Thank You, Phil Fees

9th of April 2019

Yesterday, I received some devastating news while at work. I received a message from a friend that her brother had taken his life and died. I played baseball with him growing up. Sometimes on the same team and sometimes against each other. We went to middle school and high school together. I know her because of him if you haven't put that together yet.

I met Phil Fees while playing baseball at Fort Des Moines Little League. I can't remember how many times we were on the same team, but I seem to remember at least twice. I'm not even sure what to say about him. We had good times, and we had arguments. However, I always had respect for him. At least I tried to have respect for him. I say try because I was a dumb kid who probably said the wrong things. However, we continued to grow up together since middle school, but life would take us both our separate ways. I reconnected with him on social media, and I was happy to see that he seemed to be doing well for himself. He had 2 boys and were into wrestling. He was into wrestling as well, and it was great to see him so proud of his boys.

I'll never forget the times we played on the diamond whether it was on the same team or not. We always gave each other grief, but we still had a great friendship. He made you try harder on the field. I miss those times, and I'm going to miss him.

I give my love to his family and other friends who loved Phil. I will miss his sense of humor and sarcasm. He was one friend who stuck with me when I didn't feel accepted when first going to middle school. With Phil, it wasn't about who were the cool kids. It was about having a common bond. With me, it was baseball.

Thank you, Phil, for the memories and the times together. I will cherish them forever.

If you or anyone you know is thinking about suicide, please call this number first: 1-800-273-8255 Or call or email me. I'll listen.