Austin Phillips
Heaven Bound October 10, 2005
“After the coldest winter, the warmth of springtime beckons, and after the darkest night, the light of dawn appears once more. After the grayest store, a rainbow paints the sky with color, and after the strongest waves, fragile seashells line the shore. After the deepest loss, God gives the healing gift of memories to comfort and bring peace of mind when those we love are gone….”
“We can’t know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight’s kiss upon its face before it folds its fragrance in and bids the world goodnight to rest its beauty in a gentler place. But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost, and no one who has ever touched a heart can really pass away, because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they’ve been a part.”
Author Unknown
You can send your prayers and messages to the family or a note to Austin in Heaven by clicking below.
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Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and
family, I've never written to you before, but the events of the past 2
weeks have finally caused me to sit down and tell you of some of our
thoughts. I'm sure you know of the tragedy at Tyler JC with Payton Diers
losing his life in an automobile accident. Becky and I have been
heartbroken over this. We feel terribly for Scott and Rhonda and have
conveyed our condolences and thoughts to them. But it also causes us to
think of your family and the prayers that go along with it. Our son,
Jordan Rutenbar, has played baseball for TJC for the past 2 years;
however, he was not there when Austin was. He didn't attend TJC until the
spring semester 2 years ago. We never knew Austin, personally, though now
we feel forever linked to him and in a way, your family. We live in
Waxahachie (just a throw away from ya'll in Mansfield). When Jordy first
decided to attend TJC, he and I visited Coach Groth, where we learned that
a young man had lost his life to bacterial meningitis (something we knew
little about). We would soon learn more - the ways to contract the
disease, prevention & treatment, and even other people's stories in
dealing with it. Jordan was given an innocculation for it as he was to be
moved into West Hall on the campus. As the school semester, and the
baseball season progressed, we also found out from some of the other
players on the team that Jordan had been given Austin's dorm room. To me,
that kind of bonded Jordy and Austin in a deep, almost spiritual way.
Becky and I also felt this bond to you guys, though we never met face to
face. We would see ya'll at the games, and wonder with great sadness how
it would feel to be in your shoes. But, we also were amazed at the
strength and conviction you felt just being there for that team and those
games. We learned from the other parents who you guys were, but were
always uneasy with the thought of speaking to you. We are both very
emotional people, and we never
could quite hold it
together to just come and say "Hi", or "Thanks" for being there. But we
always felt it. And I was always telling myself that someday I would
either speak with ya'll or write to tell you how we have felt. I thought
the day might be the last game of last year, but Mr. Phillips, when you
threw out the 1st pitch of the game with Richland, I couldn't help myself
- Becky and I cried the whole day (not fought back tears) cried. Then the
fight during the game ruined the whole thing...the moment had been lost.
The next year was better. The team played great the whole season;
however, we were always wondering if we would see ya'll again, just to let
you know we were still thinking about your family. Then to see you guys
at a playoff game...that was great. I had heard from one of the other
parents that ya'll couldn't come back to the Championship game but there
you guys were. Again, what strength! I did take my chance to tell you
that day that the players AND the families really appreciated you guys
being there. I even snuck in a hug on the field after winning
the National Championship. It made me feel a little better to have
finally spoken, but you probably wondered, "Who was that weird guy"? So,
now we come to the present. Jordan has moved on to playing ball, and
attending University of Texas - Pan American. We're not at Tyler anymore,
but we feel this huge bond to the kids and the parents of the Tyler
family. As I said, with Payton's passing, it caused me to just let you
guys know that ya'll are a part of us (though we don't know you well) and
that we think and pray for ya'll often. Really often. I really hope that
your family will be at the Ring Ceremony this Friday at Tyler. Maybe I
can work up some of the strength that you have shown to say "Hey". We'd
love to see you there and make sure you're still going on, even though we
know your pain will never go away. Recently, the Bible verse that helps
me through life's tragedies has been II Timothy 1:12. It says "For I know
whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which
I've committed, unto Him, until that day". Again, I hope to see you in
Tyler (Austin really earned that ring), and we will continue praying for
ya'll, forever, until the day we can me this Austin face to face. And any
time you guys might want to talk (or for any other reason, or no reason at
all) please Email, write, or call us. We would love to hear from
you. All our love and thoughts, David and Becky Rutenbar
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 My
name is Robyn i went to school with Austin and the one thing that i
remember most about him is that he always wore his hat backwards. and he
had the greatest smile ever he always new how to left some one up when
they were down. I graduated in December of 2004 but i walked the stage
with him.... there is one thing that I want to say and that is something
someone said to me when I lost my best friend and that is " he might be
gone from earth but he will never leave our hearts" please Austin if you
can here this please know that we all love you and wish you were here.
