie

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  27. MarianneFebruary 23, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    I am so sorry.

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  28. SharonFromMichiganFebruary 24, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    My heart goes out to you and your husband and your entire family. My prayers are with you. What a lovely tribute for a beautiful lady.

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  29. LindaApril 11, 2015 at 1:27 PM

    I went from laughing hysterically to tears in 2.0 seconds. I am brand new to your website. I was reading some of your other posts and noticed Nancy on your facebook. I want to wish you, your husband and family my prayers for healing. I have been there and know first hand the emptiness and sorrow death brings. Remember Nancy for the wonderful gift she was to all who knew her.

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