and say hey to Elaine for me and tell her that I love her and that i am
doing ok . WE LOVE YOU AUSTIN.
love the class of 2005
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Dear
Phillips Family, My sincere condolences go out to each and everyone of you. There are no words that can ease your pain. It is hard to believe that another loved one has died from meningitis. I know what it is like to lose a loved one from this horrible disease. My sister Jane died at the age of 22 on December 27, 2004. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. Austin, give Jane a great big hug for me. Tell her that there is not a day that goes by and I don't think about her. One day I will see the both of you in heaven. Tracy Dore' sister of HBA Jane Menard |
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Dear
Austin and Family,
Your team played hard for you today and won
the first game of the season. I know you were there and will not forget
having number
21 with us today. Bless you and your family.
Dad Taylor.
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I
went to school with Austin my freshman year and I've losta loved one
this past year also, I know how hard it is and your son and your family
are in my prayers. I hope that your family makes it through this
difficult time as Austin would have hoped and if any of you ever need
anybody to talk to or just a shoulder to cry on, I'm always available!
Sincerely,
Nikole B.
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The thoughts and prayers of the team are with Austin's family. Jared
Smith
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We're sorry about losing Austin. May
God rest his soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Hugs
and Prayers. Joe, from Houston
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To Austin's Family, My heart and prayers go out to you. My grandson, Michael Wilson is on the TJC Baseball team and played with Austin. No words can convey our sympathy to you. We will continue to pray for God to give you strength. Barbara Wilson, Flint, Texas |
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There
are no words that can be said to fill your heart as your Austin did. You
just have to have faith in God that
he is where he is needed and that he received the highest calling of all.
Our prayers go out to your family as we know the pain and heartache of
losing a loved one to meningitis-an unexplainable, devastating illness.
Your Austin will watch over you and protect you in your hours of need.
Love and prayers, Dawn Thibodeaux (sister of HBA-Jane Menard)
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Dear
Austin: I'm so sorry you had to catch this horrible disease. It has claimed way too many young lives. Watch over your family as they will have the most harrowing days ahead. I lost my son, Eddy, in Nov. 2002 and he was about your age. I hope Eddy was there to make your passage to heaven a little easier. If anyone could, it would be Eddy. He cared about everyone. Your soul is at peace now, and God called you home for reasons we do not know, but we have to trust that He needed you, Austin. Please help all of us here left here battle this disease so that others don't have to die in their prime. God loves you. Gail, Eddy's Mom |
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I am so sorry to hear
about the sadness that has come to your family. I will pray for you and
your family so everyone can get through this hard time. Austin is with God
and remember, Austin will always be with his family.
Pattie
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Dear Austin Phillips Family
and Friends,
We have found this poem by
Margi Harrell allot of comfort. It is hopeful that it will provide a
measure of comfort for you during this time of grief, sadness and loss of
your Austin. May God embrace, and comfort you
all. Hugs and Prayers
Joe in Houston
When Tomorrow Starts
Without Me When tomorrow starts without me, I wish so much you wouldn't cry I know how much you love me, But when tomorrow starts without
me, And said my place was ready, But as I turned to walk away, I had so much to live for, I thought of all the yesterdays, If I could relive yesterday, But then I fully realized, And when I thought of worldly
things, But when I walked through heaven's
gates, He said, "This is eternity, I promise no tomorrow, You have been so faithful, But you have been forgiven So when tomorrow starts without
me, Author Margi Harrell
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To
Austin's earthly family I wish I had the right words to comfort you. But
I know, that at this exact moment, there really aren't any words to ease
your pain. Please take comfort in knowing you are not alone...we are all
here for you. In my heart I'll pray for a few moments of peace for you,
my arms will hug you and I'll cry along with you. I really don't know what
else to say except may God Bless you and help you through this.
Austin, the rather blunt, but loveable,
girl that will help you with your transition is Kayla...my beloved
granddaughter. She'll give you the hugs that we all send to you. Please
tell her that Grams misses her and give her a hug from me. Sharon Board Chehalis, Wa.
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Family of Austin Phillips,
My brother played ball with
Austin...I heard the sad news of his passing this evening. My prayers
are with you and your family...Amy Hollingsworth
(sister to Brad Rich)
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My
thoughts are with you at this sad time, This disease needs to be
stopped, So that no more people have to suffer from it. May God bless
you all love and prayers Sue (mum to earthbound angel
Cieran)
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Dear Austin's Family,
Austin is not alone... and either are
you... Austin is with God and so many heaven bound ANGELS...
And you our dear friends are now part of our
FAMILY...
Don't ever feel alone- We are here...
To cry with you, To listen to you and to talk with you.. When you are
ready- We will hold your hands and walk
beside you....Hugs and Blessings, Lori- Jena Mom (EBA)
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Dear
Phillips Family and friends Our most sincere thoughts are with you and we pray for you during this challenging time. May God welcome Austin home and give us all strength. The Family of Trey Capers |
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Dear Phillips family, my
son, Cody played with Austin and is a Sophomore. We have been praying
for you and Austin since we first learned he was in the hospital,
Saturday night. I thank God I got to see the game Thursday at Mike
Carter field. I know the team as well as all of TJC student and faculty
are thinking of you and Austin. I have lost one son, and sometimes do
not understand what is in store for us, but keep faith and please know
that we are praying and thinking of you and will not ever forget Austin.
His death may prevent someone else from contacting the disease because
of the many persons it will affect, not only in Tyler or Mansfield,
Texas. I am glad Austin made the team and now he is on the Best Team he
could ever play for.Our Love and Prayers are with you and Austin. Tim,
Cody and Cari Taylor.
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Dearest Baseball friends, Our hearts are all yours at this time! Our son is at Tyler and was Blessed to spend time with Austin. We pray God will watch over you and hold you close in the days, weeks and years to come. We take your loss very personal and would do anything to ease your pain. Our prayers are with and your family. With deepest sympathy, Mark, Cynthia, Kyle and Drew Denney |
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Dear Phillips Family and friends Our most sincere thoughts are with you and we pray for you during this challenging time. May God welcome Austin home and give us all strength. The Family of Trey Capers |
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Dearest
Austin and Family,
I am heart broken to hear of
your pain and suffering. Although we haven't met, I am well aware of the
long journey you have ahead of you. My daughter Amber, age 22 is in
heaven. Her life was cut short by this terrible disease. Amber will be
there for Austin. I pray for you to find peace along the way. Please
know we are thinking of you and feeling your pain.
Sincerely, Sheila
Wright
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I
It is heart breaking to loose someone so young and full of life. I know God has his reasons, remember though we never say good bye to a Christian. Brother Mike and Teresa |
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To the Phillips Family:
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you
at this time of such a great loss.
John, Sylvia & Austin Villanueva
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I am sorry to hear of Austin's passing. May God give you the strength you need during this time of sorrow.
love, EBA Sherry L.
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God Gets You Through. If
God brings you to it.... He will also get you through it. How strong he
must feel you are, to have sent you this cross. How precious you must
be to him, for him to put you in the same position as his parents ( to
loose a child)
I know words can not help at
this time, but remember them and eventually they will.
Lots of prayers for you in
these coming days from me.
Theresa, MOM to
HBA JANE MENARD
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Austin, I am so sad to know you had to leave your family. We may not
understand, but we know you do now. In the presence of the Heavenly
Father, you have reached your reward and we are waiting to join you and
the other meningitis angels that have reached their reward with you.
May the Father bless your family and help them as they grieve your
loss. We can't bring you back, but your family will always remember you
and love you forever. Bless the family, Martha, mom of
eba Sherry Lopez
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Dear Phillips Family
My son, C.J., was so blessed
to have met Austin and become friends with him. I can't think of many
times that I did not see the two of them together since school has
started. What an impact he made on us. I can see his big bright smile
when I think of him. I am truly sorry for your loss and we are feeling
it in our home also. We were also at the scrimmage Thursday night to
watch the boys. I remember shaking my head at them and their shaved
heads. It's a baseball thing, I was told by them with their big
smiles. It is hard to type through the tears, but there is peace in
knowing we will see him in heaven. We are here if you need anything,
just call C.J. Thanks for taking time to inquire on his feelings
during your grief, that meant alot.
Bblessings
to you all
Bryan, Shelley, C.J. and
Shelbi Burkham
" AND THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, SHALL KEEP
YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS."
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH
CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME"
PHILIPPIANS 4:7,13
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Dear Phillips Family,
My sincerest and deepest sympathies to you and all
of your family and friends. My daughter Emily was 9 when she died of
Meningitis. In November, it will be 4 years. Your son is in Heaven now.
No pain, no tears, no sorrow, only the purest joy ever. We are the ones
left in pain and sorrow. My heart is breaking for you and I am crying
for you and I feel your pain. You are not alone, we are all here for
you.
When
you get a chance, or perhaps have someone else do this, please get the
book " How To Survive The Loss Of A Child", by Catherine Sanders. It has
helped me so much and I continue to read it. Heartfelt prayers to all of
you.
Sincerely,
Robin Emily
Marie Katzaman's Mom, died 11/12/01) from Pennsylvania.
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To the
family of Austin Phillips - we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. Austin Villanueva & Family Tyler Junior College Baseball |
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Austin, I am going to miss you so much. u were
always there for me through thick and thin. I know we had our hard times
but in the end everything worked out. I love you so much, with all my
heart and that will never end. You are such an amazing person and such
an inspiration. you have taught me so much about myself, from confidence
and self esteem to love and dedication. Austin you r so incredible and I
hope you know what an impact you have had on every single persons life
you have touched. I love you - forever ... Hope you are having an
amazing time in heaven with God, actually, I know you are having a
blast. Shine your light down on us little man. I love you -- Kayli Lagow
P
hillips
family,
I love each and every single one of you with all
my heart, as if you are my own family. I will always think of you this
way. you have always been so kind and caring. Taking me into your
hearts, and allowing me to be a part of family activities. Austin was
the most amazing person I have ever met in my entire life. He was an
awesome boyfriend and an awesome guy all around. He was like a brother
to my brothers. On the Tuesday after Austin passed my youngest brother
was throwing a football in the backyard and he ran up to me and my mom
and said you know Austin is the one who taught me how to throw a
football good and Austin is the one who taught me how to be the best
baseball
player. I thought that was so cute and I took it to heart.. cause you
know Austin was an amazing teacher and every time he taught my brother
something you could see how happy he was and them glow in this eyes. He
also was always there for my 16 yr old brother who loves him so much and
looked up to Austin. Austin was and is loved by so many people, he just
didn't know it. I think its beautiful now cause he is in heaven and sees
just how many people really did love him& care about him. He is so happy
right now, and he deserves all the happiness in the world. I know these
times are going to be hard for you all and if you ever need anything I
am here! Alyssa, if you ever need anything you know who to call I love
you like a sister (seriously) .. God be with you .. all of you. --Kayli
Lagow |
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To Austin's Family, |
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I didn't know
you, only heard about you thru a friend. My prayers are with your
family - I can only imagine how hard it was for them to have to let you
go. It's always hard to understand, but I suppose God needs angels of
all ages in his realm. Rest in Peace, and I have no doubt you'll pitch
a perfect game in Heaven.
Pay it
Forward and Pass it On!
*********
Sometimes The
Simplest Idea Can Make The Biggest Difference.
Amy
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Dear Austin and Phillips'
Family,
I knew Austin for only a few
years but in those few years he taught me so much about life and God. He
was a big inspiration to me and a big part of my life even though we
didn't talk or see each other much. I'm so sorry to hear about his
passing but he's in a better place looking down on each and every one of
us. I pray for you, his family, every night.
~Austin~ Even though we knew
each other for just a short time and we even had our bad times I still
want you to know that I love and will always love you and I'll forever
keep you in my heart. I'll miss you Austin and I love you. ~
Samantha McRae~
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Austin,
I don't even know where to begin to tell you how much of an impact
you made on my life. I learned so much from you. I learned what it feels
like to truly love someone with all of my heart and receive that same
love. We had so many talks about heaven and what it would be like up
there and I know you're in a better place now. You taught me so much
about God and life and music. I don't know what I'm going to do now to
help my taste in music. I guess I'm stuck with my horrible taste in it
as you always said. You always told me to stop being so scared of trying
new things and i want you to know I'm not scared now, you gave me so
much strength and faith in myself. You always knew the right things to
say even if you were a hopeless romantic, you were a good one. You had
so much love in your heart and i know so many people looked up to you
for that. I am so lucky to have had the chance to be
with
you and learn from you. I know we went through some hard times but
nothing could ever tear us apart, which we proved. We had a friendship
that will last forever. I miss you and love you so much. And as always
"I'll be the greatest fan of your life" I love you. ~Allison SimmonsPhillips Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I pray for all of you every night.
Austin is in a better place now, but the amazing memories he left will
never be forgotten. Your all in my prayers ~ Allison Simmons
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Still keeping you close in thought and prayer. The Denney Family |
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I would like to say to all of you that there isnt
a day that goes bye that I don't think about yall or Austin.. I'm glad
that yall are doing good..yall have been through allot ..I don't think I
have ever met a stronger family in my life. I do pray for yall every
chance that I get ..And I'm glad god brought us to Mansfield..now even
though I didn't know Austin that well I feel lucky to have gotten to get
a chance to meet a wonderful charming man named Austin Phillips
I love yall and I love you Austin
Love the Dears
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The Dance
The song on this page is by Garth Brooks & dedicated to Austin
Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared beneath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known you'd ever say goodbye
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance
Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I the king
But if I'd only known how the king would fall
Hey who's to say you know I might have changed it all
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance
Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance